The perfect black coat.

Jeeeeeeeeeeeeez it was cold today! A whole thirteen degrees - thirteen. It was horrible.

I was very glad to be snuggled up in my new wool winter coat. For the last three years I've been searching for the perfect black coat ... something a-line, something with a big collar (or a funnelneck) that I could do up right to the top, because I hate draughts on my neck - something that would protect me against the cold.

I sought it here, I sought it there, I sought the right coat everywhere. But no luck.

Then, on the weekend, after I had nearly turned blue with the shock of being back in wintry Melbourne after the hot and sunny environs of Kununurra, I went into town with determination in my heart, and I found it. There in Anna Thomas, I found it.

At last! The perfect winter coat!

And as I put it on, it was as if the sun came out and shone a ray of realisation down upon me. Understanding dawned. The heavens opened and choirs of angels sang.

The reason I haven't been able to find the perfect black winter coat, is .... (and it's so obvious)...... because I can't stand black. I've never really liked it. I don't wear it well, and I don't have a lot of it in my wardrobe. So every black coat I've tried on has been utterly, fundamentally wrong. At a cellular level.

 I don't know what I was thinking. I mean, there's a place for black clothes, but usually it's not on me. I must have just been suckered into the whole winter = black mentality that pervades so much of Melbourne, especially around the area I live and work in.

So here - happily, rebelliously and defiantly - here is my new, perfect winter coat.