Hello everyone
There will be more about this at the end of the month but today (Monday 29th March) some of the severe restrictions we’ve been living under since Christmas are being removed, and we can now visit other people and sit in their gardens – three cheers to that!
I know some people have been meeting one other person outside their household for walks (the only physical contact allowed and no sitting down on that walk either) but I’ve been very careful and done none of that. Our only contact with other people has been through Zoom, WhatsApp and FaceTime, or ‘the walk’ where we pass people by. Even with ‘the walk’ I have stuck to my local area and walked only on the seafront, which people, you might have gathered is a bracing experience that I love, but what is needed is always a good coat. And by good I mean warm!
Just as well that I love coats and have lots to choose from. And yet there’s not many in my collection that can withstand those cool to cold sea breezes, while others are just not appropriate for a casual stroll along the prom. So out of the many coats I possess it’s been the faux fur, which is the best for the coldest of cold weather, and then one or other of two coats; the red puffa (TKMaxx sale) and the long dark grey charity shop coat bought last year. The new mustard furry jacket (from Mango) that I featured a few weeks ago looks lovely but is disappointingly not as warm as it looks. But as it warms up (only slightly but more so this Tuesday and Wednesday when we’ll be getting some real heat) I have been wearing the yellow £5 jacket that you saw last week, and my word, that has earned its keep over and over, I’d say!
So people, I am always on the lookout for more coats! And cut to the chase here’s my latest buy! A checked wool coat with a lining, and oh my word, it’s as warm as the faux fur.
What’s more, note the buttons that go all the way to the bottom of the coat. I have come to loathe the coats that flap open in the wind – they’re too darn cold. This is going to be a warm winter coat – huzzah!
Here’s the thing though, it’s bought new from Hush (which is very ethical) but I dithered madly because, people, it cost what I think is a fortune! I like to pay not much more than £10 for a coat (Hand goes to mouth and I’m whispering, add another nought! Mind you, this was actually a very, very big reduction) And yet, despite the expense, as soon as I tried it on I loved it. I shall wear it and wear it. And I don’t know why I feel so guilty, because, you know, I don’t think in my entire lifetime I ever bought a coat that was new. I’ve always bought in sales or from charity shops, because I could never justify the expense.
The thing for me about my love of coats is that living in a town we don’t use the car all that much, so when things begin to get more normal and we can get out and about as we did before we don’t use the car, we use public transport so all outer wear has to withstand the cold winds whilst queueing for a bus, or the fresh breeze inside the bus as all windows are open, or standing on a platform waiting for the train. So this coat aces it!
To make room for this coat I have got rid of two of my most recent charity shop buys; the long grey coat, and the black and white check one, as both coats flap open to the waist when the wind gets going.
Now, that could be the end of the post, but I have something to say about the reduction of the lockdown rules and regs in England. Hey, we’ll be meeting more people – carefully, of course – but this is what I think I shall start doing. I have been wearing ‘comfortable’ clothes with elasticated waists and stretchy mom jeans for nigh on a year now. Btw, the six pounds I’ve put on since the beginning of 2020 has not shifted but I’m pleased to say my waist has improved with Pilates, and I’m actually developing a 6-pack from the emphasis the twice-weekly classes put on our core. So, the thing is I shall now dress up a bit more. I think that merits another three cheers!
Here’s one of the charity shop skirts I shall wear when I start seeing people.
And while it remains a bit chilly, I shall wear the coat over it with maybe a hat.
Yay – that’s more like it!
That’s all for now, but take care all you readers across the channel, I’m so very sorry your numbers are rising. Everyone, be safe and well.
With love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
Hello Penny, opening today’s post from you has brightened my day! That’s a fabulous coat, warm, practical and stylish! Don’t feel guilty about the cost if it’s your perfect cold weather coat. You’ll wear it for years and even over two years it will have cost you less than £1 a week from your pension, or you could mentally apportion part of your winter fuel allowance. Just hang on to your lovely hat, though, in those brisk Brighton winds! As for meeting up with others, I’ve been like you, though my walk is around our countryside village. Initially I’m looking forward to seeing one friend at a time for an outdoor, socially distanced coffee, especially now we’ve all had one, soon to be two, covax shots. That will be the best start to another new normal. Best wishes, Jane.
