Must Try Harder - Outerwear

When I first started this blog some four and a half years ago now, it was with the intention of creating a capsule wardrobe of basics I could then build upon with some trend led pieces, bright colours or prints each season.
When I recently did my summer to winter wardrobe changeover, I looked at everything I own for both seasons and realised I have failed miserably in my quest.
I am obviously useless and far too easily swayed by things I like, rather than what I really need to make it all work. The usual case of not practising what I preach to readers and women who have asked for my style advice.

What have I done to rectify this? Well firstly I had an ebay sale. Secondly I made a list.  I love a list. And thirdly, since doing a and b, whenever I have been offered a product review, I have tried really hard to stick to the list, remember the Hotter black flats and the Seven Boot Lane black leather ankle boots? Finally some success!

My first thoughts are to tackle the outerwear section of my wardrobe, I have sold some coats and jackets I no longer see as being a useful addition to my collection but have decided to keep the following:-

1. Gap Trench.
2. Next Camel 3/4 coat (just because of the colour - classic).
3. Principles Leopard Coat (years old, was full length but I had it taken up).
4. Select black leather biker jacket (years old, great jacket, thought it was All Saints when my friend had one and at only £50 it was responsible for a few of my readers going to Select for the very first time (it was my one and only time too!). I may feel to old for it but my eldest can always have it. No way was I getting rid of this butter soft leather classic every woman under about 45 should have!

I sold outerwear that was either garish in colour or no longer fitted and I can now clearly see what I need/want:-

1. Black Puffa Coat with hood (this will replace one I have had for 4 winters and is too worn out to wear any longer) I really consider a coat of this nature to be a cold weather essential, I could never have done a school run without one back in the day.
2. Parka - I bought one in the French Connection sale last year in a size smaller than I am (they didn't have my size and I loved it) and as I have never managed to slim into it and winter is fast approaching, I want another one! Hopefully this has been taken care of as I have picked one for a Department store review, so hopefully I will like it when it arrives!
3. Tailored Jacket/Blazer - black and navy. I've just sold the ones that were too snug and am kicking myself for not getting the Baukjen navy blazer in my spring sale haul, it would probably have served me better than the sequin dress I bought instead!
4. Marant or Chanelesque style jacket - something with a bit of colour that you can throw on over jeans and a basic coloured t-shirt and your good to go! I do have some but they are old and I am bored with them.
5. Peacoat - not essential this year but I would like one at some stage.

So lets have a look at some high end v high street options.....

Are you in the market for new outerwear this winter?

Look out for more "Must Try Harder" posts as I tackle every area of my wardrobe, slowly but surely!