The Perfect Coat?

Now the weather has turned, it's time to get thinking about all things coat-related. Whether it's fluffy, pastel or just a jazzed up parka, there's really something to suit everyone this season. I'm working with Westfield on their AW14 Talking Points campaign, with each focusing on a different key area and this one is rather close to my heart. I'm a practical person, someone who's determined to be the perfect temperature all year round and it's only in the past few winters that I've started to build a coat library of sorts. Dreading the shopping trip that I used to do with my Mum or Nan is no more, I now know what suits me and can afford to get a little creative now I have the basics. It does makes me wonder though whether the perfect coat even exists, there are so many trends about that you need a different bit of outerwear to go with each of them. What I might have loved a few seasons ago may not even get a look in now and don't even get me started on some of the designer styles, I think I need a whole new separate wardrobe!

Images: Atlantic Pacific, Sandro, French Connection, Mango, French Connection, Emma Elwin, Zara, Sandro, Bisous Natasha, Urban Outfitters, Zara, Whistles

As creative industries go, film-making is the one I know the least about but in terms of fashion it's just another way to get across an idea. I got chatting to Ruth Hogben a few weeks ago, who's produced a film for Westfield to bring the coat dilemma to life. She's previously worked with Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Lady Gaga, choosing her projects wisely to ensure creative freedom. The film really gets across the sheer amount of choice, by doubling up the images it allows a sense of energy and throws you in at the deep end with excitement. It was really interesting to learn about her creative process, after getting a brief Hogben and her team look at the clothes to decide who their 'woman' is. She creates mood boards featuring anything from paintings to whimsical illustrations and is constantly on the lookout for new cameras and ways to get a point across. The project appealed mainly because a coat is such an important part of a wardrobe and she really gets across how much of a statement they can be. There's no reason to fear layering up any more, embrace it with as many styles as you wish!

Have you got your eye on any coats this season? This year I'm feeling a little braver and I'll be showing you how to style this red number from Warehouse, I don't know how I overlooked this colour before!

Shop my AW14 picks:
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