Sunday, February 13, 2011

The Traveling Coat


The Traveling Coat

I collect coats the way some women collect shoes. Cashmere and capes, camel hair and tweed - keep them far away from me for I need no more. But what a challenging task it can be to resist them. Strangely enough though, given my extensive collection of these garments, whenever I reach for my passport for a wintertime trip, I seem to also, always, reach for the same coat. It's the one I'm wearing in the photograph above, taken at Tintagel, in Cornwall, near Merlin's cave.

It's a near perfect traveling coat - rainproof and windproof, long and black - it has taken me up mountains in the afternoon and out to dinner the same night, without the tiniest sacrifice of comfort or style. I love it. The only problem is, when I look at any photographs taken of my travels, I'm always wearing the same coat. It looks as though I'm on one long interminable journey, instead of several separate ones. Just take a look at the next several photos and you'll see what I mean. These were all unique trips, but they look like the exact same one, all because of that coat. (And yes, I realize my hair stays the same as well, but this post is about coats.)


Edinburgh... love that sign above my head.
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Deep In Thought In A Garden in Aryshire
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Inverlochy Castle Hotel in the Highlands of Scotland
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Coming Through Beatrix Potter's Garden Gate on a Rainy Day in Cumbria
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Sad, isn't it? I have looked for a replacement, believe me. But try as I might, I simply could never find a traveling coat that I liked as much as that one. Then lo and behold, a catalog arrived at my door last week and as I flipped through it over lunch, my eyes fell upon a fabulous coat.
Black - the perfect colour for traveling.
Rainproof - a necessary requirement.
Large pockets - I'm crazy for pockets.
And, a hood! Oh, I do adore a hood.
So yes, I took the plunge and now this new upstart is hanging on my closet door, ready and waiting for its inaugural trip to London next week!
Is it my imagination, or it this an ideal coat for strolling the winter streets of that most magical city?

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42 comments:

  1. ChristineFebruary 11, 2011 at 12:05 AM

    Pamela, I just recently discovered your lovely blog. What an inspiration! I love traveling -- Scotland is definitely at the top of my list. I love Beatrix Potter too!

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  2. MaryFebruary 11, 2011 at 12:35 AM

    I loved it in my Peterman catalog - it should be the perfect coat for London and other places around the world, will look stunning on you! As you head east I'll be going west to San Francisco..................but in May I too will be in the Lake District. Hope to get to Beatrix Potter's home and across the border to Scotland. Yes, I'll pack rain gear!

    Safe travels Pamela - have a fabulous trip.
    Hugs -Mary

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  3. MarianFebruary 11, 2011 at 1:04 AM

    What a wonderful coat Pamela, perfect for the British weather. I spent a summer many years ago in North Cornwall and visited Tintagel often, so it's lovely to see a photo as it brings back fond memories. Hope that you have a great trip.

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  4. SweetpeaFebruary 11, 2011 at 1:14 AM

    I was hoping this post might lead to the ***green velvet*** coat but I suppose this will have to do...
    ;>}
    Have a SPLENDID journey, travel safe!

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  5. AngusFebruary 11, 2011 at 3:55 AM

    Looking at the weather forecasts it may prove to be a very wise investment.

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  6. Purple FlowersFebruary 11, 2011 at 4:22 AM

    A perfectly lovely coat. Oh, if only coats, like shoes could talk about their adventures.
    Enjoy your travels, and looking forward to hearing about them upon your return.

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  7. KateFebruary 11, 2011 at 4:29 AM

    I live about 30 miles south of London and can confirm that given our continual grey skies at the moment you might well be in need of that lovely warm coat! Safe journey over here Pamela, I look forward to photos of you modelling the new coat upon your return home.

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  8. rjerdeeFebruary 11, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    Wonderful coat! Have a great time in London!

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  9. Thistle Cove FarmFebruary 11, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    Oh yeah...when the catalog came, I noticed and loved that coat immediately! It's beautiful and for all the right reasons.

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  10. Jeanne HenriquesFebruary 11, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    Love this post Pamela...shall I look for the gorgeous blonde woman wearing the black coat? I hear you on the coat, shawl, jacket, cape..you name it, I have got it too! It is embarrassing when I open our family closet to see how much space is devoted to my outer garments and I could not part with a single one.

    So, so, so looking forward to our get together next week...we can commiserate over coats and I am sure one more is waiting for you in London :)

    Jeanne xx

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  11. JojoFebruary 11, 2011 at 7:01 AM

    Oh to have a coat that wraps you in coziness, warmth, comfort and beauty! Your coat looks like it has it all.

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  12. Concrete JungleFebruary 11, 2011 at 7:21 AM

    I have one too...ages old but bought in Paris 25 years back...loved the pictures...inspired memories...thank you!

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  13. Half-heard in the StillnessFebruary 11, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    Oh! You'll look smashing on your London trip...hope the weather is kind though! Safe trip and enjoy every moment.

    Hugs Jane

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  14. KimFebruary 11, 2011 at 9:02 AM

    London- how exciting! I hope you have a really super time- what are you going to do while you're here? and as others have said, am umbrella may be advisable (although honestly it hasn't been very wet of late)

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  15. Tess KincaidFebruary 11, 2011 at 9:03 AM

    Lovely pics! My fave is the one in the ivy at Potter's place. The J. Peterman edition is the perfect travel coat!

