https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 12 May 2026 02:36:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel/page/2#post-559440 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:35:55 +0000 Meredith1953 559440@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Suz,<br /> Those are some beautiful coats people are posting links to. Here is one I like a lot.</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/michael-michael-kors-hooded-trench-coat-nordstrom-exclusive/3281808?origin=relatedshoppingbag-3281808-0-0-1" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mi.....1808-0-0-1</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel/page/2#post-559351 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:49:11 +0000 Suz 559351@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Rae! This is a great idea, and you are right, it expands the options. I think you must be right that the stuff exists. I have heard friends who camp talk about it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel/page/2#post-559340 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:32:25 +0000 rae 559340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zap, word on the street is that they have it at Target (near the shoes, I think) and also camping stores. I'm going to see if I can find some - wouldn't hurt to spray my cotton anorak before traveling! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel/page/2#post-559329 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:15:50 +0000 Anonymous 559329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really Rae? and where do we buy this beauty? I must google. I have a cotton canvas tote that I adore and would love to waterproof!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-559325 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:10:44 +0000 rae 559325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This may be totally off base but, in case it helps, my ears perked up today when someone mentioned waterproofing spray for cotton and canvas. I have not researched 100% yet, but it could be helpful since most of the truly waterproof trenches I've seen have not come in XS and have been pretty gear-ish. Could widen your options, in the event that you find something awesome that happens to not be waterproof. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-558337 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 01:46:17 +0000 catgirl 558337@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have no coat advice, but I will tell you that I find New York FREEZING in winter. The wind and the damp and the whole blasting heat in the subways then emerging into frigid city air is much more difficult to me than where I live! Even in Brooklyn it feels like a giant wind tunnel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-558331 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 01:40:58 +0000 Suz 558331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Debora, that is such a pretty coat you are wearing! I love it! </p> <p>My wool coat would be a similar weight. </p> <p>But yes, I am thinking this year is so much warmer. We have snowdrops blooming already here in Kingston! Unheard of. </p> <p>This is such an interesting discussion. My husband is convinced that I'll be hot in my wool coat. Because, Zap, you are right - I'm coming from Canada. Actually, the climate in Kingston is very very similar to Manhattan except colder in winter and not quite as hot and humid in summer. (Toronto is more like Manhattan that way). So that's the thing...I am coming from a colder place to what (for me) is a relatively warmer place. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-558269 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:37:03 +0000 Debora 558269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zap has an excellent point about the wind tunnels created by the skyscrapers. Suz, here's what I was wearing for outerwear last year when I visited NYC during the last week of March. I remember it being pretty chilly, but it's hard to know what to expect with this crazy mild winter weather we are having. I say bring your wool coat and shop Manhattan for a fab trench!</p> <p>ETA: There is a North Face store on the Upper West Side, and I'm pretty sure there is a store in Soho, too. DD bought her black puffer at the UWS store her very first winter in NYC.</p> <p><a href="http://nymag.com/listings/stores/north-face/" rel="nofollow">http://nymag.com/listings/stores/north-face/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-558210 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 23:23:11 +0000 Anonymous 558210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The wind factor plays a big role here. Also, Manhattan is generally colder since it is by the water. The only part of NYC in mainland is the Bronx, actually. Also, the skyscrapers tend to create some sort of vacuum, the wind blows and chills you to the core. It feels a lot colder that the thermometer says. But hey, you are coming from Canada, so this is probably summer for you!<br /> Good luck finding a trench!!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-558202 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 23:11:08 +0000 Suz 558202@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So interesting....I must run super warm or something. For me, anything over 40F is pretty much spring coat weather...assuming that I'm layering, of course. If I were just wearing one layer I would want my wool coat. But I would likely be wearing a blazer or other similar jacket underneath, plus a top of some kind. I say that because I'm a confirmed jacket lover who wears one every chance she gets! </p> <p>I appreciate all your thoughts and will weigh them carefully. I definitely don't want to be too cold, and after all, I really love my wool coat. So in a way, why the heck not wear it? Makes a lot of sense. Thanks all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-558182 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:37:14 +0000 Anonymous 558182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just noticed you will be visiting NYC in March. It is still pretty cold here for a trench. You might want to bring another coat as well.<br /> See average temperatures chart below:<br /> <a href="http://www.ny.com/general/weather.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.ny.com/general/weather.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-558176 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:23:23 +0000 missvee 558176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think you should wear your wool coat - even when the temperatures are a bit higher it can be damp. Just take an umbrella with you. That way you can shop for a raincoat while you are there, and if you find one, you can wear it ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557898 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:07:57 +0000 Angie 557898@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I wear a black trench pretty often. And Sveta makes a GREAT point about wool. I am still in my wool coats. </p> <p>I thought about the yellow and remembered that it was not your colour. I thought that a blue scarf of sorts might be a solution - which is why I went ahead and posted it anyway. