https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 22 May 2026 05:45:39 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-40161 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:38:52 +0000 Kristen 40161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am back from a weekend spent in downtown Chicago, and I have to report the Eddie Bauer coat and Merrell wedge boots are hands-down the best purchases I have made all year. Yesterday was regular-winter cold that turned into snow by the afternoon, and although I rued taking off the hood before I left home (the interior lining is an ugly pattern and I was too vain to let it slide), the coat and boots kept me dry and warm. We walked at least 6 miles all over the city (no exaggeration, we mapped it on the iPhone), through snowy slush and puddles and up and down stairs in two museums. I was gosh darned glad to take off my boots at the end of the day, but it wasn't the boots' fault my legs were so beat! :)</p> <p>The coat, oh my gosh, the coat was so warm, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but it actually looks kind of cute! The seaming is kind of a chevron pattern, so it does angle the eye in, and the strings in the middle allowed me to tighten it in at the waist. The hem is just at my knees, but with the waist-cinch it created an a-line skirt look to it, which is the most flattering for my body type. Right after I got all bundled up to head out on Saturday morning, my husband looked me up and down and said I looked very cute. In a giant puffer! Wonders will never cease.</p> <p>Anyway, downtown I saw all kinds of coats and layering, and practicality was winning over fashion by a long shot. There were a ton of suede Uggs, but they were all also very wet around the toes so I don't know how comfortable they were. There were a lot more LL Bean-type duck boots and sturdy waterproof hiking boots -- and puffers of all kinds as far as the eye could see. Lots of real furs too -- and no one appeared to begrudge them for it! </p> <p>Today, though, is painfully cold; it's -5 now, with a wind chill of -30. And it IS windy, and it DOES feel like 30 below zero. We walked 4 blocks from the hotel to the train station, and I almost didn't make it; the wind was brutal and the two inches of skin I had showing between my scarf and hat were in pain before we got there. Anyone who was not dressed practically is in for a world of hurt out there. We are home now and don't plan on going out at all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-40141 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 04:26:44 +0000 Sihaya 40141@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We took our car out for the first time today. Thankfully DH is very comfortable driving in the snow and ice but we were afraid of others running into us, especially in all the prolific hills in this area. Now we're getting more snow so I think we'll stay put for a while. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-40137 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 04:09:03 +0000 marianne 40137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for clarification, Angie! You used this term before and it was puzzling for me :)<br /> Good for you - we haven't even tried to get the car out of the garage for the fear it would crash into the retaining wall or slide down the street. Luckily, most things we need are within walking distance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-40114 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 01:58:38 +0000 Angie 40114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh! A go-go dress is a little 60's mini with a high neck and straight empire cut. Think Diana Ross when she was with the Supremes. </p> <p>Greg has been driving us around which is FABULOUS. We’ve been out and about, but with caution. Hope you get out and about too, Marianne. Everyone and their dog has been sledding down our hill! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-40106 Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:47:57 +0000 marianne 40106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, what is a go-go dress? Sorry if it's something that everyone knows!</p> <p>Glad to hear the weather is not keeping you at home. I walked down my hill for the first time since the snow storm today, and it was VERY slippery, and dangerous in retrospect. I don't even know what type of traction I would need on my shoes. I was sliding all over - I could have pretty much used a sleigh. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-40052 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:41:26 +0000 Angie 40052@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great stories! I think the right puffer looks fab anyway - not just for practical reasons. The fact that it’s the only type of coat to wear in the extreme cold makes it an even better solution. As for shoes, I hear you. If Uggs are what you need, then of course, it is what it is. I’m all for gear in the appropriate settings (even though once again I don’t regard a fab puffer as gear – it’s fashion!) </p> <p>We had a Christmas party downtown yesterday. I wore a little black go-go dress, glittery tights and stacked red pumps under a huge coat, scarf, gloves and hat. I wore my big black snow boots instead of the pumps to get to the venue and changed into my pumps once I was there (it was 15 degrees and VERY slippery, snowy and icy – that’s -9 Celsius). Another practical solution! We CAN be practical and stylish. That’s what a lot of this site is about. You looked wonderful in your snow storm outfit my dear, Shiny. I know you'll inspire others. