Thanks, all. It's funny --- I honestly didn't go into Danier to shop for myself. I was actually picking something up for Mr. Suz. (See, it's all his fault!) And this coat literally jumped off the hanger at me. I wasn't going to try anything on. But as I walked past it, something just sort of called me, almost like a musical refrain! And I thought, "Oh, it won't hurt just to put it on..."
You know you are in serious trouble when you hear that song, right?
I like the backpack idea a lot, Carla! That sounds excellent. I might just have to do that. Angie suggested that backpacks work well with puffer coats, also. And since I'll also be wearing one of those quite soon, it makes sense.
Since one of my goals has been to add more "statement" items, this definitely fits the bill.
Unfrumped, I live in a climate where there really isn't such a thing as "too many coats." For a good 7 months of the year I need a relatively heavy coat. For another 3 months I probably need a lighter coat (like a trench). And for two months, the only time I need a topper is in air conditioning.
Anyway -- my "cold weather" coat capsule up until now has been 3: navy/ black colourblock military style peacoat (which is well loved and well worn but not great quality and possibly on its final year); the red wool coat shown (which I adore, and which is high quality, and will last for at least another five years, I hope); and one heavy weight puffer. I have now added this coat and (maybe) a lighter weight, lighter coloured puffer. This doesn't feel at all excessive considering how often I wear a coat. This one is not super warm but is as warm as my peacoat.
Vix, the red coat was actually one of my first YLF purchases. It was a big-ticket item and I had a lot of problems with flaws in the first few versions that I tried, but ultimately it worked out and I got a sale price on it.