Sunday, March 4, 2018

Brora and Lochcarron of Scotland

Brora Wool and Mohair Coat
Fabric from Lochcarron of Scotland
Hermes Giverny scarf
 I have an older Brora coat in a wool and mohair boucle fabric that is super warm on even the coldest days.
So when I saw this gorgeous blue coat in the same fabric, with a matching skirt, I knew it was just the  winter outfit I would wear on repeat for many years.
The Liberty cotton lining is absolutely exquisite, and the perfect compliment to the blue tones.  And the coral piping on the interior is an inspired choice!
Interior pocket with piping detail.
 I've already worn this outfit twice, it is super comfortable and easy to wear, popped over a simple merino crewneck in black with black boots.
 The interior tag states that the fabric is a wool and mohair blend from Lochcarron of Scotland.  This surprised me because I know Lochcarron as a producer of tartan fabrics, so this particular fabric must have been ordered specially for Brora.

Have you heard of Lochcarron?  If you have some Scottish ancestry (or even if you don't!) this is the place to source your perfect tartan skirt for holidays (you can have one made full-length) or for everyday wear (they'll make up a simple straight skirt for you out of your choice of tartan as well).

This is something I've been thinking of doing for years.  My grandfather was from Scotland, born in Edinburgh he immigrated to Canada at age twelve.  He was a Grant, and when I was a kid he had kilts made up for me in his clan tartan.  Through Lochcarron I could order a kilt or a skirt in Grant Ancient, Grant Modern or Grant Weathered.
You can check out their Ladies Tartan Hostess Skirt, and the various available tartans, here.

Back to the Brora coat and skirt and my love affair with it:

 You can see this skirt is quite long at a below the knee length.  This is particularly good for extra chilly days, and the a-line shape makes it really easy for walking.  I went on a huge long walk with my friend Berna on Friday wearing this outfit.  The weather was cold and windy but I was kept toasty warm by the wool and mohair fabric.
 I love the very subtle colour block detail at the hem:
 I have a couple of scarves that suit this blue fabric, the Giverny shown above and this really vivid scarf in blue and violet shades:
Hermes scarf whose name I cannot remember.
 Without the coat:
I think I'll wear this coat and skirt again today!
Enjoy your Sunday Tooties, are you doing anything fun?  I'll definitely be watching the Oscars later on today, with some sparkling wine and snacks.  How about you?
xoxDani