The Ultimate Under $100 Winter Coat

Coats are a real weakness of mine. I think it has to do with growing up in Southern California--even after almost ten years on the east coast, outerwear still feels like a novelty. I end up buying a new one almost every year, and this time around my goals are to take a break from all the black that dominates my closet, and to not spend a fortune in the process.

On Delia's site just now I spotted this classic wool peacoat with the requisite epaulets, military buttons, and sharp tailoring. The interior is lined in plaid (I'm such a sucker for this kind of detail) and besides the usual navy and grey there are some fun, non-traditional options, like this deeply saturated magenta. It's such a warm, energizing color, and seems like the perfect antidote to chilly grey weather. It's also awesomely affordable at $89.50, or for some added coziness, there's also a Thinsulate version for $109.50.