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Winter Coats – The Duffle
What I Love About Winter!
It’s true, I love the month that is winter, yes fair doo’s I dislike the heating bill, the snow and rain and the dark nights. But on the other hand I do still love winter. But why? You may ask.
Well, it’s got to be said, there is nothing that excites me more than going shopping for that oh so warm winter wardrobe. All of those knit and cashmere jumpers along with choosing the perfect winter coat along with purchasing those new winter boots, makes my heart rate increase to a dangerous level, and the accessorize, well …..
The ultimate wardrobe staple to take you through to spring is of course the coat. With so many styles, colours and shapes, making the right choice is nothing short of stressful. Whether you’re a trench admirer, a puffer jacket perfector, or a devotee of the duffle coat, anything goes. But where anything goes one season might not go the next, so I would suggest that you choose something that will forever be classic and stylish, i.e. the duffle coat.
Then there are those beautiful seasonal knits. Ohh how I love wearing those thick knitted cardigans and jumpers, my advice here is that the bigger the better, chunky knits are always in fashion so make sure you embrace them!
When it comes to accessorize, long chain necklaces, chunky scarves and knit hats are the secret……a lovely pair of leather gloves are also a must have!
Now for the finale, a good pair of beautiful new boots will leave you feeling ready to brace the winter weather as well as putting you in good stead to tread that dreaded snow. Go for a flat, comfortable pair that is easy to wear with everything from skinny jeans to tights to tea dresses.
So there it is, my winter wardrobe rules, enjoy!
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Paddington Bears duffle love
The True Duffle Coat Devotee: Paddington Bear!
When the words ‘duffle coat’ are mentioned, to many this takes them back to the days of Paddington Bear, even those (like myself) who do not remember watching the iconic bear, know that he is definitely the duffle coats number on devotee, donning the garment day after day for decades.
In the early 1950s a certain iconic bear turned up at Paddington station after he was orphaned following an earthquake in his native Darkest Peru. He was taken in and brought up by his aunt Lucy.
Paddington’s little blue duffle coat, black hat and wellington boots, for many was an iconic look, one which, in turn, would make the classic duffle coat somewhat of a household name. Of course Paddington bear set the standard for the duffle coats (along with marmalade sandwiches), which he loved so much that he never took it off!
Paddington Bear is a fictional character in children’s literature. He first appeared on 13 October 1958 and was subsequently featured in several books, most recently in 2008, written by the world famous Michael Bond and first illustrated by Peggy Fortnum. It is noted through history, that you will not find an illustration or image of Paddington Bear, where he is not wearing his beloved duffle coat; this is pure devotion if ever I have seen it!
So there you have it, from the British Royal Navy, to Paddington Bear, this iconic item of clothing has donned only the best, and it still, to this day, continues that quest!
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Military Duffle Coats
The classic duffle coat has graced our catwalks for many a decade, and has become as British as Winston Churchill himself. This classic cut coat has come through a vast historic path including surviving two world wars, in turn it has earnt its name as one of Britain’s best kept fashion Gems.
The duffle coat first appeared and in turn owes its popularity to the British Royal Navy, who donned camel coloured (very in this season) duffle coats known as a convoy coats throughout WW I. By the time WWII occurred the camel duffle coat was standard issue. During WWII two of the duffle coats most enthusiastic supporters were Lt Col Sir David Stirling, the founder of the SAS, and “Monty” (Field Marshal Montgomery), who lent his name to the Burberry duffle coat, known as the Montgomery Duffle coat.
The coats were intended to keep the troops warm during the bitter Atlantic and North sea winds and were also handy as due to the toggles being so large, the troops could undo their coats without taking their gloves off.
This fashion trend that was set by the British Royal Navy caught on in a massive way, so much so that in 1954 the British company ‘Gloverall’ made their own version of the classic navy style duffle coat, and during the 1960s it was seen on many a left wing politicians aswell as our very own British Gem ‘Paddington Bear’
What our troops didn’t know about this ohh so warm garment, however, was that they set the standards for fashion which are still obeyed to this day, one more thing to thank our Royal British Navy for.