So who’s excited that it’s finally cold out? All this frigid air means lots of great coats, hats and scarves.
The thing is, I’ve had a spotty past with winter wear. In early college, I scored what I thought was a great deal on a long, gray wool coat that I soon realized made me look like a Joseph Goebbels devotee on my way to a Hitler Youth rally.
And during my ill-advised attempt at a tomboy phase in middle school, I pleaded for a Charlotte Hornets Starter jacket (but, giving away my decidedly non-tomboy personality, it was because of the colors).
I tend to stick with one simple coat over a few seasons, but I’m tempted by these great finds at local stores.
Can we talk about the greatness that is Consortium (9215 N. Penn; 286-4183)? This clothing-and-more boutique opened in a new space in Casady Square in June and looks simply phenomenal — all tall ceilings and exposed brick with chandeliers fashioned out of antlers painted red.
Plus — and this is so cool — Consortium now has its liquor license, meaning you can stop in not just to shop, but to sip on drinks, too.
I am in love with the Belstaff jackets for both men and women there.
The styles of this iconic brand run from cool-guy leather bomber jackets in weathered black or brown to longer wool coats studded with great details like a leather belt, cargo pockets or brushed gunmetal buttons. It’s all very World War I on the Western Front.
For something a bit more glam, check out the absolutely gorgeous Moschino coat done in a gray and cream houndstooth pattern. The coat has tiered ruffles that start at the hip, and it can be ruched higher in the front — pretty enough to be a dress.
At Blue 7 (7518 N. May; 604- 5199), there is a wide range of both men’s and women’s winter wear to choose from, with more coming in each week.
I was drawn to the interesting pea coats that go way beyond the standard hip-length navy (which is, sadly, what I have). From Tulle, I loved a pretty belted, red plaid coat with burnished brass buttons that hit at mid-thigh — like a chic lumberjack (or would that be lumberjane?). Also check out a Jackie O-style wool coat in a short, swingy shape and bracelet-length sleeves in a sunny canary yellow.
Blue 7 also has a great selection of knit hats, mittens and scarves by Tullette and colorful pashminas by Pashmina.
Royce (7314 N. Western; 608- 0148) has a small but cool collection of hats and scarves, with more coming in soon. Check out two unisex scarves — one is a lovely, chunky knit infinity scarf done in a deep gray and the other is a jersey material sporting a vintagestyle OU logo. Pretty cool.
The available hats, by Block Headware, are more stylish than wintery, but the canvas toppers would still keep you covered on cooler nights.
