Every November (just before I freak out that its December) I start casually looking at coats. Every year, I am disappointed. I look around at my slimmer girlfriends in their trendy, colorful coats and jackets, but when I shop around, I find either very warm coats with no style, or very trendy coats that wont keep me warm! I am on a mission for fashionable-yet-functional outerwear, but each year I see a lot of:

Bubble Jackets: These coats are super warm, but add inches to your body all around! When an NYC~PSP (New York City Plus-Size-Princess) like me is trying to casually wedge herself into a seat on the subway, every inch counts!

Pea Coats: Yes these coats are classic but with the shoulder pads and double breast design, they make me feel boxy and boyish… also, over the years I have had a pea coat in 3 different colors… I’m ready for something new! The same goes for the standard Single Breast Button Down Coats…

And while I’m at it, why do plus size coats only come in Black, Grey and Red? For once– I would love to see a pink, belted, cap sleeved, well designed coat in a true extended size (no more 3X’s that are actually a 14-16).

Now, while I still say the coat selection for a PSP leaves much to be desired, I did hit the jackpot twice this season. JoJo, my new pal from Luvin‘ My Curves recommended the Metro Leather Jacket from Avenue– I never shop there, but was quite pleased with this sexy piece… even my skinny friends covet this jacket (which I purchased in black).

Then last week, I was at Macy’s with a friend and ran across a really posh coat. With its high wide collar and silky leopard print lining, I was in love! I was shocked when I found out it was Baby Phat because I’m not a huge fan of that brand, sadly this image doesn’t capture how cute and posh the coat really is. I button the coat all the way up to the collar, which is built to stand just below the chin and the vintage shape it creates is just darling.

*Note: We are in a recession, so I’m not advocating reckless shopping, for me this coat was made possible by sales and gift cards!

Oddly both of my favorite outerwear pieces came from stores and designers that I usually ignore, perhaps I need to open my fashion net a little wider in order to catch the trendy looks that I crave. On the other hand I still challenge the plus size designers to start thinking outside of pea coats and bubble jackets.