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  16. Jacqueline @ HOMEFebruary 11, 2011 at 9:09 AM

    Oh Pamela,
    That could have been me writing that first sentence.....I LOVE coats and jackets. I'm not bothered about handbags or shoes ( I do love boots ) but coats....I must not buy another one !!
    I'm pleased to hear that you have found a new one ( which looks wonderful, by the way ) as, it has been raining here in London for the past few days !! Hopefully it will brighten up as I am going to London for a few days with my oldest friend. She is also 60 this month and, we are off to celebrate, London style. I shall look out for you in that wonderful coat ! XXXX

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  17. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2011 at 10:49 AM

    Dear Pamela, Long coat, hood, deep pockets to warm the hands....yes, Pamela absolutely essential wear for dreary, drizzly London. However, the shops are universally overheated so you will need something much more skimpy underneath!!

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  18. "Create Beauty"February 11, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    Oh my, I think we need another coat closet here for mine also... my theory is, if I must go through winter, at least have several fabulous coats!

    So funny.

    I like your new coat : )
    Enjoy your vacation!

    ~ Violet

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  19. JoFebruary 11, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    Surely that lovely sketch is from Peterman.

    Excellent choice...I can totally see you striding through the streets of London in it. Well done!

    Cheery-oh!

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  20. MaroDeFebruary 11, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    Pamela how beautiful your walks! I love the coat, but it also that joyful, dreamy heart that the coat wraps around! I want to hear more about Merlin's cave...

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  21. The Weaver of GrassFebruary 11, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    I do love coats too, particularly long ones. I have a cream cashmere one which is over thirty years old and I still bring it our every year.

    How I wish I lived nearer to London so that we could meet for a coffee when you come.

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  22. GailOFebruary 11, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    A hood is a prerequisite for any coat I own too:) Love your new one!

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  23. skirmishofwitFebruary 11, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    I don't blame you for always wearing the same coat - it's lovely and perfect for traveling!

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  24. Cait O'ConnorFebruary 11, 2011 at 5:47 PM

    Fabulous coat. Will go well with your lovely hair colour too. Have a great time in London!

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  25. AnonymousFebruary 11, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    What a novel idea. A coat, with large and many pockets, a hood, easy care, daytime to nighttime. Really. I'm serious. Do a book. A travelogue of every place the coat took you to - or you took it. I love it - and, of course, I love your marvelous post.

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  26. ArtPropelledFebruary 12, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Looking forward to hearing whether the new coat is really as nice as the old one. Love the photo with the green scarf! Enjoy London...Lucky girl!!

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  27. Everyday GoddessFebruary 12, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    Such beautiful locations, they all have an element of magic to them!

    Is your lovely new traveling coat J.Peterman? I love love love my mailbag inspired satchel that I've had for years that I bought from J.Peterman. That's what I always bring with me.

    Come to think of it, I have lots of pictures of me carrying that bag too, just like you! smiles!

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  28. Tracy Golightly-GarciaFebruary 12, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    Hello Pamela

    London--lucky you!!!!
    Love the coat

    Have a safe trip and a great time!

    Best
    Tracy :)

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  29. TreeFebruary 12, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    xxxxx

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  30. TreeFebruary 12, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    Coats, coats, coats... I agree, they are the best garments ever!

    Once you've found "your" coat, you can focus on the equally important interior journey of travel.

    Hope your new coat has a great maiden voyage!

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  31. TreeFebruary 12, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    xxxx

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  32. CathyFebruary 12, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    Very glad you have found a fabulous replacement coat Pamela. I have a similar problem with mine and I wear one to death and just hope that I can find something very similar to replace it before it falls to threads.

    I hope it won't be too warm for you though. We are experiencing an unexpectedly mild winter at the moment. The temps have been up to 12C. Have a great time anyway.

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  33. betsyFebruary 12, 2011 at 3:08 PM

    I would love to be able to own a long black coat such as yours. I would love to be able to wear anything black, but alas- I live with a beagle.

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  34. La Petite GalleryFebruary 12, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    Wish I could tag along with you. I love coats also. I am ready for a trip. Enough snow.
    yvonne

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  35. 24 CornersFebruary 13, 2011 at 2:25 AM

    Your new coat is beautiful and has a very Victorian air about it. Please do show us a photo (or two) of it and you becoming aquainted...I believe you have found a wonderful new traveling companion!
    Happy travels...
    xo J~

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  36. RowanFebruary 13, 2011 at 6:15 AM

    Enjoy your trip to London, it's looking as though you'll be needing the waterproof aspects of your lovely new coat. Hopefully I shan't be needing a coat at all when I head to South Africa in three weeks time:)

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  37. TheatreKid :)February 13, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    I think it's perfect! :)

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  38. AnonymousFebruary 13, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    That is a lovely coat. Have a great trip.

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  39. AnonymousFebruary 13, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    That is a lovely coat. Have a great trip.

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  40. JayneFebruary 15, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    It's a perfect Travelling Coat - and as such needs to be always described in Capitalised Words. :)

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  41. mrsnesbittFebruary 26, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    You need a good coat for the winter! Yes, my mum's words ring true!
    Nice to meet you.

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  42. Angie MuresanMarch 2, 2011 at 3:47 AM

    That is a gorgeous coat! I hope you wore it well and created some happy memories with it on.

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I love to read your comments! Each and every one! Though I'm always reading your comments, I may not respond in the comment section. If you want to write me directly, you may do so at pamela@pamelaterry.net. Thank you for reading!

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