A Gift Camel
Hip-hip-hurrah! It’s the last day of winter! Officially, at least – I’m sure dear old Melbourne will throw us a few curve balls still. But we can sniff spring in the air – there have been a few practically balmy days already.
This camel wool coat has been my mainstay for most of this winter. It’s quite long, and very warm and cosy. It’s also a little big, so there’s plenty of room underneath for fat jumpers. (I hate feeling like a polar bear, stuffed into a too-small coat when one wears a heavy knit underneath.)
The Journey
Earlier in the year, a camel coat had been on my wishlist for a while, and I had been scouring the world for a new winter coat. I saw many lovely ones on Etsy – all kinds. I have a particular fondness for plaid and blanket-like fabric. However, the truth be told, I do not at all need yet another coat, so I balked at paying several hundred dollars plus another fifty on top for postage.
And then one day I came across this vintage coat in a thrift store for the beautiful sum of $30. Admittedly the coat was a size or two too large, with which, upon enquiry, another older lady shopping in the store reluctantly agreed. She also agreed that it was a lovely coat, and I decided to buy it. It was exactly the shade of honey camel I had had in mind. The only thing it lacked was a belt tie, but budget shoppers can’t look a gift camel in the mouth.
… budget shoppers can’t look a gift camel in the mouth.
Later, I showed my three sisters, and they all admired it. One of them, Blossom, has been a seamstress since her teens, and she advised me that I wouldn’t even need to move the buttons over too much. In the end, I was too lazy and too eager to make such alterations, and have worn it as is – oversize is still in right?
A Holy Grail Garment
Recently my sister Star texted me to say she had found a wool and cashmere Italian coat in an op shop; it was only $20, and very fine quality, but the only problem was that it was brown, and she didn’t think brown suited her. “What kind of brown?” I demanded. She sent me a photo of herself in a change room. It was my Holy Grail camel coat with a belt tie! (Except it was only knee-length.) “BUY IT. BUY IT IMMEDIATELY!” I commanded her in capital letters. She obeyed.
A camel winter coat is a classic item, and will never go out of style, and the colour is a neutral – it will go with anything. And if you fear, as my sister did, that the colour does not suit your complexion, wear another flattering colour near your face, and a strong red lip. You will always look great.
That is my final word on the matter … except: GOODBYE WINTER!
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Want to get a head start for next winter? Or maybe you live in the north, and WINTER IS COMING? For lots more inspiration, head here.
Photo: Yesterday
