How It's Done

Knit and suede coat? thrifted
Earwarmers? One-of-a-Kind Show
Jeans? Zara
Boots? ?, Winners
Earrings? Antique, gifted from parents
Sunglasses? Vintage Steffi Graf (!), gifted

Yes, I look forward to spring and showing skin again, but I was secretly glad when winter came back full force this week with cold temperatures! Maybe I was only glad because I've been wanting to wear this coat...my motives are very selfish indeed.

This outfit is what I use as my front line defense against the Canadian cold. It's a four part defense strategy consisting of; a coat, boots, ear warmers and a flask. That's right Winter, I'm looking cute and staying warm...

The Coat: Some people think this coat is ridiculously hideous and others think it is extremely awesome. I'm one of the latter people, not only is this coat really warm (the faux fur at the neck and collars are great guards against any cold air) but it's unique and well, awesome. I got it at a thrift store in nearly perfect condition, the only thing is that someone must have smoked in the same room as the coat... Just one more reason not to smoke, it hampers my thrifting experience... Anyways, I'm too cheap to pay to dry clean a clean jacket (you know how expensive suede cleaning is?) so I hung the jacket outside for a few cold and clear days. Problem solved.

The Boots: I bought these boots a few years ago and they have served me very well. It's no secret that I love brown leather boots and these are the winterized version. I have to polish them ALL the time but I reckon that's a fair trade for keeping my toes warm.

The Earwarmers: I'm embarrassed to say I paid $40 for these earwarmers. Ahhhh!! Not like me at all... and yes, far more expensive than the coat. I got them from the One-of-a Kind Show in Toronto and everything is super pricey, so I got desensitized to price and $40 suddenly seemed like a bargain. In my defense, they are hand knit, wool and really functional. The earwarmers are wide at the front to cover your ears and give you the look of wearing a cute toque but the back narrows down to a single button. Hence, you can have warm ears and keep your hair all fabulous. Yes, it's like having your cake and eating it... Out of guilt and because they are so handy, I've worn it enough to make it a worthwhile purchase.

The Flask: Drinking is a wonderful way to stay warm, it's even better when one drinks in front of small children playing hockey. They too, should learn that brandy is as effective and delicious as hot chocolate on a cold day and involves less prep time.

I kid, I kid... I have had this flask full of ameretto in my glove box since Linda's wedding (please do not lecture me on keeping flasks of booze in glove boxes, stupid, I know but completely accidental...) in October! It was the 'in case of panic flask'... It ended up not being used and it has sat in my glove box since... I think the lesson in all this, is that I need to clean my car more... or maybe just cleaning it at all would be good.

And that's how we do it... bring it on Winter!