If you’re looking for a great new puffer jacket or coat, this is the year to do it. Despite supply chain challenges, the assortment across puffer silhouettes, colours, lengths, patterns, thicknesses, fits, vibes and fabrics is sublime. I have taken advantage and added one, maybe two, as per my shopping list. 

• Marc New York Minna Hooded Faux Fur Trim Puffer Coat: These puffers have a slight sheen, which together with the faux fur dresses them up a little. On-trend boxy cut and lots of room for layering. Click on the link to see the fun streaked faux fur trim at the back of the hood. I returned it because it was too big, the hood especially, and the silver hardware was too chunky. Super cute though!
• Bernardo Recycled Long Puffer Coat in Soft Micro Touch: Long, fitted, versatile, and on sale in three colours. Snazzy!
• SAVE THE DUCK Alexis Puffer Jacket: I bought this in chartreuse after my new orange Michael Kors puffer laundry disaster, and I like it even more. To save the ducks and true to the name of the brand, it's not made of down, and is easy to launder. It's warm, but light and packable. It's fitted yet layers well over chunkier items. The double zipper is fab and comes up very high for neck insulation. The hood fits my small head. PERFECT for PNW dog walking in the woods and on the beach. Comes in nine colours at a discounted price.

Bloomingdale's

Marc New York Minna Hooded Faux Fur Trim Puffer Coat

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Macy's

Bernardo Recycled Long Puffer Coat in Soft Micro Touch

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6

Nordstrom Rack

SAVE THE DUCK Alexis Puffer Jacket

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My affection for Ralph Lauren labels has been rekindled this year. They are hitting the right note for smart casual and trendy classic style, with an equestrian, glam, yet sporty edge. And I like it! The brand has also been more size inclusive than most labels for some time now. I’ve bought two Ralph Lauren items this year, and plan to keep the brand on my radar as I build my Horsey Capsule (more about that later).

• Lauren Ralph Lauren Chain Print Crewneck Sweater: I bought this navy darling to kick off my new Horsey Capsule. It's cotton-rich with a very neat and tidy fit. The classic horse bit pattern is gold and warm. The pullover is quite long, but works tucked into bottoms. I dress it up or down, and cover it with pearls.
• Polo Ralph Lauren High-Low Long Sleeve Cotton Henley Dress: If you're looking for a streamlined yet flared midi dress that feels like loungewear but looks casually elegant, this is one way to go. A curvy client has it in solid grey, and dresses it up and down to perfection.
• Polo Ralph Lauren Delvan Paperbag Waist Crop Tapered Jeans: These cute paperbag jeans don't have front pleats. which makes them look a little more streamlined. They are fab without the belt tie too.
• Polo Ralph Lauren Cable Shoulder Button Convertible Turtleneck Sweater: A versatile trendy classic if you like cables and this shade of grey. It layers well over shirts and blouses, and the collar buttons up to a turtleneck too.
• Lauren Ralph Lauren Slim Ankle Pants: I ordered these because I was looking for a pair of cherry red cigarette pants with some fluidity to them. They are GREAT, and I'm wearing them a lot. They are not as fluid on me as on the model. More of a tailored cigarette pants fit in my regular size. Luxe fabric, substantial, no pocket lining grinning, and very comfy. I might let down the hems for an inch of extra length. I tried to order the same in navy, but it's sold out. Comes in black.

Bloomingdale's

Lauren Ralph Lauren Chain Print Crewneck Sweater

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Nordstrom

Polo Ralph Lauren High-Low Long Sleeve Cotton Henley Dress

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5

Nordstrom

Polo Ralph Lauren Delvan Paperbag Waist Crop Tapered Jeans

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Nordstrom

Polo Ralph Lauren Cable Shoulder Button Convertible Turtleneck Sweater

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Bloomingdale's

Lauren Ralph Lauren Slim Ankle Pants

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The items below have been winners for me, some of my clients, and some forum members. Browse the colour and size options, and feel free to share your own recent winners in the comments section.

