Good Coat

I have recently re-acquired a great patience for scouring second hand clothing stores, which is convenient because I have also recently acquired no money. HAHA. I've been doing a lot of shopping at the Goodwill in my neighbourhood over the last year or so, and it has been especially good to me in in the coat department.

With the cold weather here to stay for a while, I thought it would be a good idea to show you a bunch of great coats I've found at this one store. All of these were twenty dollars or less, except that I had a couple of them altered which usually ends up costing more than the coat itself, but is sometimes very much worth it. Good quality coats are a great item to get second hand because, even if the previous owner wore a coat for years, it will likely still be in very good shape because of the superiority of the construction and the fabrics used.

Navy Blue London Fog Trench Coat.
American Apparel Jeans. Hues Nude Fishnets. Aldo Shoes.

This Navy Blue London Fog trench came complete with a removable red plaid wool lining. Out in the sunlight it has a subtle sheen that's really lovely. It's too big but I don't feel like paying to have it altered right now so I've just been wearing it as is. I make this OK by calling it the 'boyfriend' trench. HAHA.

Andrew's Super Fine Virgin Wool and Cashmere Full-Length Winter Coat.

I love this one so much but I still haven't figured out an acceptable method of wearing it while riding my bike, so it barely ever leaves my apartment. I just can't make it work. Sucks. It's so nice. Soft, beautifully lined. It feels good to put my hands in the silky pockets. It is also incredibly warm.

Jones New York Hooded Coat.

I think this is both adorable and sophisticated. It's shiny, much shinier than it looks in this photo, the perfect shape and length, has a super cute and roomy hood, a nice lining and pockets. Very light, suitable for late Spring and early Fall. Basically just keeps the wind out.

London Fog Trench Coat.

Another amazing London Fog trench. It's got all the trimmings - straps and flaps and buttons and a belt. I especially like it worn open like this. I had it altered because it was way too big. I think I paid about sixty dollars for it in total.

Atelier la Pomme Suede Bat-Winged Coat.

This one is not from Goodwill, but I did get it second hand and it deserves to be mentioned. My Mom bought it in the '80s in Montreal for what I'm sure was a great deal of money to her at the time, and she wore it for almost 20 years before giving it to lucky me. It is simply amazing and people compliment me on it every time I wear it. My Momma's a short little thing so I had to have the sleeves altered to really make it work on me. I got some thick stretchy fabric from the fabric store and had a tailor form little cuffs that are sewn inside and jut out from under the sleeves. This added a couple of inches of coverage on my wrists.

I don't know why I look so mad in this photo. It isn't because I don't like you. And next time I will sweep under the rad before I have a photo shoot. HAHA.

The Stockyards

If I worked for Pizza Pizza I'd say something like 'this place is for Meataholics!'

The Stockyards. 699 St. Clair Avenue West, TO

Yup. They serve pretty much nothing but meat.

The Stockyards. It deserves every word that's been written about it and it's about a block and a half from my apartment. I haven't had a single less than perfect experience at this place.

Pictured below you'll see their hugely popular pulled-pork sandwich, and my favorite menu item - their burger. I usually order it with just cheese and add the condiments when I get home so it won't have a chance to get soggy on me. You know the meat is high quality because, unless you specify otherwise, it will be served just slightly pink in the middle.

A few weeks ago I got the burger 'special' and it was by far the best burger I've ever had in my life. I forget what they called it, but it was filled with American cheese that oozed out and got all crispy when they fried it and was topped with a deep fried dill pickle slice.

You heard me.

Pulled Pork Sandwich

Cheeseburger with Fries

 Apologies to my vegetarian buddies. I'll be sure to post some strictly veggie recipes to make up for it.

Social Lubricant

Pretty Little Low-Profile Flask.

I love to go dancing and check out different shows and this pretty flask, given to me as a gift last year, has served me very well (haha - get it?). Perpetually on a tight budget, buying drinks for myself all night isn't really an option. Perpetually uninterested in engaging with most of the men who approach me, accepting free drinks isn't either.

Ballantine's Blended Scotch Whisky.

I usually fill the flask with whisky or tequila. The Ballantine's whisky pictured above provides excellent bang for the buck (I paid about $23 for this 750ml. bottle), but the best part about buying from the liquor store instead of the bar is I can afford higher quality stuff once in a while. On those special occasions I might go for something fancy like Chivas Regal or Patron Tequila.

A warning: Bringing your own booze into a club isn't actually allowed, obviously, so you'll have to sneak it in. In case you need some inspiration, I'll mention that last week I saw a lady in the bathroom at a major concert in a well-controlled venue pull an entire bottle of whisky out of her boot! Take some time to casually arrange the contents of your purse or pockets to disguise the flask, and be cool upon entrance. Whether or not you can get away with holding and drinking from it right on the dance floor is up for situational analysis. If no, sneak sips somewhere in the shadows.

Oh - and don't blame me if they catch you.

A song to bring out your inner bad ass: http://www.youtube.com/user/rebecca35115?feature=mhum#p/c/7888AC50B447F721/80/YFbLRZCExBk