i dont know about you guys but $100 is still to much for my budget. i am 20 yrs old and going to school and working both full time and working on getting a second job and in less then a month i will be out of a home too. i cant afford that kind of money and my job requires me to walk 48 blocks a day. do you have any tips for people who are on a “real” budget???

This posting reminded me that I read a great article in the NYT this week about how global warming is influencing the fashion industry.  With there being less of a distinction between seasons in many parts of the country designers are looking at climate predictions before designing/marketting their season offerings.  With less rain and less harsh winters in certain regions designers are turning to more “seasonless” fabrics for their clothing.

last winter I picked up a great chocolate colored Tahari down coat that goes down to my knees and doesnt make me look like a marshmellow…. for $50 at T.J. Maxx.  They are another great place to look, i dont know what i would do without that place.

C, Goodwill often has great coats.  You might have to go a few times to find one that’s for you.  My daughter got a black cashmere Banana Republic for $14.  The lining needed some work, but even if she had paid to have that done it was a steal.  I have a black cashmere and a nice red wool - each was less than $20.  Good luck!

Thanks for the advice Karla!!! Honestly there are a ton of Goodwills around here but it just never crossed my mind to check there! I know where I am going on pay day…lol Thanks again!!!!

C-

If you’re looking for a coat to just get you through the winter- regardless of quality or the shape it’s in or whether it’s brand new or not, then you have plenty of options.

Goodwill/Salvation Army is probably the best option. Burlington Coat factory, Big Lots, Value City, are also great places

I’ve purchased several coats from their for around $10, although I’ve noticed that thrift stores are starting to get a bit expensive as well.

C:  the places where i have found less expensive coats are:

Target
Burlington Coat Factory
JCPenney/Sears/Kohl’s
Kmart/Walmart
someone on a different post on this website said the store Steve & Barry’s
Goodwill as someone else has mentioned
If you are in that bad of a financial situation, some charities might be able to help you.  For instance, if you live in NYC, the organization NY Cares is doing a coat drive right now.

Steve & Barry’s, if there’s one in your town, has peacoats for around $20.