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557892 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:04:31 +0000 chouette22 557892@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I see that Angie just voted that coat down, but I do have to tell you that I absolutely LOVE it. I think this is so perfect for your active lifestyle (walking everywhere). To me it really does not look like gear, but rather like a very sleek, sporty long jacket. And since the hood is removable... It's about the best looking outerwear I have seen in a while. The color adds some elegance to it as well. Regarding the size: If you don't fit into an x-small, then I don't know who will. However, it is a lottery and one can never be completely sure. And then there is that stain as well. Are there other bets on the coat already? If not, maybe you could offer a lower price to the seller, given the stain? I have done that a couple of times (without stain or anything), and each time my offer got accepted right away.<br /> Also, trying on other similar North Face cuts is certainly the way to get as close an idea as possible. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557876 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:49:53 +0000 Suz 557876@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, Angie. Thank you. I saw the Gallery coat. And think it looks fab. But yellow is THE absolute worst colour for me. EVER. I cannot wear it anywhere near my face. I love love love sunny yellow. For years I have painted large parts of my home in yellows and golds, I love it so much. But I cannot wear it. </p> <p>Okay, back to the drawing board. And thank you all for weighing in. </p> <p>Sveta, you are right - today is cold enough for wool, for sure! But Kingston gets rainy starting around now (well, maybe a week or two from now...) and wool is not the best then. Yes, it keeps one relatively dry except in a full downpour, but it just doesn't feel right (to me). So I tend to start layering with jackets and a rain type coat on top. I expect New York to be a bit warmer than Kingston in late March, so think a (warmer) rain coat would be a better bet than wool. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557848 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:40:04 +0000 Sveta 557848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I don't have an advice on the coat mut I am amazed that you stop wearing winter coats in early March in Kingston! Today in March 5th and I am wearing my puffer and shearling lined winter boots because it was -12C in the morning! :-)<br /> This winter has been unusually warm but usually my trenchs do not come out to play until April...<br /> Angie, that yellow trench is so much fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557838 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:29:35 +0000 Angie 557838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My thumbs are down on the North Face, Suz. Sorry :(. I've seen that topper and it's gear :(</p> <p>How about this. It comes in petite, and it's a raincoat. The Gallery brand is 100% weatherproof and well made to boot:</p> <p><a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/gallery-double-breasted-trench/3251765?origin=keywordsearch&#038;resultback=138" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ga.....ltback=138</a></p> <p>I vote yellow. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557828 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:21:22 +0000 Suz 557828@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know, Mander. I think those clean lines are what made it speak to Angie. And when you consider that the hood can be removed (lessening the "gear" appearance even further) it seems like a potential winner. </p> <p>I wonder if North Face cuts are similar. I.e. if I tried on the more recent Grace coat if the fit might be similar. That way I would know about the fit at least. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557799 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:01:52 +0000 Mander 557799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I actually really like that coat! To me it doesn't seem that "gearish" at all. Perhaps it's not as suave as a trench coat but it seems more funky than sporty to my eye. I'd wear it to fairly dressy events, too -- maybe not the opera or a black tie event, but I don't think it would be out of place at a fairly nice restaurant. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557712 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:42:55 +0000 Vildy 557712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll tell ya, I see what you mean about that version of the Apex. It really is a great looking<br /> jacket that seems incredibly versatile. </p> <p>I used to wear white and off white coats in cities all the time and it doesn't do them any favor. I used to wear out my wool coats with the frequent cleanings. But if it's weatherproof you can do as suggested and just wipe it off. I think it'd be worth it for you to hold out for a coat this color, it would light up your face. And if it got washed a little more often and wore out a little sooner, so what, eh.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557693 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:29:02 +0000 Isabel 557693@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Darn !!! I have become totally obsessed with this , LOL !!!!!</p> <p>I used to travel allot for work and outerwear was just soooo important. I once spent a week in Edinburgh freezing and wet. We spent one whole day outside, touring and I was just so miserable that I couldn't really enjoy it. I VOW to NOT let that happen to you in NYC....it never happened to me again. And, though I don't really enjoy traveling anymore, I want to go back to Edinburgh just to dress appropriately this time : ) </p> <p>On the flip side, last year I was in Washington, DC for 4 days. Again, mostly on foot and on the subway. It rained the entire time. One day was freezing, one was pretty warm. I wore my travelsmith with and without the liner. It was just so cozy !</p> <p>You are so right in making sure you are prepared for this.