when do winter coats start appearing in the shops?

[cthea]

I'm after a purple (or something else than black, brown or navy) winter coat. I got one from Boden which looks more purple on the website than in reality so I'm thinking of sending it back. I've looked in a few shops today but I don't think they have their winter coats in yet.

when you're trying to buy a bikini in my experience.

Too true. I could have sworn that they were in by August in other years.

Zara have their winter coats in but only in the 'Zara Women' collection. And I bought one last weekend! But it is black - not purple sorry. I am planning on wearing a brighter coloured scarf though, so as not to wear black next to my face.

I saw this absolutely gorgeous Barbour one the other day.

It will never be mine .

Thanks. I'll have a look in Zara. OK with black too as long as it's a bit more flamboyant. Not sure I have the money for Burberry, Expat.

Argh, Zara autumn/winter isn't online yet.

Oasis have a purple winter coat in their stores now. Costs £85.

Thank you! I'll have a look, there's a branch in my local shopping centre.

The Oasis one is more like a mac as design (big lapels, oblique pockets). I liked the colour, though, and it was quite light too.