Army of One

I swear I manifested this coat into existence. It sounds weird but it’s the truth. It all began one day in the summer, when I was thinking about how I could enhance my winter wardrobe with just a few carefully selected, useful items. Most of my coats are very old. I have some that are vintage from 50 years ago and some from 15 years ago. I have trenches in various fabrics, puffers in different colors and styles, vests, motorcycle jackets, pea coats in a range of lengths, you name it. I’ve always loved outerwear, and the one thing I felt I “needed” was a long, nautical style military coat. I figured I could make a chic and impactful statement with this coat of my dreams. Buttons, patches, wide color, a sweeping length with a tailored fit. The idea of it instantly took shape in my head. I just knew I’d find it (or that it would find me).

Months later, as fashion fate would have it, I met this coat at Century 21 while shopping with my daughter. There it was, only one and in my size exactly. It was love at first sight. I seriously could not believe that there was just one that fit so perfectly, waiting for me amongst the chaos of a huge discount store. It was as if there was a spotlight on the coat and the rest of the store faded to black. Yeah, I know I’m being dramatic, but a good coat will serve you well for decades. It’s indeed exciting to find a piece you know you’ll love for many years to come. It’s so warm because of the length, and the tailoring is instantly chic, thereby really enhancing whatever look I’m wearing underneath. I never want to take it off since I usually like it better then my outfit anyway. A statement coat required a statement hat, and this wide brimmed beauty from Urban Outfitters definitely did the trick. I love this hat. It’s so Carly Simon/Stevie Nicks from back in the day. I wore the hat to the last night of Fashion Week, atop a black turtleneck and a wine colored leather trench coat. It’s remarkable how just two impactful pieces can create such a mood. Manifestation is a real thing, Peeps. Out of all the nonsense I could have been cooking up in my mental kitchen, envisioning this boss ass coat wasn’t as nuts as it sounds. I willed it into my wardrobe. Now if I could just will these five pounds off...