Fur Trimmed Winter Coat

I’ll often shop to avoid the summer heat, and I did so recently when the temperatures got to uncomfortable heights. I went to a thrift store that has booth areas for different vendors; the vendors all sell different stuff and set their own prices. It’s always an interesting mix of things. Some are carefully curated items. Others are handmade. And then you have some that you know they’re just cleaning out their garage.

I planned on buying nothing because I didn’t need anything. I got about halfway through the store and was pleased with myself…nothing caught my eye. Yes, there were some interesting items, but nothing I couldn’t live without.

Then I came upon a clothing rack with about twenty jackets and coats on it, and I immediately knew these were quality items. These items didn’t feel piecemealed from thrift stores—they felt like they all belonged to one woman with expensive taste. Many items were nice but not my style. Then I saw this vintage tan coat with white fur trim that I had to try on.

The large pockets, the stitching detail on the pockets, the hood, and the tie belt feels very 1970s to me. Although I’m often wary of anything in the brown family, (because the wrong shades make me look sickly), this tan was very neutral and flattering. It doesn’t say what it’s made of, but I’m guessing wool (whether 100% or a blend)—it’s a very warm and heavy coat. I have very little knowledge of fur, but I’m guessing it’s rabbit.

And the back has a lovely pleating detail.

It’s a Youthcraft coat.

And it was union made in the U.S.A. It’s just so well made. [Sigh of appreciation.]

I admired the coat in the mirror and then took it off and put it back on the rack. I certainly didn’t need another coat—I already had a wine-colored wool coat and gray wool cape that I loved. So I was on the fence on getting this tan coat. However, as I walked around the rest of the store, every so often I’d think, “Did anyone take my coat?” That’s when I realized that I was going to buy this coat. I already owned it in my mind.

I bought the coat for $25. It’s in very good condition—no stains or holes. It does need a little mending where the lining is torn about three inches at the waistline, and both arms need a little stitching on the outside of the coat. But these are very minor things. I want to wear my new coat…but it will be some months before it’s cold enough to do so.

Wine Winter Coat

Over the weekend I went thrift shopping and I felt certain I wouldn’t find anything…but (inevitably) I did. I found a lovely wine-colored winter coat by Jill Jr. It’s 75% wool and 25% nylon—so it should be quite warm (which is good since I currently lack a thick winter coat). I love the classic silhouette of this coat; the price tag said it was from the 1960s, but regardless of age, this coat is in really great condition.

I love that the collar can be opened or buttoned all the way up, and I love that the skirt portion flairs out. Although I’m not incredibly partial to the cuffs (they’re okay) and I wish the color of the coat wasn’t so mottled, the overall design is so interesting. Even the back had thought put into it; there are pleats that go down the skirt portion and the waist ties that are attached with buttons can be removed—which I think is so great.

And I couldn’t get a better coat for the $48 I spent on this one. I know I can’t get a new coat at a department store made of quality materials with good design for this price. And quite frankly, I lucked out that this coat fits me pretty perfectly. I can’t tell you how hard it is to find a good fitted coat that actually fits me. So I’m extremely satisfied with this purchase. Although now that spring has finally hit, I won’t be able to wear this coat for a good six months. [Sigh.]

I’m Not a Polar Bear

Usually our winters in the Pacific Northwest are fairly mild…it gets cold but not this cold. Lately we’ve been having very cold weather (although we’re not alone in these Arctic-like conditions that have been happening across the U.S.). I don’t enjoy these frigid days where the high temperature may reach a balmy 32 degrees. The weather does not create much motivation for me to step outside; I just want to stay indoors and stay warm and hibernate.

But I keep telling myself that it’s fine. It’s fine if it’s cold as long as it’s not snowy and icy out—that’s my only wish because snow and ice just makes everything so difficult. Last Friday it snowed a bit and suddenly it was like I was in the middle of some disaster movie. Driving to work was like being in the middle of the grand exodus out of the city where the highways are like unending parking lots…it was torturous.

All it takes is just a smattering of snow to create havoc. So all I want is no snow so there’s no havoc. Or if it does snow, could it possibly happen on the weekend so I don’t have to commute in it? So I don’t have to crawl in traffic at a snail’s speed and I don’t have the anxiety of driving in snow. [Pause.] That would be great.

So You Think it’s Spring

One day after months of dreary winter weather, you suddenly notice long-awaited signs of spring. You see trees with blooming pops of color and daffodils springing from the ground and it makes you smile because it’s the promise of oncoming spring. And you’re ready for it. You’re sick of the grayness and gloom that winter brings. And while spring in Oregon still means clouds and rain, it also means longer days, warmer weather and perhaps even some sunny days.

A couple of weeks ago I had this moment when I looked up and saw a lovely cloud of pink cherry blossoms, and I thought “Yes, spring is on the way.” My assumption was further confirmed when soon after we had sunny and warm weather for a whole two days. But little did I know that Mother Nature was playing a nasty trick on us Oregonians—teasing us with the illusion of spring only to snatch it from our hopeful hands.

Tuesday was officially the first day of spring, and yet it hasn’t been very spring-like here. It’s been cold and wet and rainy (which I tend to expect), but it’s been colder than I would like, cold enough that there’s been snow. Yes, the dreaded snow. [Sigh.] I don’t know what happened. I was all ready for spring, and then unwelcome snow assaulted me on the way home yesterday and I woke today to find snow covering the ground. I really hope that this is the last cold snap of the season because I’m ready to move on from winter—and I hope Mother Nature is ready as well (for real this time).