Thank you Jane, I agree, I shall wear and wear the coat and it’ll easily earn its keep. And, as long as there’s no wind I can now wear the bigger hats out and about!
So glad to hear you’re about to have your second vaccine. Same for us – it’ll be near the end of April for us to have our 2nd vax but that’s fine – happy with that. Best wishes to you too 🙂
I’m glad you snapped it up Penny because it really suits you. I’m not sure about the shacket style suiting me, so will have a try on when we can! Thanks for sharing yours though. x Jacqui
I know me too, with regard to whether a shacket would suit, but it was the buttons down to nearly the hem that sold it to me on the website and it looked even better when I got it. Also it’s so warm – just what is needed for a walk on the seafront. Thank you Jacqui – have a great week 🙂
Yes, the UK is doing good from where I stand! That is a lovely coat but what about that skirt! Love that one! Enjoy your walks!
Numbers are coming down, but who knows what it’ll be like when we open up a bit. More people are vaccinated so that helps but we’ll see. Thank goodness the weather is improving so we can sit outside with family and friends.
I’m looking forward to wearing that kind of skirt once more – take care and have a lovely week 🙂
I love that blue plaid coat! If it eases your conscience about the purchase of something new, I would say you’re entitled by way of your positive influence on the world. Since I started following your blog (after 60 years of nothing but new coats), I’ve not bought a single new coat. I have three gently used coats mostly purchased off ebay because I live in such a rural area. I totally credit you with this change in buying habits!
Hi Arlene and thank you for your kind words – very glad to have influenced you as mostly one can often find really amazing second-hand/pre-loved items.
I have decided not to buy any more new clothes through April and May but I am looking forward to the charity shops opening once more – it will be lovely to have a rummage through their racks 🙂
Thanks again 🙂
Morning, Penny!
Love your first get-up with the new coat. It rocks! Don’t you/we just love a bargain!
Apropos of last week’s post: I’m sorry I missed saying thank you for the info on veneers. It was stuff I certainly didn’t know, so much appreciated. Incidentally – ha, no pun intended – I mentioned you and your veneers to my own dentist you and he said that the best veneer dentist he’s ever known practises in Brighton. “He’s brilliant!” Maybe he’s your man as he’s so confident about his work? I certainly hope so!
Have a good week and enjoy being let out!
Z x
Hi Zepherine, yes, the coat was a bargain as it was reduced from £165. I shall look at Hush again when it has another sale, but for the moment I am resolved not to buy new for two months. Mind you when the charity shops open – I shall be there!
And glad to be of service! Will let you know how the two veneers go – having a wax mould done first in a couple of weeks.
Thanks and you have a good week too 🙂
Good for you Penny! I love the coat and if somethings looks this good and serves a purpose than why not. One might as well look one’s best even when just out taking a walk, advice I ought to to take myself. I kind of did a similar thing. not really a complete impulse buy but a purchase I did not intend to make. Like many I have a kind of list of items I want to add to my wardrobe, usually replacements for things I may already own which are getting shabby or items I have already discarded. for me it has been a new pair of comfortable black boots, a nice raincoat and Summer shoes. I have been looking for a pair of tan shoes, not flat, not too much foot exposure, etc. Anyway, when I went to get my second vaccine last Thursday at the appointed time only to find they were on a hour lunch break. I could have just waited there but there is a discount shoe store just down the street, so why not browse? Of course as soon as I walked in there were the very shoes I had been looking for. so meant to be, right. naturally I bought them. when I got back to the clinic there was a bit of a line but it went quickly.
