Gorgeous coat! In every way - the color, the silhouette, the shape of the collar... just beautiful. Good job on the HEWI!

Thank you all....thanks for the reinforcement. Not that returning was an option or even considered as it is a seven hour drive (or one hour flight!)

Thanks Alexandra, RobinF, Suz, Meredith, Diane, Lyn, Sally, Summer, Maneera, Susie, Joy, Lisa, Angie, Alaskagirl, Shedev, Texstyle, Merwoman, Brie, Cerinda....you are all lovely!!

Skylurker - the colour on the label says Kingfisher, and it is the colour of their plumage. And the fabric is 20% cashmere, 70 % merino and 10% polyester. NZ does grow a lot of merino - but I am not sure what sort of fabrics are milled here now. And believe me you are a better fashion judge than the 11 year old!!

Jenn - I could share a picture of my view today and you would no longer be jealous. Rain rain rain for four days.

Lucy - that was how I felt, there is so much black here in winter and wool coats on me quickly collect blonde hairs and can look a little scruffy. Not much call for wool coats in Brisbane.

Penny - yes reds might work. I only really have red and pink tops anyway which will be hidden.

I am definitely going to enjoy wearing this and since I am a summer/spring lover it will make winters more bearable.

Beautiful coat! The color looks wonderful on you.

I have been wearing the same two coats for quite a few years now. I am thankful that they are still in quite good condition, but I am SO TIRED of them. I need to go coat shopping myself!

Fabulous colour! Good for you for holding out and knowing the right one when you saw it. Enjoy wearing it for the rest of the winter. It will add beautiful rich colour in amongst all the black and grey.
Summer is coming....the new season togs (oh, alright, swimwear) were on display in one of the chain stores today : )

And I like the new make-up look, too. I'm thinking it's a bit more than your boys are used to seeing on you? Is it a look you'll do again for more dressed-up occasions?

Thanks Gigi- I was the same! Two old coats, one very worn and outdated, and one vintage. I imagine coats are well worn in your part of the world although they are costly everywhere.
Thanks Rachy.
Helen- ah swimsuits!!!! That's another can of worms. And the makeup was heavier than usual, esp for day. The boys are pretty oblivious to fashion so I was surprised they even noticed.

Wow, great... After having a black, charcoal and beige for years, last year I broke down and bought a burgundy coat end of season. Didn't get to wear much but... Waiting for fall/winter.

Ummm... If you'd enlighten me what's HEWI?

Gorgeous coat!! You look fantastic in that color and the shape is beautiful! I'm so glad you got it. I also think that your makeup is lovely and I love your children's responses. Too funny.