I do not know where you live but by me the thermometer has taken a dive and the days of wearing short sleeves and open toe shoes are most likely over until spring. It is time to start thinking about winter coats and there are so many great ones to choose from. I personally have more than one coat, a casual yet very warm jacket as well as a thinner, wool coat that can be worn when temperatures are not too cold. My wool coat is in need of a replacement and I think I have narrowed down my next purchase to a Duffel Coat with toggles.

A Duffel Coat ( also  spelled DuffLE ) is made from duffle, a coarse, thick, woollen material. The name is derived from a town called Duffel located in Belgium where the material originates from. This style coat was popularized by the British Royal Navy who issued these coats in a camel color to its soldiers during WWI. The coat was modified slightly and reissued again during WWII. Large stocks of surplus material made these style coats readily available at a inexpensive price to the general public and in the 1950s and ’60s these were a very popular style of coat.

Besides the material used to make these coats, there are a few other features that make these coats recognizable. One the the most obvious is four front wooden or “walrus teeth” fastenings with four rope or leather loops to attach them to. Lesser obvious features are two large outside pockets with covering flaps and a hood with buttonable neck strap. One of the most famous iconic characters who wore a Duffel Coat is Paddington Bear.

Click Here To Buy Rag & Bone Classic Duffle Coat

The Rag & Bone Classic Duffle Coat very close to a classic Duffle Coat. It is a double breasted wool coat with 4 toggle closure and a snap strap hood. Modern updates for this coat include: a quilted lining, welt pockets at the bust and patch hip pockets, and leather trim at pockets and toggles. This coat is a great everyday coat to wear and is classic in style making this a good investment to take you from one year to the next.

Click Here To Buy A.L.C. Hooded Duffel Coat

The ALC Hooded Duffel Coat as seen worn recently by Gwen Stefani is a updated modern take on the Classic Duffle coat. This coat has a shearling line and exposed zipper at the removable hood, fold-over collar, and storm flaps at the front. Instead of a classic four toggle closure, this has a hidden zipper closure and 3 toggles at the top of the coat. This coat also has flap pockets and welt pockets at the hip area. The coat is a bit longer (52″ long) than most other Duffle Coats as well. This is a great coat to wear for cold and windy days.

Click Here for Burberry Brit Toggle Front Duffle Coat

Available in both black and in grey, the Burberry Brit Toggle Front Duffle Coat is a very classic Duffel coat and will never go out of style. 3/4 length sleeves, 4 toggle closure, and flap patch pockets are very classic Duffle. The coat has the signature Burberry plaid pattern lining the hood. Of all of the Duffle coats I have seen this year, this is my favorite.

No matter if you are looking for a traditional, classic Duffle coat one with modern elementsw, there are plenty to choose from. If you are tired of buying a trendy jacket year after year then consider a Duffel Coat that will never go out of style.

Nothing says Boho Chic more than macrame does.

The A.L.C. Macrame Long Dress, featured in the June 2011 edition of Lucky Magazine, is a great dress to wear this summer. It is light and airy, perfect for hot summer days and nights, as well as fashionable and on trend. A long accordion pleated dress with unfinished edges at the hem allow this dress to flow freely and is not at all tight and uncomfortable to wear on a hot day. The unfinished edges give this dress a natural bohemian feel to it. The bodice of the dress is a scoop neck halter open macrame with distressed metal beads woven into the macrame. Between the bodice and the dress is an elastic banding that is ruched creating not only shape for the dress but creates another texture. At the back of the dress there are spaghetti straps and a tie at the neck so the dress will remain secure. Everything about this dress is natural and not at all formal feeling at all.

For more information about this dress please click the link or picture below.

A.L.C. Macrame Long Dress

Since the top of this dress is so detailed you will want to wear simple earrings and perhaps a bracelet or two. Do not go heavy with your jewelry. In terms of footwear a sandal like the model is wearing will look great. If you want a shoe with some height stick with a simple nude heel or wedge.

Recently singer/designer Gwen Stefani was seen wearing the A.L.C. Luca Maxi Skirt while in Cannes with her family. This 100% Silk maxi skirt is feminine and romantic, two of the hottest Summer 2011 trends. The skirt has an abstract watercolor  floral print over large portions of it but is not too busy and distracting at all. An asymmetrical hem allows the skirt to flow freely and billows nicely with every step.  This skirt can be worn with a simple solid top or with a slightly detailed one like in the model below. The skirt looks great as it but you can always add a belt if you prefer. Since the skirt is so long, there is a chance that your shoes will not be seen, especially if you are petite. You can wear sandals, wedges, or heels with the skirt  and there are so many colors from the skirt you can pick up from and carry to your shoes.

Please click on the links and pics to buy or for more information and pictures

A.L.C. Luca Maxi Skirt

If you want to dress like Gwen and wear the A.L.C. Luca Maxi Skirt with the matching tank top click the link  for more details.   A.L.C. ‘Karla’ Printed Silk Tank