Pea Coat

If you're wondering why I appear headless here, that's because I had such a maniacal looking grin (imagine a werewolf baring its teeth. Yeah, not a good look) that I managed to give myself a fright when I was editing the photos. So off with the head. I was a little guilt ridden lately after realizing that there were a few so called classic items such as my near new pea coat, forgotten Hermes scarf and the Birkin (aka a decoration that's part of the furniture these days) were relegated to the bench, just like the reserve players at a game.

Take this pea coat, for example. It was a bargain from a Comptoir des Cotonniers sale years ago. I rarely wear it ever since I've been walking around in a Isabel Marant love haze.  Such a shame really seeing that it's such a smart looking jacket that'll never ever look dated.

I've often wondered what pea coats had to do with peas? Based on a quick google research, there are two theories. First, it was called pilot coat because it was made of pilot fabric mostly used by the navy and military but over time, it was shortened to p-coat. Hence, pea coat. The other stated that the original coat was designed for sailors or the Navy. The word pijjekker came from either Dutch or West Frisian (a language spoken in a northern province of the Netherlands) which referred to a specific coarse twill fabric.

Military and navy outerwear such as utility, duffle, pea and trench coats as well as parkas and the camouflage print are all considered a staple in every woman's wardrobe (and men). Who knew that the soldiers and navy officers would have such a monumental impact on fashion even centuries later?

A reader mentioned about my elusive Birkin. So here it is. I took it to London once to get it "serviced" and the atelier couldn't believe its remarkable condition. Um... yeah. That's because it has been preserved inside the glass door cabinet for the past 5 years. I still haven't mastered the art of holding my bag other than slinging it across my body.  

Has anyone taken advantage of the sales lately? They're happening earlier and earlier these days which is fantastic for consumers looking to buy last minute Christmas gifts. For those who're interested in Isabel Marant, the clothes are discounted between 30% to 50% here and here.