Over on this thread, I discussed my need for a lightweight puffer and/or a warm but rain-worthy white walking coat.

I picked up the lightweight puffer from Aritzia and it has already proved its worth. It's not useful in true rain but can handle showers. It is warm enough for most of our cold, with the right layers beneath, and for true cold I own two warmer parkas.

Gaylene suggested that maybe I don't need a puffer coat for walking (true) and mentioned that she owns a Helly Hansen raincoat that does the job for her. (We live in the same city).

So, unhappy with the options I'd canvassed so far, I ordered the Helly Hansen Aden Insulated raincoat in white. (I tried to find one in person but struck out in Vancouver -- nothing in stock).

Here it is—and I think it is a keeper!

Note the rave reviews: https://www.hellyhansen.com/en.....AiAh_GNBhA

I've just thrown it on over my exercise clothes (leggings and a hoodie and tee). So, not exactly "styled." But truthfully, this is how I would wear it most of the time, because this coat is mainly for walking in my suburban neighbourhood, especially at night. More a gear purchase with (I hope) some fashion crossover potential. I.e. I might wear it to work on a miserable day.

Apologies for the lighting -- it is what it is, right? December in the PNW.

PROS:

1. Extremely well-made. SNAPS at the cuffs instead of yucky velcro, which I loathe and which is on almost all coats of this type.
2. Waterproof/ windproof, with a hood and sealed seams, a snap closure over a two-way zip. Hood is non-removable but adjustable.
3. Two soft-lined slash pockets for hands and an inner top phone pocket.
4. Lined in a soft grey quilted insulation. There is room in shoulders for me to layer more sweaters/ layers if I want/ need.
5. A cooler, brighter white than the North Face Gardenia, so more flattering to me (I think). It's hard to tell in the yellow artificial light, but there's a definite difference.
6. Highly visible in the dark wet weather.

CONS:

Can you think of any?

It's wrinkled from the bag, but I think it's a keeper. I'll wrap it up for myself and put it under the tree from Santa.

Bonus -- new hair. You can't really tell from these shots but it's a bit of a punk cut. I went back to my Vancouver stylist and she likes to give me one of these cuts every now and again -- longer fringe but very short on back, top, and sides, to show the shape of my head, which she likes a lot. A bit of femininity in the wisps at the ears, back, and fringe. I think she might have been influenced by those plaid pants I was wearing because she's never gone quite this short before, but I don't mind it.

Hat photos, because with hair this short, I need one!!