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Pea Coat

Wednesday 19 December 2012
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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.






39 comments:

  1. Gorgeous bag! And you look great,even with the head cut off ;)
    I have picked up a few pieces in the sales - black calfskin ballerinas, black strappy heels from Bally, a burgundy goatskin bag from DVF and a gold-plated and pearl necklace. Feel pretty satisfied :)

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    1. You go girl! Ammu, you've picked up fantastic basics. I've learned my lesson well now. It's the basics that get the most wear. All the statement pieces are still unworn to this day :( What a waste of money!

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    2. You are adorable :) I do enjoy my statement pieces but choose them very carefully. And I have learned when to give shopping for statement pieces a rest. I think blogs like yours - which trumpet the appeal of simplicity and luxurious basics - have helped x

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    3. Awww....what a lovely thing to say. Thank you. I cringe when I think back to the days when I would buy things just because they were heavily discounted. I had such a disjointed wardrobe with pieces that don't even work well together. Having spent 6 months trying to reduce my entire wardrobe to 2 medium sized boxes before moving here have cured me of shopping sprees for good :P

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    4. You look great, love love the scarf too!

      It has taken me to my early 30's to learn to buy classic items only! and that I do not need a million versions of the same thing! my spending has come right down too,

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  2. Ooh I love the color of your Birkin!! I've been a little retrained with the sales but I'm hoping to hit the deep discounts after Christmas.

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    1. Chloe, can you believe I waited 3 years for this color and now wish it was black??

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    2. Ahaha! It can happen, we evolve. You're the best person to remedy that doing what you do...and of course if you decide to part with this one, [elbows out] I would like to be considered first in the queue :-)

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    3. LOL! You're too funny. I thought it'd be a great heirloom. Or perhaps a nice piece of decoration. For now :P

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  3. You're headless like me! ;) In any case, I've been practicing a lot of self-restraint and have only purchased small gifts for two lovely colleagues. Nothing for myself. Perhaps all hell will break loose come ZARA sales. :P

    Love your outfit, btw. Casual yet classy. :)

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    1. Thank you! I have placed so many items in my "cart" but thankfully, haven't checked out yet. Oooh, you're a brave woman. It was mayhem at the last Zara sale!

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  4. Not been able to comment on your blog this week, keeps throwing me out...so here goes again.
    At last we see the B! Love it, the colour and is it chevre leather - are divine together! Love your scarf too - is it a 70cm size?
    I'm obssessed with tailoring and history of fashion/clothes so had read about it before. It never ceases to amaze me though.

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    1. How odd! Thanks for persevering. I know I've had that happen on other blogs via the blogger platform. It's the Tohu Bohu scarf in 90cm. I can't believe how "reasonably" priced it was so many years ago.

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  5. I once held a Birkin. Sadly, it was not mine.

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  6. Headless like most of my shots - even you get the maniacal grinning too? I get face droop, eye squint and anything else bad to throw in the mix. The coat looks lovely - smart like you say but very workable. And the temperatures down south must be much kinder than what they are here to be out in your pumps. The cream Mango jumper is coming in useful - I might hunt it out after Christmas. Can't beat a classic cream jumper or two or three ... whoops.

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    1. Can you believe it? Once I bought this jumper, Asos knocked it down by more than 20%!! Murphy's law. It's really comfortable and flattering so I might just get another as a back up. What's the status of your computer?

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    2. Verging on dead. Its a 7 year old Mac Pro but there was still life in the old dog till the tonic water incident. I mentioned getting it repaired but the Grumps says it would cost more to repair than to buy one second hand. Meanwhile ... I have nabbed his MacBook Air for tonight :o)

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    3. Ooooh you lucky thing. I've always wanted to own a MacBook Air. By the time, I thrown in the extras, the cost spiraled upwards of £1300. So I guess it'll have to wait. What's your replacement going to be?

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  7. Love how you put your scarf looks chic in your casual outfit. Of course who would not hail the hermes birkin, perfectly gorgeous.:)

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    1. Thank you! I've been wearing cashmere shawls for so long that the silk scarf is a nice change.

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  8. Just gorgeous. I have an Hermes scarf and never wear it! I need to get it out of the closet! The Birkin is a fabulous color xx

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  9. I am so sorry for my absence lately. I've been dealing (and still dealing) with some personal issues... Anyway, I wanted to say that I love your outfit and I adore your Hermes goodies, especially the Birkin! It's my dream bag!

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  10. There's that beautiful Birkin!!! Love everything, friend. Chic-o-rama!

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  11. I've learnt so much from this post, i love learning about the origination of words for garment of clothing, Also, couldn't help but laughing out loud at your comment about being headless, i'm sure your grin wasn't *that* bad, my shots are ALWAYS headless, i also have a grin which vaguely resembles a werewolf, maybe i should just embrace it

    and such beauties you have been hiding away, i am forever feeling guilty over lost items, demoted to back of wardrobes gathering dust bunnies

    x

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  12. Headless or not, you still look chic! You should carry that Birkin often, it compliments your colour palette:) Sadly, girls on our side don't have a peacoat life and we usually go for light cotton and linen jackets.

    I only got the French Sole Ballerinas from the sales but have my eye on some denim cotton stuff from A.P.C. and Muji.

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  13. I really love your coat, you look so comfy and chic in it. I'm loving your bag too, it goes really well with the whole outfit.

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  14. Haven't been raiding the mall for a while.. too many people in the house (guests for the holiday) in fact I have yet to do my X'mas shopping. Tomorrow hopefully (that's what I said yesterday too!) By the way love that pair of boyfriend's jeans.. perfect slouch!

    Hugs and kisses from:
    MRS JACK OF ALL TRADES DAILY
    http://mrsjackofalltradesdaily.blogspot.com/

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  15. Is this your little turquoise chevre beauty? It's lovely, it looks almost like blue jean in this post! And yes the condition is immaculate <3

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  16. Your Birkin is gorgeous. You look so very chic and comfortable too!

    I picked up a Carven shirt in the sales (you know how much I love Carven). It seemed like a nice addition to my uniform of bespoke blouses. I also stocked up on my favorite merino tights:) There's a Narciso sheath dress that my lovely salesperson at Bergdorfs has been holding for me.

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  17. Though headless, I still enjoyed your pictures. Always nice to have a peacoat handy, especially if you wear it with that scarf (cool prints, by the way). And those leopard shoes are just adorable.
    Girlie Blog Seattle | Casual Clothes for Less

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  18. I like your outfit very much. You look so well and effortlessly put together. Happy Holidays, AB

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  19. The headless shots remind me of my outfit of the day posts :P I love your look! The pea coat is my favorite style of coats. xoxo

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  20. A maniacal looking grin sounds fabulous! :P Love the pea coat, I absolutely adore mine, although I do tend to buy a new variation every year, it just works with everything. Anyway love the outfit, your shoes are adorable and your bag is beaufiful!!!!

    http://www.youremyfavouriteflavour.blogspot.co.uk/

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  21. hahaha. i sometimes chop my head off when i don't like my face expression too! love this casual outfit and how you paired it with a birkin!

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  22. Love this look and your boyfriend jeans!! <3
    Want to follow eachother?

    xoxo

    http://glam-mania.blogspot.com/

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  23. Looking stylish as ever lady! It's official, boyfriend jeans go well with everything. Who knew peacoats had a military history, I'm thinking of busting out my hubby's old uniforms to wear. I'll gladly take that birkin off your hands if you need help putting it to good use *hint hint :P

    xx Jenee C.
    {camo meets couture}

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