My name is Charlotte O’Shea and I used to have an addiction to coats. If Outerwear Anonymous existed, I probably should have joined. I’m pretty sure that I’m over it now, at least even though I might add several to my virtual basket on any one online shopping expedition, I don’t actually click “buy”.

I put it down to having a general wardrobe melt down when I turned 30. I was never that sure about my fashion choices so hiding my questionable outfit with a fabulous coat seemed like an excellent compromise. That was until our utility room has essentially morphed into some sort of cloakroom for my vast collection. At the point where we could no longer get to the washing machine, James told me it simply had to stop.

I discovered I had coats still with the labels in, coats I had worn once and even two exactly the same. I’d like to point out that none of them were expensive per se, all sales bargains and high street steals but still, what a waste. And I think that was the root of my obsession, I never spent enough time seeking out “the one”, or even considering exactly how practical they were. A pale cream number from H&M? trashed after a few trips on the tube. A long navy design from Warehouse? just not warm enough. And it cut my legs off in a funny place so they looked even shorter than they actually are.

These days I limit myself to two coats a year. One for casual/daily wear and one for evenings out or when I simply need to look a little smarter for meetings with clients and the like. I feel very proud and virtuous having overcome my erm….cold season layer demons.

For general cosy-ness and shelter from the rain I favour a fur-lined parker, ALWAYS with a hood. And for fancier outings, something more fitted and chic.

As it happens this year I’m still wearing last winter’s bargain khaki green Parka from Zara, it’s looking a tad tired but I’ve not found anything quite right to replace it. Besides, my latest posh coat purchase was so spendy (James treated me for Christmas but still, I’ve never spent that much on a coat before) I don’t think I should be bashing my plastic until well, at least Spring.

The piece in question is the wool trench with leather details from The Kooples. Which yes, is now half price in the sale. And when it went into the sale initially they even had my size. I know I know, it just makes you do a heavy sigh of frustration doesn’t it?. I’m telling myself that I wasn’t to know, and besides, I had a good two months wear out of it before it was reduced anyway.

The black version is also lush (with 50% off!) and as I write there are more sizes available than in the grey. What I would say is go up a size – I normally take a UK 6 but unless I was planning on some kind of flasher costume with just underwear, you will need to go bigger in order to comfortably wear a jumper underneath.

Non replacement parka aside, I am rather taken with some slightly lighter options for the warmer months. Ahem, I promise I will only buy one folks, the two coat per year rule will be abided by I swear. I’m loving this pale grey trench from ASOS. And even though I’m absolutely not allowed it, this Maxi Military coat in wine is the best thing I’ve seen in ages.

I must just point out, coats are not to be confused with jackets. There is absolutely no limit on those, I couldn’t live without my denim, leather, suit, spangly……..

What coat have you bought this season? Or are you still looking? What is the max you would be prepared to spend? Do you sometimes buy quite a few ‘bargain” items only to wish you had bought the one more luxe piece that you’ll possible wear forever?

This capsule wardrobe thing…..I’m trying really hard, honest!