Well 2021 is finally here! I hope that you're as excited about moving into the new year as I am. This time of year is spent setting goals and intentions for our personal and professional lives, but it's also the time of year, for those of us in colder climates, that we rarely leave the house without a jacket or a coat. 🧥 . I think we gravitate toward neutral colors when we're looking for that outer layer, and the grays, camels, winter whites and blacks have their place for sure, and of course they're practical. But why not have some FUN with it? When you're wearing a coat most days in the winter, you most likely have more than one , right? So try stepping out of your comfort zone and looking for a coat that makes you smile and one you look forward to wearing.

The coat in the photo above is one of my favorites, maybe because of the story behind it. I bought it in New York about 13 years ago when I went to visit my best friend for a few days before I headed to Georgia to visit my son in college there. We were walking through the store (Bloomingdale's), and I saw it across the floor. My friend said, "you have to have that coat". And she was right. Every time I wear it I'm given many compliments, probably because it's so unusual and doesn't look like anyone else. Plus, it's extremely warm and comfortable.

I bought another coat in New York when I was there on business for my first clothing line, Sara McNamara. I was living in Los Angeles at the time and the heaviest jacket I owned was a leather one...and I was going in JANUARY for a market week! Needless to say, after stepping one foot outside I knew I was going to have to find a heavier coat! Yikes! Lucky for me , because it was January, there were lots of sales going on. I found a black cashmere, very classic, mid-length coat for about $150!Of course it had been marked down many times. It was a life saver needless to say, incredibly warm and cozy. I still have the coat and wear it on the coldest, driest days that we have in Seattle. The only repair I've had to make is sewing a button or two on, and I shortened it a bit. My point is that investing in a coat you love is worth it. I got lucky with this one because of my timing, but it would have been a deal even at full price considering the wear I've gotten out of it.

Two amazing coats, two New York trips, two stories I continue to remember with great fondness. Do you have any coats with stories?

I've rounded up some great coats I've found recently. Some are on sale, some are neutrals but have something interesting about their styling. Hope you find something you like. I bought the first coat, the persimmon and olive plaid, on sale at Christmas time. I really love it! It's a perfect contrast to the gray days of winter.

If you'd like some guidance in finding the perfect winter coat, I'd love to help! Send me an email at sara@sarajgriot.com and we can set up a time to chat!