Keeping warm this winter

Hooray an extra hour of sleep yesterday as the clocks were turned back and very much needed coming off the half term break. While I totally enjoyed the lie in, I dread the aftermath of being plunged into darkness so early in the evenings. Animals have the right idea and hibernate during winter. They gather nuts and food and take refuge in hides and burrows until it’s warm again. We on the other hand, have to brave the weather and envelop ourselves in layers and layers of warm jumpers, cardigans and coats to keep the chill off. But they do say that it is not a matter of being too cold as opposed to not being dressed warmly enough.

On Saturday, I wore two layers, a long sleeve cotton tee and a wool wrap cardigan and I was warm enough given the warm sunny temperatures outside. Yesterday Sunday, was 10 degrees out and I had to throw on a woolly long cardigan as an extra layer.

By now you might have guessed that my favorite winter warmer is wool.  Why? Well it does cost a bit more but it has proven to be effectively warm.  I find that I can wear several layers of thin woollen layers anf feel  warm rather than wearing the big bulky coats that just weight me down.  If it works for sheep, then it can certainly do the same for me.  Mind you some wool can be really itchy which is an absolute turn off unless it is a coat or cardigan that I will be layering up underneath.  So usually I tend to stick to extra fine wool cardigans and jumpers which feel really silky and smooth on the skin and in many cases is machine washable which is a bonus for women on the go and saves on dry cleaning.  But lately I have also come across cape style coats, which I might add is very trendy at the moment, made from boiled wool which is not itchy and definitely worth a try.

Winter Coats that will get you noticed

The mornings are now cold, though it still brightens up in the afternoons these days. But we know that it is officially Autumn and I am already layering up and looking to choose a new winter coat to add to my capsule wardrobe. I want something to keep me warm as well as look fashionable.

Practically I must be able to layer up my coat depending on the temperature and style wise my coat must be able to pull a look together.

Here are some favorites I have my eye on. Vivid reds and vibrant purples have been popular this season on the catwalks and so I have my eye on this Hooded Cape Coat. I like the architectural design and the exaggerated structural shape of this coat and know that I will be able to wear it for years to come.

Another vibrant purple coat is this Long Line Coat below by MARIANNE JAMES. It has a lovely shape with its fitted waist and flare bottom. I especially like the big hooded collar to snuggle up in style.



Now this Rainbow Coat is very Michelle Obama looking and sure to get you noticed when you are out and about even if you are not the first lady. This single breasted, statement wool coat has a full satin lining, and bright contrast binding.


Last on my list so far is this Jazzy Trench Coat. The animal print which is always fashionable certainly appeals to me. May not be the most practical coat when it comes to warmth but I can certainly layer it up with some wool and cashmere sweaters and jumpers.


Did I say last on my last? Well I meant second to last because for me the most versatile coat is a wrap and I know that this alapca wool wrap will go with everything and will certainly keep me warm. What do you think?