Thank you everyone, for your input!
TG - yes, the first is quite plain... good point.
Carla - I do have broad shoulders; thank you for the tip! The cashmere blend sounds so dreamy.
Angie - I love the color. Need to make sure I don't have heart eyes (or sale goggles!)
Jenni - I think a trip to the store is next. Your 7 year old is too funny! My 5yr old like me best in my bathrobe
Rachy and Jaileen - good point about the belt.
TheCat - yes! I saw your comment about the skirt! I will try it when the weather changes. I like the idea of it with Birks.
slimcat - thank you!
Suz - Good point about the belt. I would wear mostly with jeans, so bulk and fussiness is a concern (and something to avoid).
notsaf - Great point about the necklines. The lapel on #1 supposedly can close; I have a single breasted thigh length very thin coat that is open nearly to the waist.
Synne - A bakery in Paris sounds amazing! I thought about a long puffer, but I feel a little too sloppy/undone in them when worn with jeans and hoodie+joggers. #1 is a camel hair blend, which is supposedly more water resistant, but you give me food for thought.
Maybe I will take more time to see if I really have a wardrobe hole here, or if I am just jonesing after my January SYC....
My warmest coats:
Parka is waterproof and great for subzero temps. Way too hot for temps above 0F
Peacoat is doublecloth wool, but too small to layer under. Best for temps above 40F
Puffer works for in/out of the car and short jaunts.
Borg/faux fur like a warm, thigh length hug, but not if it's drizzly
I will call Aritzia and see if they have #1 or #2 to try on. If not, I will wait to see what pops up at NAS.