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-40039 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:40:33 +0000 Laura 40039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes Shiny, your point is well-made. I told my husband that lots of us on YLF were trying to figure out how to find a flattering puffer - and he said, "How cold is it?" Answer: tomorrow, -5 degrees is the predicted high temp. "How much snow do we have?" Well, we got 8 inches yesterday. And his conclusion: "Sometimes you just have to be practical."</p> <p>It was hard to argue with such logic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-40024 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 04:10:33 +0000 shiny 40024@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's really coming down here now - up to 8.5 inches since about 3 pm, and it's supposed to keep snowing an inch or two per hour for another 4-5 hours (total of 12-14 inches expected). </p> <p>Despite the weather, we walked 2 miles total roundtrip, to our neighborhood pub for dinner tonight. They're always open, even in the worst weather! The place was packed with locals. </p> <p>I saw a lot of puffers tonight - many were quite fashionable and I did the "if I was taller and not so petite" sigh.... I think one may have been a Searle (gorgeous!!! I'm drooling!!)... but most were more like "gear" -- veering more towards serviceable and practical -- for these kind of conditions, yet since we live in an Urban area, still with a slightly fashionable spin. Not a single North Face in the place. The women wearing the more serviceable puffers looked quite cute to me!!!</p> <p>Bootwear: hands down, the classic Ugg was the reigning champion... there was one woman who looked awesome in wedge Ugg-like boots, very fashionable.... but she was slip-sliding all over the place on her way in! She did not walk the two miles we did - just a block. But once she got there and got the ice off her heels, she looked awesome - best dressed in the place tonight!</p> <p>I wore my classic Uggs for our trek and didn't slip once; DH, in his Columbia boots, slipped several times during our walk, and would've fallen if I hadn't grabbed him. He also complained of having cold toes, and even took his shoes off in the restaurant to try to dry out his socks. My toes, despite NO SOCKS, remained quite toasty the entire time... even when my fingers almost froze off because my gloves got too soaked, and DH had to lend me his gloves. </p> <p>While in the restaurant, DH had a bone to pick about the women who wore there classic Uggs with bootcuts rolled up. It is a sloppy look, and I agreed. But, the snow was so high, I could fully understand why they rolled their bootcuts - to keep them dry. However, I have to agree with DH: if you are going to wear the classic Uggs, they look far better with tights or skinnies - not rolled bootcuts. Or, at least, unroll them over your boots once you arrive (which is what one very fashionable young lady did). </p> <p>I took pics of what I wore - yes, my Uggs with my puffer - and my new 66 north leggings, with tunic sweater and vintage burberry scarf. The 66 North legggings proved to be waterproof and warm enough I could easily go skiing in them, if I was still as skiier!. I will post the pics tomorrow. But, keep in mind, I wasn't going for fashion so much as practicality. </p> <p>Which gets me to my point: sometimes, practicality is more important than fashion. It just is what it is!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-40012 Sat, 20 Dec 2008 00:53:51 +0000 Angie 40012@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm glad you got a warm puffer, Kristin. It sounds fitted at the waist which is a good thing. Also, EB fits a particular body type really well, so I’m not at all against you getting your puffer from there!</p> <p>Nice white puffer, Lena. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39979 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:33:27 +0000 Lena 39979@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kristen, how about these:</p> <p><a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/ChevronLongDownCoat~174715_59.html?bcc=y&#038;action=order_more&#038;sku_0=" rel="nofollow">http://www.landsend.com/pp/Che.....038;sku_0=</a>::WHI&#38;CM_MERCH=IDX_00002__0000000158&#38;origin=index</p> <p><a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/ChevronDownCoat~174712_59.html?bcc=y&#038;action=order_more&#038;sku_0=" rel="nofollow">http://www.landsend.com/pp/Che.....038;sku_0=</a>::AZU&#38;CM_MERCH=IDX_00002__0000000158&#38;origin=index </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39976 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:07:08 +0000 chelle 39976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was able to find a Michael Kors puffer at Costco for $60. I get a lot of compliments about how streamlined it looks. It has a big fur trimmed hood that blocks out all wind and cold. I love it! Try Costco! