Winter Coat Success!

My trusty black coat finally reached the end of it's life, which isn't bad considering I purchased it on clearance in 2001. I'd been on the hunt at several of the "usual suspect" stores: Banana Republic, J. Crew, Gap, and Old Navy, but nobody had anything that walked the line between trendy and timeless. Enter this fabulous number...

DKNY Julie Empire Waist

purchased from Dillards in black

I was ready to drop some cash on a new coat that would last a long time if it had the perfect fit. Oftentimes double breasted coats overpower my frame and seem to swallow me. Lucky for me this DKNY style was both stylish, form-fitting, and a great price. The hood is the part that takes this coat to the trendy side, but it's easily unzipped off for a more formal/traditional look.

What do you look for in a winter coat? Do you get something trendy at a great price or purchase an expensive staple that you'll have forever?