I seem to be a bit of a forum hog this week. But you see, while browsing the Zara site, this Zara jacket jumped out at me, and Karymk's enthusiasm was catching.

So I ordered it.

I would like to hear your opinions so I'm not going to say anything.

Also up for review, a quilted vest. This is for the mountain trip. I already own a Land's End down vest (which would be a lot warmer, I suspect -- but also less fashionable -- you can see it here.)

I tried this one on in the Toronto store a few months ago and kept thinking about it, so here it is. There's a hood in that collar. The blue raincoat fits overtop (giving me double hoods -- not sure that's terribly useful, but oh well.) I can layer sweaters, jackets, etc. underneath -- the fit is roomy enough.

UPDATE:

I got cold feet and sent the LOT back -- including the vest. The vest I feared would not provide real warmth (and it is quite heavy due to hardware-- so not the best travelling item). And the jacket really did feel "Peptol Bismol" to me -- it's a shame, because IRL it is just a fraction "off" for me, and as an outer layer vs. an inner layer I just don't want to keep it. Not at that price. (The J. Crew tee is also imperfect -- in the "too strong/ too neon" direction vs. too warm/ flat ...but it's mostly worn under a topper and in summer -- when my skin will have more warmth -- so I was more willing to compromise there.)

But I LOVED the style and hope Zara will reproduce in a different colour -- sometimes they do that, with small variations.

I also sent back the North Face raincoat from the other day. It is really good...but....not inexpensive. And I still have a waterproof rain jacket that I can use for now in the mountains. True, it's more obviously gear and it's less versatile. But it's actually more practical for hiking, even if I don't care for the colour (a hot pink that -- once again! -- isn't "my" pink, but is "passable.")

Meanwhile, I can look for another at my destination, where gear stores are thicker than spruce needles on the ground.

I have decided to shop for:

• Waterproof rain coat (if needed)
• Swimsuit
• Indoor running shoes
• Backpack

AT my destination, to save myself from having to carry it all there. Prices will be the same (or less) and I don't have to make a hasty decision.

Thanks for all your help with this -- the jacket was close, so close, but not quite right. I am learning PPP.