The Winter Coat

Every morning throughout the winter I wake up and hide under my duvet, hiding away from the cold outside until the last minute before I fall into the ‘running late’ state.

You know exactly what I mean. The cold apartment because you forgot to put the heating on, or jumping out of a hot shower into what feels like a freezing bathroom. The winter mornings just make you want to stay in bed.

If I could stay wrapped in my duvet, I would.

Instead, I have to settle for the next best thing, my winter coat. (Or coats, for different occasions)

My portable duvet that, mixed with co-ordinating hat, gloves and scarf, keeps me warm on these cold winter days. Since I posted a picture on my Instagram and Twitter, (follow my Instagram here, and my Twitter here) I have had people asking me where I got mine from.

It may not be a duvet, but it is the next best thing, and there is still time to grab one of these winter warmers for yourself! Just click on the image to be taken through to the shop.

Credit Cards at the ready…

1. The All Saints Maddox coat

If I said All Saints Coat to you, then you would probably think metal studs and skulls on a ill-shaped piece of clothing. But, this is quite the opposite, with them creating this classic black coat with their signature look for £225.00.

2. The Topman Camel Wool Trench

Trench coats are a timeless piece that always look great with your outfit. This season, I have opted for a grey one, but a light colour like this one from Topman for £90 is a great long term investment.

Like any trench, you can wear it open or closed and they still look great.

3. The Jack Wills Duffel

Duffel coats are a wardrobes best friend this winter, and Jack Wills have created this little gem to keep you warm. You don’t need to be an Oxford or Cambridge student to wear this, and surprisingly it’s only £129.

4. The Zara Trench

I have fallen in love with this coat from Zara for £139. Yes, it screams out campness, but if you wear it with the right outfit then you are sure to stand out for all the right reasons. You can match it with a woolen scarf to add that extra warmth, and leather sleeve is a trend that is starting to catch on!

5. River Islands Buckle Style Jacket

If a trench is not what you are after, then head to River Island who have this navy, buckle style jacket. I love a jacket with big pockets, so I can store all my accessories when I ain’t wearing them. Fortunately, this £65 gem comes with just that!

6. Peregrine Woodford Wax Jacket.

You may have remembered my little visit to Peregrine back in June to preview their winter collection, and how I fell head over heels for this jacket, and the model too. The quality was amazing, and I could happily justify the £249 price tag for this. I’m bucking the Barbour trend with this one, and so should you!

7. The Scotch and Soda Duffel

Another duffel, a different colour. There are so many different varient and style of duffel, but the trick is to stick to the traditional duffel. It looks just as glam, and Scotch and Soda have this one on sale for £200.

8. Fly53 Jacket

This coat screams Little Red Riding Hood… but for men. Throw on this £100 jacket, a pair of gloves and your ear muffs, and head out into the winter prepared and warm!

9. The Parker

Everyone loves a parker jacket. They are big, warm, and if you get the right one it is an extension of your duvet! Asos (I know, right!) have made their version available online for a mere £80. Plus, it is as comfy and warm as sitting by the fire!

10. My Jacket

Last, but not least, is the coat I have had everyone asking me about. This picture does not do it justice, but this Zara piece is exactly what a country boy needed this winter, alongside my other purchases. So much so that I cant seem to stop wearing it!

With any of these coats, throw together some matching gloves, hats and scarfs and you will find that getting out of bed isn’t so bad in the morning.

Are there any others that I should have included?

Jeans. By MQT

I can hear you now…

‘MQT? Who are they. I have never heard of them before.’

Neither had I to be honest, until I discovered their jeans and shorts range through a friend and suddenly got excited about them. The main difference about these jeans is that they come from a family run business, which actually means that you are probably getting something that has taken generations to perfect.

Think of your grandads jeans, with a 2012 fashionable twist, and you have MQT.

Plus, they have this cool little video about it too…

MQT Denim Fashion Video from simone pellegrini on Vimeo.

Being the nosey person that I sometimes am, I headed down to Selfridges (one of the many stockists) to take a look and try some on. They fit well, look good, and made me feel like I was wearing something that didn’t come from a factory churning out 1000′s of the same item.

Plus, I am being a trendsetter by wearing them!

The only downside was that they didn’t have my size in stock in the colour I wanted. So I had to leave with a little dent in my excitement. Oh well, at least we can look at some pretty pictures of them instead until they come back in…

 

Having red hair is optional.

Whilst their website can give you more info, and you can buy them online at ASOS, you should head down to Selfridges and see for yourselves how nice these are. They are pretty good value for money too, and know they will last longer than other brands.

We can all be trendsetters!

The Miko Spinelli Jacket

You know the feeling just as much as the person standing next to you when looking for something specific.

Walking round the same store, looking at the same items, and still not being able to find something that you like. Eager to spend the money for once, yet you can’t find what you want.

Then you move onto the next store, to repeat eactly what you just did in the last, and walk out empty handed whilst getting annoying that ‘none of these bloody stores have what I want.’

Then, you find yourself back at home, trailing through the internet trying to find the same item. Again, nothing stands out. Frustrating is an understatement.

For me, one of the items I have been trying to find for a while is a decent Bomber jacket. You know, those jackets that were all the range back in the late 90′s, and have now come full circle and back on the must-have list for 2012. I have searched high and low and whilst there are some cool ones around the high streets, nothing has really stood out to me.

Until now that is.

I was introduced to the new premium collection from Miko Spinelli through a friend, and immeadiately fell in LOVE with it. Think ‘Italian fashion meets your grandmas porcelain china tea pot‘ and you have a collection that is eye catchingly good.

I know right, those patterns didn’t seem so cool when you visited the grandparents. On these jackets however, they look absolutely amazing. The delicate patterns contrast with the panelling and metal zips, whilst you can feel sporty with the cuffs and waistbands. Throw on one of the flat caps that use the same pattern and embroidery, and you are definately onto a winner.

Personally, I wouldn’t wear both the jacket and hat at the same time, but each of them individually can be added to make up an outfit.

So far, this eagerly awaited collection has gained some pretty impressive reviews, and I can see why. With only a handful of each jacket being made, it is definately a moment to grab something unique. His website (found here) showcases the currently SS12 collection too, and whilst the prices are a little higher than your Topman or River Island equivilents, its the quality and designs that make it worth the money.

Whilst bomber jackets may go out of fashion next year, you know they will come back round again like it has with the 90′s.

Plus, you are saving your energy by not having to walk around the high street in search of something that stands out. Another winner!