Speaking of the vaccine my family is on it’s way to getting the shots but have decided not to get together for Easter, possibly doing something a bit later in the season. hopefully this will be possible. I hope you enjoy the increased freedoms. I was thrilled this week when the local library started allowing in person visits again. Enjoy your walks Penny.
Darby
Well I think the thing is a walk was all that we have done outside for months, and really the most important thing is to keep warm and then it’s also great to look good, and this coat does both. I’m really happy with it and the guilt has dissipated!
I still think despite the vaccines getting around both US and the UK that it’s early days. Our government is saying even if you’ve had 2 vaccines do not hug your grandchildren – that’s hard, but nevertheless, good advice.
Ah yes, libraries, museums, theatres, art galleries, cinemas, after hugging children and grandchildren, those are the things that make the world go round for me! Personally think it’ll be 2022 before we get back any real normality. However, you’re right freedoms are increasing and it’s going to be so nice to sit and talk with family and friends. Onwards and upwards – it’s a walk towards the light 🙂
Take care and stay safe 🙂
Hi Penny, the coat looks warm and cosy, and closes right the way down! That in itself adds value. What is more, if it can be worn successfully with skirts it’s a definite keeper! I’m amazed these days at how many coats don’t go with skirts, and I like to wear skirts too. Actually I have to say, your blue skirt is my favourite. Is that a charity shop find? Lovely💕 Re the coat cost, if it is what you want, it is worth it. Do you remember the ‘cost per wear’ idea from a book called Cheap Chic? I used to love that book, and it justified many a purchase 😉 Enjoy the sunshine, and the new freedoms. Take care, Trish S
I shall have to google that book and yes, I think the coat is really justified as it was something I simply fell in love with as soon as I put it on, and what’s more it’s warm, and it buttons right down to nearly the hem, that is such an important thing for coats. Honestly the ones that blow open all the time are just so exasperating – they’re back in the charity shop bag!
I shall enjoy the sunshine over the next couple of days, they’re going to be really nice and warm.
Thanks and you take care too, Trish 🙂
Luv the coat, no matter the cost. I think u can justify it by your charity shop “scores” over time. And, in the scheme of things in today’s world, does it really need to b justified. Rest easy. U made a great choice! It will go with so much. Luv it with the longer skirt too! Congrats England, for your covax plan. We r experiencing spikes in certain areas, which is alarming as well as disheartening. My DH and I have received both shots, but r still abiding by previous restrictions. The governor of our state (and local infomercials) say, “when it all comes down to it, just wear the damn mask!” Cheers!
Claire J
Good for the governor of your state. Here in the UK we’re being warned to stay safe and not go overboard with this recent relaxation of rules, but it will be lovely to sit in a garden and talk face-to-face with family and see friends as well, but always being careful.
And that coat, I love it and it’s still useable as we are going to have a couple of days of warm weather and then it’s back to the cold just in time for Easter!
Take care 🙂
Your new coat is a wonderful shade of blue, just what I shall be looking for for next winter. I find it hard to spend a lot on any one item too but you have to think about the cost per wear as someone else said. My Gabor boots were new and expensive – for me – but I’ve never regretted buying them. They’ve had new soles and heels, I can’t remember how long I’ve had them. There’s a bit of cracking on one toe, despite much polishing. I don’t suppose I’ll find another pair like them – they are ‘cossack’ style which is great for my short legs. I’m about to start on my spring sort-out, I have so many clothes! I’ve been thinking about a dress which I gave away as seeing it on e-bay reminded me of how much I liked it. I may even buy it again at the right price! Teeth are so important, aren’t they? I had 4 front crowns over 17 years ago – what a difference not having to be conscious of my ugly teeth. I wish I’d done it sooner but did not know what was possible or affordable. Cosmetic dentistry has come on such a lot, it can give you so much confidence that it’s worth the cost if you can possibly afford it. I have a horror of ugly brown teeth !
Thanks Lynda – I think the cost per wear ratio will work out well as I really love the coat and it is so practical. Your boots sound so good – hope they last!
