Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Ned Stark ; a tragic character but he was right about Winter ...

... 'cause here it is.

It may not be winter officially for a month yet, but it is a pretty good imitation of it. Our heating system chose this time to go on it's annual, season-opening fritz for a couple weeks, but all is repaired and cozy.  We are reveling in the warmth. Feels like a vacation. North of us the cold is deeper, but it was in the high 20s and low 30s on Sunday when we dressed to make our trip to the Big City.  

Cold weather is coat weather. That's one of my favorite things about the season.  This little, heavy knit coat is perfect for my trips to town as it's light weight and cozy at the same time.  These trips involve lots of time in a warm car or in a warm store with quick arctic-esque dashes between car and door. This is one I can comfortably keep on while I'm stomping around in the store.



My teeth gritting grin says it all ... "take the picture ... take the picture ... hurry up ... I AM smiling, so just take the damn picture!"

This is my first winter with the short crop, and scarves are taking on a new importance. I liked the almost reverse image of the coat's print this scarf added, and did a lot to keep my neck warm! This photo not only shows the patterns working together but how chilly and windy it was.  A  freezing gust poufed up the right side of my scarf, making it look like less of a gracefully draped scarf than an upholstered toilet seat cover.  Just take my word for it, please. It looked much better when the wind died down. 



Not taking on any topics tougher than winter coats today.  Hope you are all staying warm and enjoying this most invigorating season!

 ~*~*~*~*~*~

Late Breaking: It's Visible Monday at the Lovely Patti's ... come on over and see what we all are up to!





64 comments:

  1. But what lovely upholstered toilet covers those would be! I'm surprised you aren't wearing your faboo pink coat but this is just as lovely. And yes, short hair does require a bit of extra accessorizing. I'm in the opposite boat - these long tresses I've currently got help insulate me and I can totally tell the difference from when I pony tail or no.

    P.S. did you manage to pick up anything form the TOMS/Target collab? I wanted that cream sweater in large so badly but slept in and missed it online and my local store never carries the collabs. ARGHHHH!!!

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  2. What a lovely print on that coat! We have very little call for full-on coats here in LA; usually my wool peacoat handles the coldest morning dog walks. During the days it's car-to-parking-garage-to-work-to-garage-to-car-to-home, very little need to bundle up.

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  3. LOL on the toilet seat cover reference Jan! Scarves are the very best invention...even indoors, they can take the chill off! And those are low temps, you're being subjected to. Well the hot/cold temps....it's always a challenge...dressing for the weather, the REAL weather, and then adapting to a heated indoor space like a mall. I usually end up wearing my down jackets throughout the winter, and fortunately they are light enough to carry around when I'm indoors. Your coat is really beautiful Jan! I'm glad you persevered through the photo shoot for us!

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  4. Ah scarves, I love them, chicness in small bits. Now, as one short haired gal to another, get thee some pretty hats. They do wonders for keeping your head warm and I'm sure if you look around there are bound to be some funky, yet elegant, ones out there. In winter I always wear a hat; heck, I wear a hat about year round! You look great!!! Love the coat!

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  5. Wow. What a great frock coat. I love this kind of blazer. And the pattern is lovely. Have a good time. Sunny

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  6. Looking gorgeous and elegant in monochrome, Jan! The coat and scarf do work beautifully together, and as always, you look effortlessly chic. I'll second the vote for wearing hats, I can't manage without them when the temperatures drop, and I think you'd really suit a smart trilby or cool beret. xxx

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  7. Ned Stark, Boromere; they both warned us ;-)
    Love your coat! Pastels really work flawlessly with your skin.I desperately need a new one. Mine is so ragged and ill-fitting.


    Alicia
    spashionista.com

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  8. VersatilestylebytraceyNovember 18, 2014 at 3:14 PM

    What a fantastic coat! IThe scarf is a great addition to the look! Laughing at your description of the wind and the scarf... I just did the grit your teeth, "Take the Picture" thing as we had temps in the 70's yesterday and windy and just 40 today... Quite a shocker...

