That would have to be Paddington…you know, the adorable bear who is enamored with marmalade. He captured my heart before I could even walk:) I grew up reading his books.

When the movie came out, I didn’t care that it was slated for children; I lined up right along with them. And I found that all ages were filing in to see this bear pull all kinds of loveable mischief in London. Later when I spied a coat and hat similar to his, I couldn’t pass them up.

The pea coat style, à la Paddington, is big this season and wearing one makes the cold weather not seem so cold. Mine is by Larry Levine. I got the last one at Nordstrom, but this company is known for their variety of high-quality, beautiful creations.

And my Bow Wool hat came from Nordstrom as well.

Since this is Travel Thursday, I can’t end without commenting on London, Paddington’s adopted home. I’ve visited a number of times and lived in the heart of town one summer semester. Everything about that city excites me—the restaurants in Leicester Square, the shops in Sloane Square, the clubs tucked away here and there. All of the locals seem to move at a rapid pace rushing off to important meetings. What I love most is to just sit and let the craziness whirl around me as I take in the beautiful sights.