Sara CornellIt’s freezing cold and the wind is howling. I want to stay hunkered down in bed, but the dog has other plans, and stares pleadingly at me, her muzzle nudging me to get up and take her out. I bundle up in a puffy Patagonia jacket and head out into the Arctic air.
I end up wearing the same puffy jacket most of the day. Its pockets contain my keys and sunglasses, a stash of poop bags (which come in handy when cleaning trash out of the car) loose change, the business card of that person with whom I need to follow-up, my grocery and To Do list… I want to dress up, look polished and professional, wear the lovely things hanging my my various closets, but the functionality of my dog walking coat tells the real story.
I love a good fur coat as much as the next person, but the reality of day-to-day life tends to preclude the practical use of fur…not to mention the morals and ethics behind the origin of said coat. When the mercury drops I reach for faux. It moves better than the real thing, and keeps me just as warm without having to think about extra details. Staying toasty in a tough New England winter is hard enough…why worry about messing or crushing an expensive garment when you can toss your faux in the spin cycle if things get jiggy with your morning latte.
More than once in my life I have been accused of worshipping a false idol. I am the type that is easily distracted by bright shiny objects; the grand facade that masks a house of cards… the beautiful creature who is nothing more than a mannequin for an empty suit… the well lit gem that’s really just zirconia… Maybe that’s why I ooh and ahh over a luscious full length fur, swaddle myself in the luxury of the pelt, then wear a GoreTex puffer jacket when the temperature calls foul. I have visions of Lara or Anna but my B-roll is more Hanna Horvath.
If you’re in the market for a coat and fur isn’t in your budget and faux is just too faux, don’t underestimate the power and practicality of a good wool or wool blend topper. Especially if you live in one of those states where it’s only really warm 8 weeks out of the year. Just because it’s dark outside doesn’t mean your coat has to match. Lighten your mood and your look with a pastel or cool hued wrap.
If you put enough mental energy into it, not only can you chase away the winter chill, but you can summon visions of blossoms and springtime to keep you warm on your morning trek – to the office or to the dog park…
And about that fur… well, like they say… if you’ve got it, flaunt it. There’s nothing like a little vintage Oscar de la Renta to make you bloom from head to toe.