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  9. A fab coat made even better with the addition of that scarf. Yes to a hat, they make a huge difference. xxx

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  10. Lovely coat .. I'd probably walk right by a floral coat thinking "does that come in black or gray" .. lol. The cooler weather is on its way to San Diego as well .. I woke this morning and the house was 66! Brrr, Mr Heater is working just fine ;-)


    Monica, www.pear-shaped-gal.com

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  11. Winter coats are always the best part of winter . Yours is just so stylish on you Jan, especially with the scarf. Glad your heating issues are fixed and you are snuggly and warm.

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  12. You're lookin' good. It's hard to be fashionable when it's cold out but with effort we can. I'm not a fan of the cold.

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  13. You look so incredible in this coat - endlessly elegant! And with the addition of this scarf... well I am lost for words, Jan!!! Amazing, amazing, amazing, hooray for such gorgeous winter coats!

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  14. What a beautiful coat and you made laugh with your comment about the toilet seat!! I did not see that at all while looking at these photos. I do like the reverse color scheme of the 2 pieces.


    Alice
    www.happinessatmidlife.com

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  15. Perfect coat. In all aspects. The best aspect being: it is so beautiful. Light coloured instead of somber black (although we all need at least one black coat). Very pretty pattern. In one word: elegant. The scarf is a very lucky find; I agree with you, it does reverse the pattern in a larger way.
    Had to laugh over your teeth gritting smile... I keep saying that to Ron too: "my smile is freezing!!"
    And you had me laughing again with the gust of wind and the scarf: so recognizable.
    Don't forget to look at my post about the market in Haarlem. I know you love such posts.
    Greetje

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  16. Jan, I'm always delighted to find your posts as your blog has become an essential part of my regular reading list as opposed to "just viewing" list. You write with such conviction and so original that I literally drool over each post. As for the outfit, I love it head to toe, especially the coat-very much into it at present! Very well balanced ensemble!

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  17. Mrs_Jack_of_all_tradesNovember 19, 2014 at 6:52 AM

    Tragic character indeed Ned Stark (all of the Starks to think of it).. with short hair you surely need the scarf especially when the coat is collarless. I never have a collarless coat before and a printed one on top of that. Your choice of light color is perfect, Jan.. beats the usual dark grim colors of winter

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  18. Your pattern mixing is exquisite, and I can relate to using the warmth of scarves with short hair.


    I just read your previous post and am in total agreement with your opinions. As a 71 year old woman who wears skinny jeans, I applaud you.

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  19. According to the weather forecast most of America is covered on snow, and here you are in all your beauty.
    Tons of loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

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  20. Love the graceful print in the coat and you wear it so very well. When you get tired of those booties you can send them over. . .

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  21. Laurie @ Elusive OnionsNovember 20, 2014 at 7:37 AM

    Though, unlike Ned, you're able to keep your stylish head no matter which way the wind blows. Nicely done Jan!

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  22. The only thing I like about winter is the coats. This one is lovely!

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  23. Thank you! No surprised that I'm obsessed with outerwear these days. When we're not at the restaurant, we are always out and about, and I'm so much happier if I feel I'm fit to be seen. It's cold and rainy here, but it's also fun to put together pieces for the weather.
    I'm confused. Local Target didn't give us Altuzarra, but we have Toms. If you hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have noticed it. Pretty drab collection ... didn't see a cream colored sweater ... but I admire the program they have a lot. Don't like the shoes or the other gear, though, so I'll pass on this one by default.
    So happy to know you're writing ... I'll bet you check your mail, though. Am I right?

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  24. I hate winter. Seriously hate it. It showed up 2 months early this year...joy joy. Your winter coat and scarf however are lovely. Here I would need to add a balaclava, toque, lined mitts, large boots, and a down coat topper. I much prefer your version.


    bisous
    Suzanne
    www.suzannecarillo.com

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  25. I thought to pass it up too but I knew I'd regret it later because you know I HAVE to have at least one item per collab and I'd rather buy something now than something overpriced on eBay later on. I ended up finding the sweater in another Target so I'm all good.