Yes, like you I shall be getting down my Spring/Summer clothes. I always get quite excited at the prospect but think the cooler weather we’re getting will temper my enthusiasm in getting out too many lightweight clothes but I can definitely put away some thick woolly items.
Teeth – they’re so expensive aren’t they, but I absolutely have to do something about my front teeth – so will definitely get two veneers done, will see if that’s sufficient.
Thanks again and have a good rest of the week 🙂
Your new coat really suits you!
Thank you so much Lise!
Oh yes, coats that flap at the bottom are a total pain. I love your new coat; you’ll get your money’s worth I’m sure. It also looks like it would look fabulous worn open as well with the buttons done up. Well done on your six pack and waist – I can see a waist there for sure. Sadly, I lost my waist a long time ago and I doubt I’ll ever get it back…
xxx
You’d be surprised what Pilates does, it’s taken several years but the waist is definitely better for it!
I think you’re right about the coat as I shall wear it and wear it, maybe even today as I can see it’s quite windy.
Have a lovely Easter xxx
Hello Penny , your new coat really suits you and it does look so warm and practical. In my book coats are always worth the cost as they never really date and last forever.
Your skirt really caught my eye , its fabulous . I can see you wearing it on your gallery visits down the track.
I do so hope people are still cautious as things open in the UK . All the best.
I love that coat and will wear it lots! Actually Jill that skirt is on back-to-front, deliberately, as the front has many folds and when I put it on it made me look like a kangaroo with a full pouch!!! The back was much better and straighter but on looking closely at the photo I think it is very like a back-kick pleat. May try it the other way round next time!
Oh gosh , I too, do hope this relaxation goes well.
All the best to you Jill, have a lovely Easter 🙂
Afternoon Penny,
Congratulations on your new coat which works well open and closed, with bright contrast colours and with the black outfit and with both hats. I read somewhere that if we wear an item 30 times it’s a good investment – I’m sure you’ll get far more than that. Anyway, clothes aren’t just investments, are they? They’re for pleasure too, surely. I reckon your coat will score on both.
Enjoy the sunshine, Mary
Hi Mary, I too think that the new coat will work well and earn its keep as I shall wear it so many times during cold weather – it might even be worn this Spring as the weather is never that warm until late June.
I will enjoy the sunshine – have a lovely Easter 🙂
What a great coat: I am glad you found something that will work for the cold. Love it with the skirt. I hope you get to enjoy some time with friends.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks Mireille, it really is a super coat and the buttons down to the hem are just the thing to wear in a cold wind, of which we get plenty!
I am so looking forward to a more normal life – thanks again 🙂
Glad to hear you’re getting a little more freedom as far as moving out and about in the world a bit. I DO things, but mostly by myself, and mostly outdoors where I can keep a healthy distance from people (which I like to do anyway).
Love your new blue plaid coat? I am a new coat-lover convert. I always just had One Coat (for sixing and budget reasons) and cuz I had the dog and we went everywhere, it had to be Dog Walking Suitable…which is not exactly high fashion.
But for the first time in my LIFE I have a nice small collection of coats and jackets and it’s been such fun to switch them out with different outfits…and I’m coveting more more more!
Stay safe!
Bettye
Oh yes, indeed, having a small collection of coats and jackets is a great for mixing and matching ones wardrobe.
I have to say I’m a little anxious about the relaxation of the current rules and will be very careful.
You stay safe too 🙂
Wonderful coat – like a long shacket. Don’t feel guilty about buying it, you offset the cost by using public transport and walking a lot. You need a good coat that buttons up and this is it! That black skirt and hat outfit has me drooling, I would wear it in a heartbeat. Well maybe not the hat because they don’t suit me, although I love them on everyone else. Have a happy Easter! xx
It is a wonderful coat and so practical too – I think it will earn its keep. A coat that buttons down to nearly the hem is such a bonus.
Happy Easter to you too xx