• JAGGAR Pure Silk Floral Long Sleeve Shirt: It's good to see British brand Jaeger at Marks & Spencer after it dissappeared. Great quality, and fun on-trend variations of classics. Like this classic floral blouse in an unusual olive, black, blush and cobalt colour combination.
• M&S Collection Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket: Cool-Toned Brown Aviator Fabness. Lovely quality and fab fluid fit.
• Kurt Geiger London Mini Kensington Velvet Crossbody Bag: A darling dressy wardrobe pet for Team Cobalt and Sliver.
• TAYLOR Asymmetrical Striped Dress: Taylor makes lovely dresses, and this one is no exception. The diagonal lines in the stripe and on the hemline create a flattering and interesting effect. Quite forgiving on the midsection. The swoosh is fun too. The neckline is high, so consider yourself warned.
• Lucy Paris Textured Velvet Skirt: I loved this skirt. It's perfectly streamlined but with ample movement because it's cut on the bias. The textured velvet is different, soft, and interesting. It's very comfy, and the underside of the fabric feels like lining although it's not lined. The length was a little longer on me too. It's more cranberry than red in person so I couldn't make it work well enough with my separates. I hope it works for you.
• SCOTCH & SODA Print Organic Cotton Mock Neck: A fitted cotton tee in an interesting pattern that looks great under a vest with a skirt.
• Boden Bronzed Full Midi Skirt: A beautiful bronze party skirt with pockets that looks as fab with a cosy short sweater. I wish it came in navy or red.
• Boden Cuffed Velvet Pants: If you're after a dressier pair of joggers, try these. They come in black and petites.
• Franco Sarto Mobi Booties: Classic, practical, versatile and comfy. You can add an extra insole for an even softer footbed. Comes in black.
• SARTO By Franco Sarto Etna Bootie: British Racing Green Lug Sole Bootie Fabness. Very chunky on the foot so you've been warned. Might not work for high insteps. Comes in neutrals.
• Banana Republic High-Rise Straight Corduroy Ankle Pant: These look great, have good reviews, aren't skinny, and I've ordered the cream. The rise isn't too high either. Comes in darker neutrals and in Talls. I want to wear it with a cream pullover and cream boots.
• Everlane The Way-High Jean: I like Everlane's dark wash denim, their relaxed cuts, sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices, and the turn-up on this style in blue. These earned a place in my wardrobe because they are on-trend, roomy, dark, 100% cotton, fit like a dream and very comfy. I LOVE the small cuff.
• Ecco Women's Modtray Chelsea Boot: A no-nonsense, classic, waterproof and very comfy bootie that works for high arches, and can fit an orthotic.
• C By Bloomingdale's Cashmere Duster Cardigan - 100% Exclusive: Bloomingdale's cashmere is worth a look, and this maxi cardigan was gorgeously elegant on one of our silver-haired forum members. Comes in other neutrals.
• Phenomenal Ambitious Sweatshirt: I love this brand of sweatshirt for at-home loungewear. It's my second one, and it wears and washes like a dream. Goes into the dryer and does not shrink or discolour. I got this one to motivate me for 2021. It's navy, and VERY comfy. Fab oversized fit.
• COS Pleated Wrap Midi Skirt: I LOVED this skirt. Warm, insulating, and fab quality. It has heft, great architectural drape, and fit very well. Fab swoosh factor. Lovely length too. A kilt with a trendy classic vibe. The waist might run a size small. I returned it because the navy was too dull. When I paired it with my navy items, it looked grey, so it's not for me. It might be for you, and comes in black.
• Levi's Ribcage High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans: Great relaxed straights that aren't too high in the rise. Fitted on the waist, but roomy on the thighs. Soft and stretchy. Comfy.

You can see the pictures alongside the items on the collection page.

Marks and Spencer

JAGGAR Pure Silk Floral Long Sleeve Shirt

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Marks and Spencer

M&S Collection Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket

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3

Nordstrom

Kurt Geiger London Mini Kensington Velvet Crossbody Bag

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2

Macy's

TAYLOR Asymmetrical Striped Dress

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6

Macy's

Lucy Paris Textured Velvet Skirt

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5

Nordstrom

SCOTCH & SODA Print Organic Cotton Mock Neck

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Boden

Bronzed Full Midi Skirt

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Boden

Cuffed Velvet Pants

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Macy's

Franco Sarto Mobi Booties

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Nordstrom

SARTO By Franco Sarto Etna Bootie

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Banana Republic

High-Rise Straight Corduroy Ankle Pant

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Everlane

The Way-High Jean

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Amazon

Ecco Women's Modtray Chelsea Boot

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Bloomingdale's

C By Bloomingdale's Cashmere Duster Cardigan - 100% Exclusive

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7

Bloomingdale's

Phenomenal Ambitious Sweatshirt

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2

COS

Pleated Wrap Midi Skirt

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5

Nordstrom

Levi's Ribcage High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans

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I am extremely grateful for my wardrobe, and in a very happy place with my style. I love my stuff, look forward to putting on a-fab-for-me outfit each morning, and seldom make shopping mistakes these days. But, I’ve made loads of shopping mistakes in the past, and I learned from them the hard way. 

1. Committing to Uncomfortable Footwear

I have wasted an embarrassing amount of money on footwear that looked great, but was uncomfortable. Over and over again I was stubborn about believing that uncomfortable and ill-fitting shoes would become comfortable over time, and mould to my feet. Well, they didn’t. Either I ended up with sore feet, or shoes that were seldom worn. I finally realized that there is only so much that I can do to make shoes comfy with insoles and anti-chafing balm. Slowly but surely, I’ve learned which types of shoes are suited to my feet and walking lifestyle, and which are not. I still make footwear shopping mistakes, but far, far less frequently.

