Darwin: On the origin of shearling

Jacket: TU at Sainsbury's / Jumper: Zara / Blouse: H&M / Jeans: H&M / Boots: Old
Bag: Ebay / Scarf: Aquascutum / Earrings and necklace: Tudorshoppe on Etsy

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When it is cold outside and you have to bicycle to get anywhere, it so tempting to go for the cozy and forget about the classy. So if there is one wardrobe 'area' that Kate has been a real inspiration for me, it definitely is my casual winter wardrobe. This mainly means that I welcomed some great (faux) shearling jackets as additions to my cozy AND classy wardrobe.  But this sounds much easier than it actually was....

It has been a bit of a thing for me really, the quest for that perfect L.K. Bennett Darwin jacket replikate. The trouble is that real shearling often is way too pricey, and that faux-shearling often is, well, way too ' faux'.... either looking or feeling very cheap. I have been searching for my Darwin replikate for more than a year before I found the right one.

The end of my quest finally came a few months ago in the form of a chocolate brown faux shearling jacket from TU at Sainsbury's (a UK supermarket chain). It originally cost £60, but I managed to snap it up for only 

£15 on Ebay UK. The original jacket actually had two hook-and-eye fastenings, but I had those replaced for two large brown buttons. It also ran rather large, so I had it taken in at the waist, which also gave it a bit more fitted look, similar to the original Darwin jacket. 

On the outside the jacket is made of a dark brown faux suede of 100% polyester. The entire jacket is lined with a faux fur made of 68% acrylic and 32% polyester that doesn't look cheap (always my main concern with faux fur!). The hairs on the cuffs and the oversized collar are considerably longer than the lining, which gives the jacket the same cozy and warm look that I love so much about the original Darwin jacket.

If you would like to get the same jacket, it is unfortunately no longer available at Sainsbury's, but it is regularly listed on Ebay UK! With this jacket you can easily dress up (with a pair of brown suede high heeled boots) or dress down (with a pair of wellies), so you can't go wrong, really!

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