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39975 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:04:31 +0000 Kristen 39975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks again all. Angie, I appreciate the advice, but none of the attractive puffers come in XXL. Believe me, I combed Macys and Nordstroms today, and I've looked everywhere online. </p> <p>I ended up with the second Eddie Bauer one that Joy linked -- the seams aren't great, but it does have a waistband inside that you can tighten so it's a more fitted look. I had a Calvin Klein one at Macys that did the same thing that I almost got, but the EB was much cheaper for the same look.</p> <p>I'm consoling myself that on regular cold days, I have a half-dozen other more flattering coats to wear. This one is strictly for the bitter and stormy days. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39974 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:49:03 +0000 Angie 39974@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There you go, Laura. That's precisely the type of vertical seam deatiling I’m talking about. Fabulous Searle puffer coat. I wonder if the the puff is too puffy? No way of telling untill you fit it on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39959 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:57:06 +0000 Laura 39959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie makes some great picks. </p> <p>Since I was on the Searle website today, I checked out their puffers. They have some that were $500 marked down to $200! It is final sale, though, with only merchandise credit for returns. Their quality is amazing, if you've ever seen their coats. For example, check out this graphite-colored shawl-collared puffer:</p> <p><a href="http://www.searlenyc.com/store/product1862.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.searlenyc.com/store/product1862.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39938 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:40:02 +0000 Angie 39938@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good luck Kristin and keep us posted. My puffer post will be out on Monday or Tuesday. </p> <p>So, the ones you’ve posted from Landsend and LL Bean, would not be my preference for you. The stitching is too “horizontal”. The ones that Shiny posted are more flattering – angled and vertical stitching. Does that make sense? Have a look at these styles. These are flattering puffer coats: </p> <p><a href="http://www.bluefly.com/Via-Spiga-jet-nylon-poly-down-Lorena-coat/SEARCH/207225400/detail.fly" rel="nofollow">http://www.bluefly.com/Via-Spi.....detail.fly</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.bluefly.com/Soia---Kyo-black-cotton-Cybele-belted-down-coat/SEARCH/214282800/detail.fly" rel="nofollow">http://www.bluefly.com/Soia---.....detail.fly</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.bluefly.com/Via-Spiga-chestnut-fur-trim-down-Savio-hooded-coat/SEARCH/214479400/detail.fly" rel="nofollow">http://www.bluefly.com/Via-Spi.....detail.fly</a></p> <p>I’m with Shiny on the shawl collars. They are also marvelously warm, especially with a scarf and hat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39921 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:56:56 +0000 Kristen 39921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, thanks so much for all the suggestions and tips! Angie, I would love to see a blog post about this; I've never been a fan of the long puffer but I just don't think I can avoid getting one this year. Particularly since I have had *zero* luck finding a long cloth coat this winter. </p> <p>I would love to find one with some kind of fitted waist or angled stitching at the waist, but given my size constraints (I'm bordering on Women's sizes right now) it doesn't seem likely I'll have much success. My Nordstroms carries very little in larger sizes and I've yet to order online from them. </p> <p>Anyway, once the snow slows down this morning I'm planning on hitting a bunch of outlet stores just down the street from me. I've got my eye on a couple of options:</p> <p>-this Target one in garnet, which is probably not warm enough but is dirt cheap<br /> <a href="http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=huc_oc_5_txt/177-7391435-9099169?ie=UTF8&#038;ASIN=B001DTRNGG&#038;nodeID=&#038;merchantID=A1VC38T7YXB528" rel="nofollow">http://www.target.com/gp/detai.....38T7YXB528</a></p> <p>-this Lands End in garnet, which is total Mrs. Marshmallow but extremely warm<br /> <a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/DownChaletLongCoat~148651_57.html?bcc=y&#038;action=order_more&#038;sku_0=" rel="nofollow">http://www.landsend.com/pp/Dow.....038;sku_0=</a>::TVY&#38;CM_MERCH=IDX_00002__0000000158</p> <p>-this Lands End quilted down is more flattering but I'm a little worried about the warmth factor. Also, I cannot decide on a color. Navy, loden, shale, berry, and true navy are all very cute.