To walk into a slightly grimy charity shop in a West Country market town and find the THIS I am referring to – it’s in the top-10 thrifting moments of my life. And it’s ranking pretty high.

It’s a peacock-blue shot silk coat with knife-pleat panels in other jewel colours. It has a giant fuchsia waist-tie. It has a matching bag. It was handmade in Bath by someone named Anne King. It seems to have been made for someone whose name is beautifully but illegibly inked inside.

I think it’s late-70s to early-80s. Although it’s a familiar look to me, I can’t find another like it. I think it’s reminding me of Gunne Sax jackets – they’re padded, bibbed, high-necked and puff-sleeved.

I knew before I even tried it on that I’d be taking it, but it fits perfectly. I can’t believe, of all the rural charity shops in England, it was this one we both walked into.

£10. Ten of the King’s pounds. Unfathomable.

Now, though, we have to decide how to wash it. I’m going to spot test it for colour bleed. If it runs, it’ll have to go to the dry cleaner. If it doesn’t…it still might. I’m very wary of those bright, dense colours.

I generally feel that if I can’t wash something, it’s useless to me anyway, and therefore it’s worth the risk. However, in this case it’s just not. This is one time that I might be sensible and cautious.