I went to The Bay today to return a lightweight black quilted coat I had picked up at a good price on "Black Friday Weekend". (It was actually a pretty great coat and I might have kept it if I already had my "basics" covered and was now just filling in gaps and adding more options.)

In any case, while i waited for the return line to get shorter, I came across another black coat that had a few things in common with the one I was returning, AND some important things the other was missing, such as Thinsulate lining and lined side slash pockets (the other just had front patch pockets which are just not as useful in the cold.) It was also a good brand (Olsen) at a good price (50% off). Easy decision.

I also stopped into the Fair Trade store in my neighbourhood mall and picked up two knitted hats with ear flaps, modelled here to show Carla both my HATS and my HUMOUR. The burgundy one is extra toasty and will work with my big burgundy puffer. The cream one is lighter weight (and reversible) and will work with either my cream or black coat. Toques (beanies) always seem to pop up and don't fully cover my ears, so I'm super excited to try these options. Maybe DH will find them less cringe-worthy than my beloved green "trapper" hat. 

With my big burgundy puffer for cold weather walks, the cream Heavenly Long Columbia jacket for warmer days and the new black one for any day, I think I'm set for the essentials this winter. I might still add another pair of mitts, and would add a plainer ear flat hat if I found the right one.

I have also been trying to add at least one more pair of winter boots -- either something really warm with good grip for walking, or something a bit on the refined/semi-dressy side that's still reasonably warm. So far, everything I've tried has gone back. One more pair was supposed to arrive today, and I have one pair home that's close, but a bit loose in the calf (often the case once it fits my forefoot).  

Anyway, all in all I'm feeling quite well sorted on the winter wear front. I could be tempted by a great end of season sale on something metallic or colourful, but there's no panic. I had to pull myself away from a colourful wall of scarves today. That's my kryptonite!

Comments always welcome. I hope the hats give you a smile!! (I almost bought one with a mohawk cut pompom down the centre, but decided it might be a bit more cheeky than I wanted to go.

I'll make a find for the new coat shortly.