<br /> <a href="http://www.landsend.com/pp/ReversibleQuiltedLongDownCoat~174703_59.html?bcc=y&#038;action=order_more&#038;sku_0=" rel="nofollow">http://www.landsend.com/pp/Rev.....038;sku_0=</a>::TVY&#38;CM_MERCH=IDX_00007__0000001029&#38;origin=index</p> <p>-this microsuede LL Bean in mushroom is rather pretty, and waterproof and warm. I will be at Old Orchard today where they have a new LL Bean store so I'll look for it there. I love the cuffs!<br /> <a href="http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=56558&#038;storeId=1&#038;catalogId=1&#038;langId=-1&#038;feat=pprv" rel="nofollow">http://www.llbean.com/webapp/w.....;feat=pprv</a></p> <p>I tried on a couple of the Old Navy ones before, and hated the fit and knew they would not be warm enough at all. That's why I'm skeptical about the Target one. </p> <p>I'l let you guys know how it goes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39907 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:04:49 +0000 shiny 39907@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shawl collars - with or without fur - can be surprisingly warm and are a good alternative if you can't find a hooded puffer. The collar, if it is large enough, envelops your neck and all the way up to your ears. Then you just need a warm hat for the top of your head. You may even be able to get away without a scarf, with some styles. </p> <p>As for where to shop, I'd hit a major department store first, where you'll have the most variety to choose from. I would not rule out Gap - every year they offer puffers and I'm seeing a belted puffer on their site that looks cute and is on sale. Old navy might be another place to try. I don't know if those will be real down, but I do seem to recall trying on a puffer at the Gap last year that seemed quite warm. </p> <p>This is similar to the coat I bought from Abercrombie last year, except in white: </p> <p><a href="http://www.abercrombie.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10901_440993_-1_12268_12203" rel="nofollow">http://www.abercrombie.com/web.....2268_12203</a></p> <p>... this is a super warm coat and highly water repellant too. Good length for car-commuters. </p> <p>And this one is a bit longer:</p> <p><a href="http://www.abercrombie.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10901_451600_-1_12268_12203" rel="nofollow">http://www.abercrombie.com/web.....2268_12203</a></p> <p>Abercrombie tends to run more for teens than grown women, so the coat will be form-fitting and is a good choice for petites. However be wary because the sleeves are very long.. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39896 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 04:28:53 +0000 marianne 39896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I got my hooded puffer at the Rack a couple of years ago. It's KC Reaction, and they seem to have something very similar every year and there are always some at the Rack, at least in Seattle... I haven't been there in a while and maybe this year they are already picked over. It's not the greatest quality but plenty warm and tailored. The only problem is that it's black, and of course ivory would have been a lot cuter. It's getting a lot of use this week! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39878 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:13:46 +0000 Angie 39878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beautiful puffer, Judy! </p> <p>A hooded puffer is my first preference too, Laura. I have a short black puffer with a hood, a long cream OLD puffer with a hood and a new puffer with a shawl collar – no hood. I have been wearing my hooded puffers with their hoods all week. Deliciously warm. It’s been SO HARD finding a puffer in my size, that fits and has faux fur. That’s why I decided t get the hood-less puffer anyway. I’ll wear a hat and scarf with it for warmth. And it is very warm. </p> <p>By no means send that fabulous S&#38;K coat back! You can wear it in less cold settings and as you say, bundle up </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39816 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:16:37 +0000 Laura 39816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, yes, yes, please blog about this! Everyone seems to be having the coldest December so it's timely. And, if you do, can you suggest any puffers with hoods - I love the look of the shawl collar, but to me, a hood is such a necessity. </p> <p>I am loathe to exchange my Soia &#38; Kyo for a puffer. Now that I think about it, I refuse!! Instead I will layer up and wear some very warm accessories and hope for the best ... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39787 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:23:45 +0000 judy 39787@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A brand that I like that seems to be quality but with a little more fit and edge is Spiewak...