    And yes, I do check my mail. 'Tis why this chapter is going so slowly. ;p

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  26. Lovely bright coloured coat. Always a must for me. I was just thinking how nice and pouffy your scarf looked, when you described it as a toilet seat cover! I never would have thought of it. I hate skinny scungy scarves.
    We are in high summer already and that is just as debilitating let me say! We believe in siestas!
    Looking fondly at the cool NZ temps from our trip. xo JJ

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  27. Jan, I can certainly relate to the downside of short hair in the winter! Scarves are imperative! The chilly temperatures make the photo taking much more challenging. I love the fact that you chose to repeat a similar print on your scarf, it makes your look that much more interesting with the different textures. Love, love the coat! You look lovely.

    Cherie

    http://www.stylenudge.com

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  28. Patti_NotDeadYetStyleNovember 24, 2014 at 4:59 PM

    You had me at Ned Stark - one of my favorite, much-missed TV characters. The actor apparently gets killed in every movie he's ever been in - bad luck, eh? Love this coat and scarf and forgive me for being a little jealous of the cold weather. Sleeveless dress for me today, and 92% humidity.

    Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, you're a smart dresser and a smart cookie. xoxo

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  29. Northern mum down SouthNovember 24, 2014 at 6:17 PM

    Oooh lovely coat Jan, you are looking fabulous and I just had to google the Ned Stark reference in your blog title so I learnt something new aswell. Stylish and educational xx

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  30. I love that coat and the scarf addition is down right brilliant. You are one class act, sistah.

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  31. This is a lady-like coat, isn't it? Really ideas for the run-in-run-out thing that I spend so much of my life doing. Dan and I make it a practice to park further out in the lot to get a few more steps in ( Dan needs them far less than sedentary old Jan ...) but in the winter, I park closer! Sometimes here, with the humidity, it is so bitter that a bundle up is needed. I've got lots of use for this little jackety coat, though! Thank you, Pseu!

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  32. Hi, Sue!!! It was so cold, but it's been in the 60s this week! I remember down jackets! From my Alaska days ... and nothing is warmer or lighter, and I'm glad to see puffy down coats in style generally. And Sorrels! I never, ever, thought I'd see them in the mainstream here ... and now they come with high heels! Will wonders never cease!
    Thanks, Dear Heart ....glad you liked it, toilet seat and all!

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  33. Lovely, scarves! I just fringed a gigantic piece of pink and gray tartan to wear as a blanket scarf. Looks humongous on little me, but I've been mightily glad of it a couple of times. You're right. I do need a hat. I'm shy of trying knit caps on ... not sure why as I'm not particularly worried about my hair or any other issues. Next time I'm in Fort Smith ... they're everywhere this winter, and in all colors.
    Thank you, Shani, so much.

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  34. Thank you, Sunny! It is a frock coat, isn't it? Thanks for the accurate name, you're right! So glad you like it!

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  35. You and Shani are right. I need to go look for some. Just not in the habit, but time to develop one, isn't it? Need a dark wool trilby with not too tall a crown, and I remove all feathers. Too easy for me to look like an Alpine Hobbit in one. I'm drawn to knit caps ... haven't worn a beret in some years ... good idea. No ball caps or trucker caps ... people think you look uppity if you wear anything else, maybe a cowboy hat. I'm sure in business if those come back!

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  36. Hope all is well with your 'puter by now. You sure looked old-fahioned bitchen' in your last post. Coats are like friends; keep the old ones when you get a new one. Lots on the market now ... all shapes. Speaking of coats, I've dreamed the last two nights in a row about a dark purple, tan and black plaid swing coat that I have .... Nine West ... I don't often wear it. Wonder what that's about. I went and dug it out to see if maybe I'd left money in the pocket, but nothing but a cleaning tag and a wadded up Kleenex. Not that, apparently. It's back in rotation, but wonder what to wear with it? Hmmm ...
    Clint ... time to go coat shoppping!

