I've been using a black nylon Steve Madden cross-body I bought for traveling. It's not the most elegant or exciting bag, but it fits easily over the puffer and looks innocuous enough.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/st.....ed-3542136

Dee reminded me that I do get annoyed because the hood keeps getting caught under the straps and I have to lift the bag up before I can pull it up. But I figure something's going to be annoying no matter what if it's that cold.

Not a dilemma I've had to face, so far, she says sheepishly

This winter I am wearing the Bernardo packable puffer in Ocean Pearl:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/be.....te/3566440?

... without the belt (DH said "YIKES that belt is ghastly" and it hasn't been seen since)....

with this Coach cross body in black:

http://www.coach.com/online/ha.....leather-10

And I'm really *loving* how the two look together!

That said, there's no room to stuff gloves, hat and mittens into this bag. Major drawback. I am used to doing that in the winter, when I peel stuff off indoors, and don't want to lose anything.

Well I am no puffer expert but I like the idea of the Longchamp Planetes or something along those lines. Something that looks like it can withstand snow! Although I will add I am a recent convert to Zara bags.

Thanks so much, everybody. I really like these suggestions and I'm also grateful for the sympathy and commiseration. It does help to know that others are going through the same ordeal -- and also to know that some lucky souls are escaping it!!

I am pretty set on getting a Planetes bag or similar -- loved that plum one, Diana. I'll do a search. I also found a pretty nice looking bag at Danier. But not waterproof and maybe a bit dressy. Still, it looks like a bag that could work well with my red wool coat also (should I ever get a chance to wear that again, ha ha) and might also transition quite well into spring.

Sigh. I so feel you.

I've been wearing my grey Nine West crossbody with my puffer. It's largish for a crossbody -- which works to balance the big puffer and my frame. I do find "wrassling" with the strap and hood to be a bit of a pain, so I like the idea of a tote, as long as I could wear it on my shoulder.

Suz, just empathizing here...

I can't tell you how many times I've "run into" my salty car with my bag this winter. Ugh. But I sure am enjoying my toasty warm feet in my new Kamiks!

That Planetes bag looks like a great option.

P.S. And I'm chuckling at all of the descriptions of cross-body + puffer hood = disaster. That is my life!

I know for sure that thin, flat, olive green waist pack from the Japanese dollar store does not look good with a dark brown puffer...

Suz, I like that bag and yes it will look nice with your red coat.

That Danier bag looks like it was made especially for you.

By this time in the winter, Suz, I'm tempted to vote for one of these.

Hahahaha!! April, that is too funny. And pretty much TRUE.

Shake briskly to open, insert puffer, pull drawstring, kick to curb, walk back to the house IN REGULAR SHOES.

I can dream, can't I?

Yeah, no kidding. The shoes are the true dream right now. I have taken to petting mine every day just so I don't forget I have them.