i need a new coat!

i went hunting in downtown seattle last night for a new winter coat. i want one that's more stylish than my 3-yr-old j. crew coat, which has been good to me, but it is definitely time for an upgrade. anyway, i totally struck out last night. so far i've looked at urban outfitters (total crap), anthropologie (overpriced!), j. crew (slim pickin's and too expensive for what was offered), nordstrom (boring and they didn't have the ones i'd liked online), club monaco (meh), and banana republic (close, but no cigar. there was one that had 3/4 length sleeves and another that was a cute military-inspired number, but only came in khaki and had a wonky belt).

here are my requirements for the perfect winter coat:
- must hit at mid-thigh or above the knee
- button or zip closure okay
- must have pockets for my hands (wtf? coats without front pockets)
- prefer something fitted, perhaps with a belt or half-belt in back
- must be wool and lined (prefer warm lining, but i haven't seen anything substantial out there)
- prefer a collar, but can also have a hood (convertible is best)
- prefer black, but could be pursuaded to expand my color horizons if color is versatile
- i'm a size 4-6, depending on the designer
- i don't want to spend more than $300 and i'd prefer to spend a lot less -- and if i am spending a lot, the coat had better be well made and, sweet jesus, WARM.

so, i need help. where do you shop for coats?