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  37. And Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
    Cyber hugs and such good thoughts headed your way, Gorgeous.

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  38. The weather is nuts here, too. After that very cold snap, it's been in the high 60s. No doubt it will cool off. It's not ususally windy here, but of late, we've had a lot ... maybe there is a windmill in my eco-future after all!
    Thank you for the nice comments, and for stopping by, Tracey. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  39. Thank you, Dawn Lucy ... probably the busiest woman in the known universe, getting ready for T-Day in a new house, etc. Is school out? Enjoy the fall dressing ... it is a treat to have a little cold weather there, isn't it?

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  40. It's unanimous. I'm going to try on hats very soon. Thank you, Vix ... it was a good value and I love it's lady-like feel on non-lady-like me!

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  41. So glad our heater is back chugging along ... was a clogged valve-thingy. Easy, cheap fix too ... suits me to the ground. It's back to the 60s here this week, too ... that translates to light coats or jackets. I'm so into my motos ... it's fun when I can fling a coat over a moto, now! My fave winter look! Happy Thanksgiving, Monica!

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  42. Hey, Jilly! We have a "sun room" where we do all our hanging out, all windows, so we've added a good portable radiator to keep the chill off there as well ... the heat from the rest of the house doesn't seem to make it out here.

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  43. If you can find a hat with some height, it will make you look taller. Personally, I like a hat that lifts my face up. You have impeccable taste though, so whatever you find will be perfect. I can't wait to see! If you were here in Geneva, I'd take you to my hat lady Zabo (sigh).

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  44. Shelley@forestcityfashionistaNovember 25, 2014 at 7:19 PM

    We have had our first blast of winter here too, and the winter coat has had a couple of outings. I like the simple shape of the wool coat - very elegant.

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  45. Beautiful coat...and of course a lovely outfit.

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  46. Thank you, Ally! I'm always sorry when winter ends because I have to store the coats ... they're easily my favorite pieces ... besides my leather and faux motos. Blazers can stay into the spring, but here we have about 10 minutes of spring and then ... poof! ... all very serious summer. Glad you like this particular piece ... it's a lady-like little coat, and for me, that 's a change! Happy Thanksgiving, kid. Hope yours is excellent!

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  47. Thank you, Natalia ... high praise from one whom I always think of most elegant, herself! Really, you have a panache that shows with every outfit. But mostly I just envy how well you wear your red pixie cut. Glad you like my coat. It's dressier than most of my coats, and is nice for events where it's cool and it can be the my main piece. Doesn't happen often, but once in a while!

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  48. Thanks, Alice ... I re-did the scarf just before we got in the car and it looked so much better ... wish I'd done it for the photo! All my photos happen on the way out the door, and so often there's so little time. That's going to be my resolution for the new year ... get better photos!
    Happy Thanksgiving to all your crowd!

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  49. I'm so far behind this week ... but just wanted to say thanks again, Greetje. Glad you like this coat. It's very lady-like and a little prim for me, but there is that side to my nature sometimes. Not often, but it's nice to have options! Once again, your blog is rocking, G.

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  50. Nicolene! So happy to hear from you! I don't get around like I'd like these days, and I really need to remedy that. My weeks are backwards (busy midweek through the weekend) and if I don't get around to this fun stuff, it's put off yet another week. You are one of those bloggers that I sorely regret missing, and I'm so happy you like my blog. Glad too, that you like my little coat ... more lady-like than I usually can project. Thank you for all!

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  51. Hello, Mrs. C! I've yet to go hat shopping, but need to go find a jaunty knit hat or two. I've got lots of scarves, so I'm all set there, and I just made a fringed blanket scarf to go with the my pink coat. And I'm loving the streamlined look of no collar with the short crop ... altered one of my black wool coats, and it really looks sharper! So fun to hear from you ... hope you enjoy Amsterdam!

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  52. I am prim today as well: black suit with long (over calf) wide skirt and fitted short jacket. Very fifties. Like you said that is also a side.. Ron doesn't like it..

