Red Winter coat for my dad's girlfriend - any ideas?

[CarrieMumsnet]

Ok - my mum's been dead sixteen years, this is first time my dad's had a girlfriend for Xmas and he wants to buy her a red coat and fur trimmed hat and wants me to go and help him buy it. So far so - very slightly - weird, but I'd really like to help him. I only have weds to do this and will be accompanied by small child as well, so any tips to speed up the process would be much appreciated. We will be in Oxford Street London. She is a size 12 and nearly 40 (my don't even ask how much older my dad is ) but a very old fashioned 40 who looks and dresses much older.

So anyone seen any good quality red coats around this season. I'm rubbish at clothes shopping so need all the help I can get.

i saw the most beautiful red winter coat in Next. Its very elegant 3/4 length and with a belt. have a look and see what you think..

the Marina coat from Hobbs nthjird one along on this page, GORGEOUS!
www.hobbs.co.uk/index.cfm?page=1015&pageNumber=2

Hey Carrie - what sort of budget are we looking at?

Jaeger, 3/4 length, cashmere blend, £400

Aquascutum, no idea how much, short

House of Fraser, Therapy, £80

Forgot to say I have tried it and it is really lovely, great cut and looks v chic. Not sure if there is a Hobbs on Oxford St but
John Lewis stocks Hobbs so you should be in luck.

That Hobbs one is lovely

The fabric is gorgeous too, a sort of very subtle boucle.

Country Casuals (House of Fraser on Oxford Street)

I have brought this one they also do it in petite if needed

jigsaw is a good bet for this age group (says 41 yr old) and they have nice coats.

What did you think Carrie, any of these any good?

You are truly an amazing bunch and I'm really really touched that you all took the time to reply - and with such great suggestions - any of these would be fab. The Hobbs one is gorgeous but not sure my dad's ever spent that much money on any item of clothing, though who knows ?
Bet we end up in M&S - Was thinking of going there first anyway - to the big one in Marble Arch, cos they live in a small seaside town up North so if it doesn't fit she could always take it back (put it this way, I doubt there's a Hobbs within a 100 miles ) But also like the John Lewis one and think it would suit her.

Now all I need to do is try and show these to dad without him reading my OP

Will let you know how we get on!

Btw, Hobbs do v good sales, I bought a lovely coat there last Jan at 50% off!
He could give his girlfriend vouchers and then she could buy something in the sales...
Does seem wrong to buy something full price now when you know that in less than 3 weeks it will prob cost lots less....

Would just like to add that I do not work for Hobbs or have any such affiliation! Its just that it is the most splendiferous red coat I have seen for a long time and when I read the thread title I wanted to spread the word!

Ok so we did the shop on weds and ended up with... drum roll... the John Lewis one - it suited parfectly all dad's criteria and his price range. Also bought a furry hat and cream scarf from M & S (dad nearly fainted when hats were £50 in J Lewis).

It really helped having this advice - we walked straight into J Lewis and asked for their red coat and that was it - sold to the man in the anorak .

Apparently he couldn't wait till xmas and gave it to her today and she loved it so HUGE thanks to all (and maybe we'll all get down to Hobbs in Jan )

Good stuff