Of course, appreciating the Winter for the beautiful thing that it is only works if one is sufficiently prepared. In New England, this means owning a lot of thick, heavy things. Oddly enough, for someone who owns more clothes than decency would allow, I spent last Winter somewhat ill-prepared. My two warmest coats, a chesterfield and a cashmere camel overcoat, hardly made it out of the closet. I love them both, but I just don't dress fancy enough for them that often, especially in the snow. Mostly I relied on my Barbour, which keeps me dry, but I had to supplement it with multiple layers and a down vest for warmth. This week, we've seen temperatures in the 40's. A bit low for October, but it had me thinking. Then today, what should find me at the thrift but:
this big fat dark green duffel coat, $19.99. It has a much roomier fit than I usually go for, which I think is only appropriate for such a coat, deep pockets and a plaid wool lining that's as heavy as the outer coat itself. Seriously, this thing weighs a million pounds, and promises to be the warmest thing I've ever owned.
Bone (o.k....probably plastic) toggles held on with thick leather laces. Reinforced in all the stress points. Made in England, by ???
some company that's been around since 1902. Does that little scrap of label look familiar to any of you? I'm dying to know where this came from. But it's no matter, I know I'm bound to wear this thing a lot in the coming months. I've never been a big fan of overcoats worn over outfits that aren't suits, or at least sport coats, and a duffel coat is the perfect go-between. Casual enough for jeans and a sweater, rakish as Hell over a suit, and Bean Boots know no better counterpart.Bring on the white stuff!
