Sianara trench coat.

The season's first snowflakes arrived in Chicago today. Like all first snows it was quiet and still and rather poetic. It was a classic first snowfall of the season: The flakes are huge and fluffy and the snow showers are sporadic. And most importantly everyone was commenting on how pretty it was.

Even I mentioned how pretty it was as it fell on my trench coat while running errands during lunch. But I am not sure what was more surprising for me today, the snow or the fact that it was snowing and I was still wearing a fall trench coat. If I had any doubts about when it was time to retire that gem for the season Mother Nature certainly cleared that up for me today.

So when I got home my trench coat went straight into the dry cleaning pile, and I opened up my closet to see what the winter coat situation was. After about 26 seconds I realized I needed a new one.

And now this is where I resent the first snowfall of the season because I love my trench coat. It's your standard black, double buttoned, high collared (which you know I pop up all the time), belted and has the button loops on either shoulder. It's very double agent. In fact, I could probably pass for Syndey Bristow any given night.

Side Note: While it's not my dream trench. It's very mysterious and it was in my price range. Unlike my dream trench, the coveted khaki Burberry (See above photo), which I will one day own but certainly not for a long time.

So now I am in the market for a winter coat for the 2009-10 season. Here's what's on my list:

Short classic pea coat
While I haven't had this style for quiet some time (and occasionally wonder which boy's house I left my last one at during winter '06) I know it's not a wise investment because once January rolls around the arctic Chicago wind will be a bitter reminder of why they are cute but not practical.

Long and lean
This could be an easy sell. It means I could continue my love for the trench into the winter and find a stealth-esque wool version. However, the price point on these tends to be high and Christmas is this month. If I start saving now, I should be able to sport one next year.

Do the down
Now I already have a long down coat, but I've had it for about five years. Overall, it's one of my top choices. It's super durable and hella warm, because it basically covers every inch of your body. Sure it's not the sexiest coat, but I am a firm believer that in extreme cases (Ei. Chicago in February) it's OK to sacrifice style for warmth. And I could get one with the fur around the hood to sex it up a bit. But then there's that whole PETA thing...

So what's it gonna be? Maybe it will be a mild winter and the pea coat will work perfectly. Or perhaps I will win the lottery soon and then I can buy myself a Burberry wool trench. (Oh God, I might die of excitement just thinking about it!) Or I can learn to get over the whole murdering cute, furry animals thing just to parade around in style.

OK so my to do list for tomorrow:
1. See what the Farmer's Almanac has to say about this winter.
2. Buy several lotto tickets from various locations around the city.
3. Cancel my PETA membership.