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

#aBroraForLife

One of the first items I bought from Brora many years ago,
a thick cashmere stole in a delicious frosty plum shade.

 It's been so cold and grey here this last month that I've been very happy to tuck in at home whenever possible, with good comfort foods, nice glasses of wine and chamomile tea, and lots of Brora to keep me warm.
So what better time to celebrate the #aBroraForLife campaign?  It doesn't take me long to come up with a long list of Brora treasures that fit perfectly into my wardrobe year after year, as reliable and comforting as old friends.

Love this Brora tweed coat with these Brora cashmere gloves in a fair isle.
Paired with a Drake's scarf.

Brora stoles are so gorgeous, in wool and cashmere and the most beautiful patterns.
Love the tassels on this one too.
That's a JCrew bracelet that matches it so well.

This green crewneck sweater! Or jumper I should say.
It's one of my favourites, year after year, with skirts or just jeans and boots for hiking.

Brora blues are legendary.
This turquoise scarf has had plenty of wear.
I like it with olive green.

 Some of the workhorses of my wardrobe are the Brora cropped cashmere cardigans.  I have several I have collected over the years, it's amazing how they last and last.  I wear them and my daughters wear them too.  I swear they get softer with washing and age:

A medium dusty blue with a Brora silk dress.
I bought this dress at the lovely Brora shop in Edinburgh.

A navy cardigan is a must.  I wear mine with so many things.
This cotton Liberty of London print dress is just one of them.

This shade of pink!
It makes me think of sunshine and prosecco on a terrace somewhere.

 I have a soft spot for Brora fair isle patterns, I just adore them.  When I visited the Brora mill in 2014 I took particular interest in the machines that did the fair isle knitting, I found them fascinating.
 Fair isle is a classic that never goes out of style.

My most favourite fall cardigan in a fair isle pattern with a Brora cashmere plaid stole.

 The outfit that I wear pretty much every day all winter long:

Brora cashmere beret, jacket and wrist warmers all in lovely fair isle.

I layer these cashmere pieces over basic black and under my winter coats to brighten the dull grey weight of winter. They cheer me up with their colours and they get me outside with their warmth.

How about you?  Do you have any #aBroraForLife pieces you'd like to share?  Any special favourites?  Any items that cheer you up and get you out into winter?  Keep an eye on the Brora Blog for special events and a competition that will reward a lucky Brora fan.
xxDani