I generally dislike shopping for a particular item, but that’s what my son is doing. He’s looking for a full-length winter coat. It’s a fairly dressy item for a young man these days (he’s complained that the city he’s in is so casual, even the simple sweaters he wore to school here come off as fancy, and his beloved hoodie sweatshirts are the kind of thing everyone always wears). But “dressy” happens, and he wants to be ready for it. He know that I got my long navy wool coat when I was in 8th grade. I think he’s looking for his version of that. He was a bit rocked back on his heels by the prices, but has responded by getting more serious about selecting the coat. Here is what I told him:

Reading ylf, I’m struck by how many people settle for things they don’t like. They wear them for a little while & then are ready to give them away a year or two later, because they didn’t really like them, at least not that much.

It’s a pita to be picky. I knocked myself out finding shoes for your graduation. Wanted something clog-like. Hispanitas are supposed to be the shit, so I killed myself finding some. They didn’t feel right. I had thought finding the shop meant I was done searching but no. In the end I got those red sandals. We walked a mile in them that day, and they were absolutely comfortable. I’m glad I went to the effort.

So if you look at coats and see one that makes you smile (knowing you, you’ll do that voice) and all the quality and fabric info checks out, etc, then get it. But don’t get one just because it’s a long wool overcoat. There are many many wool overcoats in the world. That designation is not sufficient to ensure you’ll wear it for years/decades to come.

*******
The Ralph Lauren/Poshmark coat has arrived! Please scroll down for question in the comments.