If the types of shoes I wear are having their fashion moment, bonus. If not, it’s all good. Go Team Happy Feet.

2. Shopping for an Imaginary Climate

I thoroughly enjoy wearing and shopping for Spring and Summer fashion. It’s my favourite. But I no longer live in a tropical or Mediterranean climate, so I don’t need as much of it as I used to. When I first moved to Seattle eighteen years ago, I continued to shop for my favourite seasons instead of my dominant seasons. Since I loathe to feel cold, this led to a wardrobe of gorgeous items that I seldom wore. It took me years of living here to get this part of my shopping strategy right.

I’m the one wrapped up and covered when others are not. I’m the one in trousers, a pullover, and jacket for dressy occasions when others are in sleeveless dresses. I’m the one in closed footwear when others are in sandals. I finally have a wardrobe that reflects my need to feel insulated, and it’s awesome.

3. Wearing a Look Meant for Someone Else

For years, especially early in my retail buying days, I bought items that I thought I should be wearing because I was a fashion professional. They were usually hard-edged items, lots of black, and avant-garde silhouettes. Beautiful pieces that are meant for some of our forum members, my clients, and my friends, but not for me. It took me years to acknowledge that these items do not make me happy, and I shouldn’t wear them.

I enjoy wearing playful, crisp, retro, “soft and pretty”, trendy classic looks that are on the dressy side, and with lots of colour and pattern. That is what I embraced after soul searching and being honest with myself about what I truly enjoy wearing, instead of what I thought I should be wearing. Go Team SIMPAT Style.

It doesn’t matter if what you enjoy wearing is not worn by fashion influencers, your peers, or on-trend. What matters is that you like your outfits, feel good in them, and can get on with your day.

Over to you. Do these shopping mistakes resonate with you? Feel free to share your own recurring shopping mistakes in the comments, and hopefully you’re learning from them too.

A new outfit from Assa Cisse of My Curves & Curls, whom we introduced to YLF in August 2015.

Assa creates a column of colour by sporting a two-piece dress in a cosy cable-knit material. The vertical pattern of the texture-rich cable-knit draws the eye up and down, while the cream gives the outfit a luxe touch. Pairing the fluid fit turtleneck and streamlined below-the-knee pencil skirt with Chelsea boots with rugged lug platform soles is a little unexpected and adds tons of playful pizzazz. Their casual vibe is partly counteracted by the shiny burgundy patent leather, which adds polish. Our blogger’s burgundy-red lippy echoes the colour of the booties, and the crossbody matches her outfit perfectly. Finally, Assa’s gorgeous curls bring even more textural play to the look.

I recently replaced an old short puffer with a new packable orange one made of down. It ticked off all the boxes, fit perfectly, and the colour made me smile. I wore it right away for longer outdoor walks. It was great and I felt fabulous wearing it. 

Macy's

Michael by Michael Kors Hooded Packable Down Puffer Coat, Created for Macy's

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Amazon

(Upgraded) SnugPad XL Size Wool Dryer Balls Natural Fabric Softener & 100% Organic Premium New Zealand Wool, Reduce Wrinkles & Save Time, Baby Safe & Hypoallergenic, White 6Count

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It needed a wash sooner than I expected. I’ve had bad experiences washing down puffers in the washing machine, and was a little apprehensive about it. I usually dry-clean them, but the washing instruction indicated ‘Do Not Dry Clean’, so that was that. So I popped the puffer into the machine and followed the instructions TO THE LETTER. I turned the puffer inside out, used cold water, a gentle detergent, and turned on the ‘Delicates’ cycle. The puffer was a clumpy mess after the wash, but I didn’t stress just yet. The instructions suggested to ‘Tumble Dry Low’ with three tennis balls, which I had bought precisely for this purpose, and I did just that.

Disaster.

The down was a clumpy wet mess no matter what I did. I tried a few drying cycles, different levels of heat, shaking out the jacket, and un-clumping the down with my fingers. All to no avail. The jacket was unwearable and I was disappointed.

I emailed Macy’s customer service, relayed the story, and attached a photo of the clumpy down puffer mess. Within an hour I received an apology and the reassurance that a full refund would be issued in 7 to 10 days. They re-sent a UPS label so that I could ship the faulty item back for free. I was much impressed. It’s wonderful when retailers stand behind their products. Keeping customers happy does make a difference. I am more than willing to spend my fashion dollars at Macy’s again because of this positive experience.

It’s back to looking for a short bright puffer with a hood in one of my happy colours. In the meantime, care to share a good customer service story of your own?