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  53. Hello, Judith! Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving ... you remain a beautiful inspiration for me in all ways. I'll never be tall and thin, but I can conduct myself with a little class! Glad you liked the post. I thought of you regarding the women who rock everything they wear with superb style at whatever age they can claim. Much better to be older than not to get there at all, I say!

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  54. This weekend it was in the high 60s (20-ish C) and it's down 15 degrees today! You are so kind to stop by saying nice things .... Adorable Sacramento! You are looking so extra sleek these days ... are you doing something special?

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  55. Thank you, Neti! This coat is a bit of a style departure for me, but it's fun to dress up or down. Still all excited about short hair in winter, and it's even shorter now after my very recent haircut. You can, I know, identify!
    Poor booties ... they are favorites from last year and I live in them. I can wear them comfortably all night at my restaurant, so they get the workout. So happy you like them, 'cause it means I did something right!

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  56. Hmmmm. Yes, still got my head. Glad you think it's stylish. Can't claim I always "keep my head" in the less dire sense, but am pleased you're happy about it! Thanks!

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  57. Coats are wonderful, I agree. They can be the whole outfit or just the "first course" ... this one I can keep on longer, in more circumstances! It's more lady-like than I usually find here, so it's a treat there, as well. Thank you!

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  58. My poor girl! I've been thinking about your plight as I hear weather reports from your part of the world. I know what you mean. I was in Alaska for over a decade, and some years, miserable weather just seems to go on forever. I guess the reason that I love winter is that I don't have to wear clothing that shows off the old bod. I know I look better in more coverage, and am not stubborn about sleeves in my summer wear, but it's just too freaking hot to wear them here. I wish you nothing but lovely light wintry weather as soon as this round is over!

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  59. Yeah, Jack ... I thought the poof sort of looked like it was covering a huge goiter on my neck. I re-looped the scarf after the photo and it did look better for the rest of the day! Know what you mean about skimpy scarves. I've got a pile of silky ones that serve pretty well in our moderately warm but highly humid environment, but I manage to make them look sloppy and limp rather than chic French-woman-esque.
    Was thinking of you yesterday, actually, late on our Thanksgiving holiday afternoon. We were binge-watching "ANZAK Girls" on Acorn TV.
    Thanks so much for stopping by to chat. I appreciate you kind words a lot!

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  60. Hey, Shelly! Glad you like it ... I'm kind of into my coats as the right one can flatter my short frame like not much else. They automatically give a long line, which is always tough for me to accomplish! It's uncharacteristically lady-like for my wardrobe, and it's nice to have a piece that makes me feel like minding a P and Q when I should.
    It's warmed up here a bit, so it's blazers and motos ... other favorites for me .... and they provide their own kind of fun. I'm a winter-wardrobe lover, no doubt, but will be ready for spring with everyone else in a few months!
    So happy you dropped in, and hope your winter allows you to rock your own excellent style!

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  61. Thank you, Merci! One of the things I love about winter is that coats can be the "whole thing" and an instant long line for my very short and stocky frame. This coat has a lady-like feel that I have a hard time achieving with any number of pieces... nice that one piece lends me a little dignity! Thank you so much for dropping by!

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  62. What a gorgeous coat! A major disadvantage of living in the Great White North is that the cute coats just don't cut it. I wish I had a walking version of one of those subzero sleeping bags!

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  63. A lot of it is taken from the War of the Roses

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  64. Ha ha, yes, I get the just talking about winter coats thing- you just have to stay warm!!! Too cold to think about anything else! Your coat is REMARKABLY chic and smart, I really, really like it! For me, the hat is the winter essential I cannot be without! I walk 3 miles a day, to and from work and it is blowin' like a hoolie and you are covered in a fine layer of rain that manages to seep through everything, even a hood is not enough- must wear thick hat! And the scarf, yes too, that has become increasingly important. My husband bought me a chic, black cashmere scarf last Christmas and that has become my recent favourite!
    xx

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