On the high street, it all started with Zara and the little safari parka in stone and black. I wasn't sold. Yet. And then, there was nothing. Later, I found this Zara smart tweed-leather one in the sales, but I couldn't bring myself to get it. 
In the designer department, naturally, there was the classic Burberry trench with leather biker sleeves, and the smarter navy-black longline blazer style ones... But when it came to affordable, nothing turned into more nothing. Great. I picked a fine time to fall in love with the leather-sleeved jacket. And then, boom! The jackets and coats with leather or pu sleeves came back in force this late summer, so it was high time to do a quick research and get the very best. New Look's mini-parka emerged as the winner, for both cut, colour and value for money.
It smoothly complements any relaxed outfit or toughens up your smart and girlie stuff - florals especially. Get the basic choice below, and check out my outfit post: a leather sleeve jacket to wear with everything.
THE CONTRAST PARKAS
New Look, £39.99
Topshop, £65
River Island, £55
Zara a/w 2011, around £85
THE COATS
River Island, £80 Topshop, £125
Zara, around £100
