Dear friends,
A lot has happened here in New Jersey during this past week. I hope this posting finds you and your families safe and warm whether in your own home or someone else's. It's day eight for me with no power, but thankfully family and friends have been more than generous in opening their homes to us (and my dogs). The truth is during this past week clothing/coat options needed to be functional and practical - period! This being said, it seems fitting to talk about what to wear when you need to be warm but want to look cool..
Wool coats (last weeks blog), are sufficiently warm for short outings - getting in or out of cars, buses, and trains, but when it comes to being really warm, down jackets and coats are on the top of my list. Choices are many- you will find every possible color, shape and length. There is no best brand; it really depends on personal preference, style and budget. Lets start with some basic technical info I found on line:
If you want an ultra warm, water resistant winter puffer jacket, look for:
Good insulation: 700-900 fill down is the best insulator, but loses warmth and insulating capabilities when wet and also dries slowly. Another alternative would be synthetic insulation, such as PrimaLoft or Climashield. Synthetics are almost as good as down insulation - and they retain warmth when wet and dry quicker. Either way you go , a down jacket or coat is definitely a great investment and if you take the above factors into consideration, then you'll have a very warm jacket. Here are a few that I love that are both fashionable and functional:
.
A lot has happened here in New Jersey during this past week. I hope this posting finds you and your families safe and warm whether in your own home or someone else's. It's day eight for me with no power, but thankfully family and friends have been more than generous in opening their homes to us (and my dogs). The truth is during this past week clothing/coat options needed to be functional and practical - period! This being said, it seems fitting to talk about what to wear when you need to be warm but want to look cool..
Wool coats (last weeks blog), are sufficiently warm for short outings - getting in or out of cars, buses, and trains, but when it comes to being really warm, down jackets and coats are on the top of my list. Choices are many- you will find every possible color, shape and length. There is no best brand; it really depends on personal preference, style and budget. Lets start with some basic technical info I found on line:
If you want an ultra warm, water resistant winter puffer jacket, look for:
Good insulation: 700-900 fill down is the best insulator, but loses warmth and insulating capabilities when wet and also dries slowly. Another alternative would be synthetic insulation, such as PrimaLoft or Climashield. Synthetics are almost as good as down insulation - and they retain warmth when wet and dry quicker. Either way you go , a down jacket or coat is definitely a great investment and if you take the above factors into consideration, then you'll have a very warm jacket. Here are a few that I love that are both fashionable and functional:
.
Top left going clockwise: Moncler - Genevier coat, $1525.00 available at Barneys, Helmut Lang -Quilted Puffer Coat - $550.00, Barneys, J Crew Down Coat - $248.00, J Crew stores, Burberry Brit Black quilted jacket - $750.00, Saks Fifth Ave, The North Face - Paulette Pea Coat- $349.00, Rainforest : Ruched front coat- $450.00, Saks Fifth Ave, Add- down puffer coat - $570.00 - Saks Fifth Ave
Vests are a great fashionable option as well when the weather is not quite as cold - see below: left to right: Orange quilted vest - J Crew: $110.00, The North Face - Black hybrid down vest: $220.00
Vests are a great fashionable option as well when the weather is not quite as cold - see below: left to right: Orange quilted vest - J Crew: $110.00, The North Face - Black hybrid down vest: $220.00
And finally if price is not an object or you win the lottery - Lillian Parka available at Gorsuch - Leather with down, $4995.00 Just Gorgeous!
Top any of these choices with a beautiful scarf, hat and gloves and you will be stylishly set for the months ahead.
Now some power please...
Stay safe and warm ... Lori
Top any of these choices with a beautiful scarf, hat and gloves and you will be stylishly set for the months ahead.
Now some power please...
Stay safe and warm ... Lori
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