</p> <p>Well, good luck ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557688 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:23:52 +0000 Suz 557688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zap and Isabel, you are shopping whizzes!! </p> <p>I saw those Express coats on Rae's travel thread, Zap. They are fun colours for sure. I would like to see them to try the weight, etc. Maybe you are right; the best thing to do is buy the darn coat there! But it might be tough to find my size by the time I get down there (late March). And of course I don't want to spend my whole time shopping...or go with nothing to wear in the hope of finding something. </p> <p>Isabel, you are so sweet. But those Grace jackets aren't the same. They're the new model and it is nowhere near as stylish as the old one. The front pockets, the fabric...all of it says GEAR loud and clear, whereas the old Apex Grace jacket says STYLE and whispers gear. Know what I mean? </p> <p>I actually have an Eddie Bauer goretex parka I could take if necessary. It is too big, and DEFINITELY reads GEAR but it does keep me dry. I'd just like a more fashion-forward type of coat if I could find it. </p> <p>Thank you again for all your help; you are lovelies! And I will keep you all posted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557677 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:07:35 +0000 Isabel 557677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>REI has them in a small for $199 :</p> <p><a href="http://www.rei.com/product/826695/the-north-face-grace-rain-jacket-womens?cm_mmc=cse_nextag-_-datafeed-_-product-_-826695&#038;ntclickid=-8862336385648817544&#038;mr:referralID=556350e9-66d5-11e1-8e16-001b2166becc" rel="nofollow">http://www.rei.com/product/826.....1b2166becc</a></p> <p>and if you are willing to consider grey, this place has a small for $80.</p> <p> <a href="http://www.evo.com/outlet/rain-pants/the-north-face-grace-jacket-womens.aspx#utm_source=Nextag&#038;utm_medium=shoppingengine&#038;utm_campaign=Nextag" rel="nofollow">http://www.evo.com/outlet/rain.....ign=Nextag</a></p> <p>also, just for the record, I find that waterproof coats don't stain very much. My travelsmith never got a stain and was easily sponged off or machined washed when it got dirty. But I won't buy another really light color rain coat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557675 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:00:36 +0000 Anonymous 557675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm torn. It looks like a great color on you and a practical coat, but who knows if it will fit. Can you email the seller to get measurements and a picture of the stain on the sleeve? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557674 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 15:00:19 +0000 Anonymous 557674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Express has a trench on multiple colors currently.<br /> <a href="http://www.express.com/classic-trench-coat-43124-33/index.pro#jsLinks" rel="nofollow">http://www.express.com/classic.....ro#jsLinks</a></p> <p>Also, colored trenches are abundant in NYC, at the moment. I have seen them at Mango, H&amp;M, Express etc.... You can always but something here,IMO. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557669 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:56:16 +0000 Suz 557669@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, again, Isabel - you are a total sweetie to offer to have things shipped to you. I think, sadly, the "Stella" North Face jacket is a very different creature from the old Apex Grace. It is not made of the same kind of material and the styling is SO much more "gear like." Ditto the Merrell jacket, which also fits big around the middle, not good for my frame. </p> <p>Zapotee - thank you, too. I am looking for a non beige, non black coat. Both colours are awful on me, esp. beige. Black is a "maybe" but it really is not great for my complexion and for something I plan to have for a long time, I'd rather not. I've found some navy coats online but can't try them on so feel reluctant to purchase. </p> <p>I was worried the Apex coat might seem too casual, too. The event I have to attend is not an evening event (an afternoon book talk) so I don't think it would be a problem for that. But we will be going out to dinner and the theatre while away. </p> <p>I have my red wool coat, definitely dressy enough. But I worry first that it will be too warm for me (I usually stop wearing my wool coats in Canada at the end of February or early March) and also that it wouldn't be practical in the (probable) rain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557665 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:49:32 +0000 Anonymous 557665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't know I would take an off white coat as my only option for a trip. it might not be the more practical choice. What if it gets stained or soiled? As far as the ebay issue with the stain and final sale, that is something I try to avoid but I have taken my chances on things like this, so I understand.</p> <p>I am not sure if I remember correctly but I think you might be going to an event, right? That parka might be too casual for an evening event. Then again, there are people who do not consider this to be a problem, since you usually leave the coat/ jacket at the coat check. </p> <p>Di you own anything else? If not, I think a classic trench is usually a good investment. I have this trench, in black, from a few seasons ago. it fits really nicely and can be punked up or toned down as needed. </p> <p><a href="http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=15227&#038;vid=3&#038;pid=656191" rel="nofollow">http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....pid=656191</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557663 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:48:53 +0000 Suz 557663@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Heheh, Vildy, you see, I am using my New York trip as an excuse to get more dressed up than usual!! Well...in my fantasy life I would use it that way, at least. And believe me, that Apex Grace jacket qualifies as a "dressy" coat where I live; Angie calls it perfect for her uber casual clients! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557659 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:45:25 +0000 Vildy 557659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I may be an outlier here. I used to live in Manhattan and afterward spent years regularly visiting my parents nearby and frequently going into the city to attend things. I'm a person who is way over on the side of dressy, still the concept of dressing up Enough to sightsee in New York is foreign to me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ask-angie-and-others-apex-grace-jacket-for-travel#post-557653 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:43:15 +0000 Isabel 557653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, Altrec has something similar with a no quibble, lifetime return. </p> <p><a href="http://www.altrec.com/the-north-face/womens-stella-grace-jacket" rel="nofollow">http://www.altrec.com/the-nort.....ace-jacket</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.altrec.com/merrell-shoes/womens-wakefield-insulated-jacket" rel="nofollow">http://www.altrec.com/merrell-.....ted-jacket</a></p> <p>You could always ship to me ( free shipping ) and I could ship to you and could could try it out. If it doesn't work, send it back to me and I will return it. I suppose you could also return from Canada...duh . </p>