You didn’t mention it but I really like that scarf too - I have something a bit similar (a plaid blanket scarf in my core colours) and it’s turned out to be such a workhorse for several years now as it goes with almost everything I wear in winter while providing interest from the pattern, and works as both an outside scarf over my coat and an indoor shawl.

Thanks everyone so much for all the feedback - read and appreciated!

Angie, you are right (of course you are) - far smarter to shop based on actual needs that come up in real-time, vs. trying to anticipate and shop for them in advance, in service of an arbitrary shopping 'fast'.