This is a pretty good, if somewhat un-remarkable old puffy jacket, filled with "water fowl down", as the label tells me. Navy blue, nice fit, should keep me warm in the snow, not bad for $5.99. But wait, it gets better...
Brooks Brothers Brooksgate? I have never, in all my travels, seen a casual snow shoveling jacket from the Brothers, have you?
Did I mention that the sleeves zip off, converting this number into a down vest? C'mon, that's pretty cool.And as though I didn't have enough big fat tweeds, how can I say no to a thing like this, when it costs only $6.99?
There really is no describing how heavy this thing is. I have overcoats that weigh less. Too bad I don't go shooting those same water fowl that filled the other jacket... in the drizzle...in England...with a flask full of single malt in one pocket...by the lake at the bottom of the hill behind the "main house'...I digress, forgive me.
Here's a close-up shot to give you a better idea of the fabulous piece of cloth from which this jacket was fashioned. Olive green with hints of blue and a screaming orange window pane check. It's almost, almost, got a whiff of Alan Flusser by way of ADG about it, no?
From the Andover Shop. Damn, I really hit it today!These items were acquired at a new thrift store. They've only been open three weeks. I spied the place yesterday while I was stopped at a red light, so of course I visited today. And NO, I'm not telling. Before you get all up in arms and start crying 'hypocrite', let me explain the thinking behind my steadfast secretiveness.
As unfortunate as it may be for "outsiders", rule #1 of thrift shopping is: You do NOT divulge your sources. Rule #2 of thrift shopping is: you do NOT divulge your sources. Nothing spoils a good hot spot like to many people knowing about it. Sorry. I suppose by extension the argument could be made that by writing this blog I tread perilously close to breaking that very rule. But I do so enjoy writing this, and I think you enjoy reading it. Otherwise you wouldn't, right?
People often marvel at the gems I am able to turn up in these places and call me selfish for not sharing. I put a lot of work into finding this stuff, don't forget. I must have suffered through at least a hundred really lousy jackets before I found this one. I can make people aware that this stuff is out there to be found, but I won't make it too easy. That just wouldn't be fair, would it? If you want it bad enough, feel free to expend as much energy on the search as I do. Besides, how hard is it these days to simply Google "Thrift Store (your city here)"? I found all these sources of mine in the old days, when you literally had to stumble across them, much like I found this new spot yesterday.
So ends the rant. Happy Hunting, and Best of Luck, One and All!
p.s. this kid is awesome! Read it.
