2024 Fashion On The Ration Challenge

PipneyJane

Don’t talk to me about coats! As someone from a hot country, who is almost permanently cold in the UK, I have a collection.  From memory:

• My “good coat”.  A grey, cashmere-wool blend, Dior New Look style great coat, purchased in 1999 or 2000.  Needs to be re-lined and have the buttons replaced.
• My very shabby, old summer coat - microfibre outer with detachable lining, purchased from C&A in Harrow in 2000.
• My new summer coat, purchased last month from Barbour.  Waterproof but not warm.
• A Barbour jacket - not the classic style (this one isn’t waxed, is waterproof, and has a padded lining).  It’s at least 15 years old.
• A black, nylon anorak - purchased in desperation from MrT’s about 7 years ago, when it was tipping down outside.
• A black leather jacket/coat.  Classic, ladies style.  Purchased from Dorothy Perkins in 2005.  Can’t remember when I last wore it.  It desperately needs a clean and to have the buttons re-sewn on. (It stinks of damp and some buttons are hanging on by a thread.)
• Sheepskin-lined, below knee, trench coat from Celtic & Co.  Purchased in winter 2018-2019 for an exorbitant sum.  We’ve barely had a winter’s day cold enough to wear it, since it was purchased.  This is the replacement for the “good coat”.
• A sheepskin jacket with hood, which I wear to the football.  It cost me £12 in a charity shop in Leatherhead in 2004.  I had to replace the zip and get it cleaned.  (IIRC it cost £35 to be cleaned.  The dry cleaner complimented me on zip-replacement skills.)
• 2 Uniqlo black, nylon, puffer coats - the original purchased in 2017 and its replacement when the original got a hole in the arm. (I must dispose of the original.)
• A yellow, high-vis anorak complete with detachable lining, from my days working on a construction site (2007-2011).  This lives in the car.  Last worn when I blew a tyre on the M40 in 2019.

That’s 11 and I’m not including the black, 3-4 length coat my sister left with me when she visited in 2015.  I’m 99% certain that I’ve already donated that one to charity.

- Pip

Gem-gem

Good afternoon everyone, 
I have six coats /jackets:
1. Barbour lightweight showerproof jacket (bought around 2019 - used b.day money and vouchers). (Navy)
2. Hobbs - navy mac - 2013-14
3. Hobbs - grey military style coat - 2005 - bought because it was made in England.
4. North face duvet coat - long - 2011 - come out when temperatures dip below 5 degrees. (Black)
5. North face puffer jacket - bought pre 2010 - it has faded and has a hole in the arm - I use it in the garden. (Black)

6. Barbour padded coat - short length - wear spring / autumn and winter. 2019 (Navy)
I also have two wool ponchos.

Laura_Elsewhere

Oooh, @PipneyJane - after saying we use Fabsil Gold... we're now not! Mr E did some research and found that Nikwax products are far far less polluting and damaging to the environment, with a very good reputation; I always used to use the dubbin on my old hiking boots, but hadn't used their fabric-proofing stuff.
They do one for synthetic fabrics and one specially for cotton and canvas so we're getting the latter- they recommend doing it in the washing-machine or handwash immersion, but my panniers would lose their stiffness if immersed, so we're doing their third option of painting it on. 

We've ordered the stuff so will let you know, once it's done and I've cycled out in the rain a few times, how it works! 

Mrs_Salad_Dodger

I use NikWax to re proof motorcycle gear 🙂

thriftwizard

Sorry, everyone, I may be a bit distracted for a while; everything has gone a bit pear-shaped! Copied over from the Grocery Challenge: Last Saturday OH went for a short run - and didn't come back. Instead he got a free ride in a helicopter - the Air Ambluance - which sadly he has no memory of. For a reason as yet unknown, his heart had stopped; luckily in front of an off-duty paramedic (what a hero!) and beside a defibrillator. For several days he was in Intensive Care and we had very little idea whether he'd make it or not; needless to say the kids (and partners, and his twin brother & nephew) all rushed back to the mothership. Several of them are still here. I have less than no idea what I've spent on food this week... but the good news is that he's out of the ICU and on the Cardiac Care ward, doing amazingly; his fitness has stood him in very good stead.

So the War Effort may have to do without us for a while; he's going to need some new "hospital" clothes - not before time!

Cherryfudge

Oh @thriftwizard, how terrible for you! We will completely understand that you are needed at home, I am sure we can keep the War Effort going till you are able to re-join us.

Now isn't the time to think about food costs and stuff like that. You need to do what you need to do, and spent what you need to spend, and get back on the wagon when you're ready.

May I say, though - well done to your DH for being by the paramedic and defibrillator! I always meant to find out where our local defibrillators are and this has reminded me to look into it further. I do wish him all the very best on his recovery, and you and the family, too. 

Laura_Elsewhere

Oh good god, @thriftwizard - how awful for you!! Sod the war effort for now- and if you run out of coupons we’ll all chip in…
{{{{{hugs}}}}}

PollyWollyDoodle

Crikey @thriftwizard - what a shocker, but glad to hear that Mr T is recovering.  Thank goodness for the NHS and the Air Ambulance.  

MrsCD

Yes, @thriftwizard, sending you lots of hugs. 🤗 He was very fortunate to be in the right place at the right time with the right people to help him. At times like this you just have to do what you can and it will all come together later. OH and getting him put right first is what matters. Look after yourself too. 🤗

PipneyJane

thriftwizard said:

Sorry, everyone, I may be a bit distracted for a while; everything has gone a bit pear-shaped! Copied over from the Grocery Challenge: Last Saturday OH went for a short run - and didn't come back. Instead he got a free ride in a helicopter - the Air Ambluance - which sadly he has no memory of. For a reason as yet unknown, his heart had stopped; luckily in front of an off-duty paramedic (what a hero!) and beside a defibrillator. For several days he was in Intensive Care and we had very little idea whether he'd make it or not; needless to say the kids (and partners, and his twin brother & nephew) all rushed back to the mothership. Several of them are still here. I have less than no idea what I've spent on food this week... but the good news is that he's out of the ICU and on the Cardiac Care ward, doing amazingly; his fitness has stood him in very good stead.

So the War Effort may have to do without us for a while; he's going to need some new "hospital" clothes - not before time!

OMG!  @thriftwizard no need to apologise.  You must be worried sick!  Sit here and I’ll make you a cup of tea.  Also, if you go to that shop (by the hospital), you won’t need to spend clothing coupons.  They get a special supply, just for situations like yours.

Big hugs,

Pip