winter coat | organised castle

While some of my op shop bargains have been deliberate purchases, many are simply incidental finds.

My win from today was not even in an op shop. We were walking the dog and as we approached the main street there was a small rack of secondhand clothes outside a craft shop.

I spotted this coat and immediately thought of our elder granddaughter who is coming to visit for a week in July. Since she lives in Queensland her selection of clothes for a Victorian winter is somewhat limited. The coat is a small size which will be perfect for her and it was $5.

This is the view from the back.

The colour in the first photo is the most accurate. I love the shaping and pleated detail which gives it a bit more style than a puffer jacket or the like.

I barely hesitated before buying it as I figured that worst case scenario was that I would simply donate it if it was not deemed suitable, however, she seemed genuinely pleased when I rang to let her know what I had bought. I have even offered to store it in the wardrobe between her visits as she would not need it where she lives.

There is nothing like a change in the weather to help identify gaps in the collection of clothes. After a long, hot summer that I thought would never end, the weather has turned quite cool.

My cool season selection is somewhat depleted with the departure of three tops at the end of last winter.

I had this red/white striped 3/4 sleeved one as well as two black/white ones of the same style. They were at the end of their life so I wore them to death on our holidays and then sent them to the op shop when we arrived home. However, I have yet to replace them.

I am not sure what I want so I expect I will need to make a concerted effort and have a look around. I also need another pair of trousers for work as I have one pair of black trousers.

Then there is the small matter of a coat. I have a long, navy overcoat which is over 20 years old but in perfect condition. It is more than I need in Queensland so I am thinking of parting with it and getting something more suitable. I envisage a hip-length coat, preferably charcoal grey or black.

I have been so busy at work for the past couple of weeks that I have barely had time to keep up with the basics of washing and cooking, let alone considering changes to my wardrobe. I hope to make time this weekend to look carefully at what I have and what I need.