So you think you've got style? Winter Edition

This morning as I drove to work I called my best friend for our five minute briefing in the car and when she answered the phone I said simply "I hate all my clothes". "I'm sorry" she replied and then we moved on to more interesting things to talk about. Because every woman understands that statement and what's behind it. Usually it's temporary and the result of too much Chinese food the night before (water retention) boredom (this AGAIN?) or not enough time to put something together that feels stylish. (hurry up). By the time lunch rolls around I have five other things to be irritated about and I've forgotten that I hate these Capri jeans and the stupid ties in the front that just don't work. Damnit.

The seasons are changing and in my cold weather climate the winter wardrobe goes like this: Black leather boots, tall and short (I just ordered these. Swoon.) Black pants, multiple pairs, turtlenecks in all shapes and sizes and a few cute tops. That's all very nice, but is nowhere near as important as the MUST HAVE cool, stylish, versatile winter coat. The coat you choose has to do the talking for you because that is what greets the people you see in restaurants, grocery stores, everywhere. You live in them. For many many long months.

Parent Bloggers Network is having a Blog Blast today- So you think you've got style? featuring The Little Black Book of Style by Elle fashion director and Project Runway judge Nina Garcia. Up for grabs is a a $250 Coach gift certificate for confessing how your style may have deteriorated over the years and providing some photographic evidence - a picture of the most hideous item that’s still darkening your closet.

But what if that item is not darkening your closet? What if it is illuminating your closet with all it's shiny ridiculousness?

For instance- My too small, leather, snug in the shoulders, silver with pink undertones, astronaut-wanna-be jacket:

I did a purge recently and got rid of a lot of stuff, but for some reason, I kept this. It was an impulse buy, b.k. (before kid), on clearance (I wonder why?) and I think I wore it out of the house once and felt silly the whole time. Like I belonged in a music video (Hey- maybe I should approach these guys). Want a closer look?

Silver. And pink. Really shiny. Silly.

Now I've seen Project Runway and I know Nina Garcia would look down her nose at this with a very sour expression indeed. But I like what this represents. This is not practical, not professional, not matronly. I may never wear it but I just can't see it in a Goodwill bin. Underneath my cloak I am still fun. You just have to strip away a few layers to get there. I've got this to prove it.

Want a chance to win a $250 Coach gift certificate? Follow the steps here. After you write your own post, be sure to check out all the wild and crazy items in the closets of bloggers everywhere.