</p> <p><a href="http://www.karmaloop.com/vendor.asp?VendorCode=SPI&#038;utm_source=google&#038;utm_medium=cpc&#038;utm_campaign=search_engine&#038;utm_term=Spiewak%20coat" rel="nofollow">http://www.karmaloop.com/vendo.....wak%20coat</a><br /> (scroll down for women)</p> <p>I think Urban Outfitters carries them too...that is where I got mine two years ago.</p> <p>Zappos has them too:<br /> <a href="http://zeta.zappos.com/search/brand/1831/filter/expandedGender/%22Womens%22" rel="nofollow">http://zeta.zappos.com/search/.....2Womens%22</a> </p> <p>This year I got an Add Down one...and I was really impressed with the quality of this brand...there are some bigger coat type ones at Nordstrom ( I got the jacket):<br /> <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/women/add-down.shtml" rel="nofollow">http://shop.nordstrom.com/women/add-down.shtml</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39784 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:09:23 +0000 Angie 39784@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As long as the puffers are TAILORED and display as much vertical seaming as possible, I think they can look fabulous. Try to stay away from puffers with horizontal seaming. Add soft playful elements like fake fur, fun hats, scarves, gloves and boots. Keep the look sophisticated. Shiny and Eva (on another thread) managed the look perfectly. Perhaps I should blog about this? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39777 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:25:47 +0000 Anonymous 39777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think the Eddie Bauer puffers are flattering, but they are well made and warm. I've been wearing one of their coats for extreme cold weather for more than 15 years and it's getting a workout this week. It's not a puffer but a long waterproof coated, wool-lined green microfiber trench with a down zip-out down liner and a hood. It's light weight but oh so warm. I haven't seen the style in recent years. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39773 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:12:15 +0000 Debbie 39773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>PS I think Eddie Bauer is a great brand for this type of clothing. They are a long time NW brand and very reliable for gear type clothing (in my estimation).</p> <p>maybe Angie can chime in here because I think Eddie Bauer was founded in Seattle? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39772 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:10:15 +0000 Debbie 39772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I may be joining the long puffer brigade. There is just nothing like it for warmth in this 0 degree F weather. I have a short black " gear" North Face puffer but it is even less flattering than a long one I think.</p> <p>My garage door is stuck at the moment because of the cold! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39771 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:07:00 +0000 Laura 39771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Kristen - I hear ya on the puffer coat idea. It's not even officially winter and I'm already giving up on wearing anything BUT a puffer at least until the February thaw we usually get (hopefully). Mine is your basic black puffer with fake fur trimmed hood from Anne Klein a couple of years ago. Boring. I look like everyone else in it ... I was actually considering returning my new Soia &#38; Kyo full-length coat and getting an upgraded puffer instead. Ugh. I'll be watching your thread to see what you find! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39744 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:42:36 +0000 Anonymous 39744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess you have to scroll down to the long down parkas. There is free shipping right now with the code DECSHIP at checkout. I've found that their coats tend to run a bit small. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39743 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:39:30 +0000 Anonymous 39743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Eddie Bauer has a long black down puffer rated to -30. I suppose you'd look like a well toasted marshmallow but you'd be warm.</p> <p><a href="http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Women/Outerwear-Jackets--Blazers/index.cat#ppl=%7Btype%3A%22transition%22%2CensembleId%3A%2233617%22%2CformatStr%3A%22product%22%2CpassedIdObj%3A%7B%22ensembleId%22%3A%2233617%22%7D%2CcategoryId%3A%22103%22%2CpathInfo%3A%22C1C3C103%22%2CcolorId%3A%22100%22%2CsizeIdSelected%3A%22-1%22%2CquantitySelected%3A%22-1%22%2CimageName%3A%22EB08ID_0066788_100B1%22%2CimageTypeCode%3A%22B%22%2CcatPath%3A%22categoryId%3D103%7E%7EpCategoryId%3D3%7E%7EgpCategoryId%3D1%7E%7EcategoryName%3DOUTERWEAR-JACKETS--BLAZERS%7E%7EpCategoryName%3DWOMEN%7E%7EgpCategoryName%3DEB%22%2Ccs%3A%220%22%7D" rel="nofollow">http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/W.....%220%22%7D</a></p> <p>Here's another a bit less warm in cream:</p> <p><a href="http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/Women/Outerwear-Jackets--Blazers/index.cat#ppl=%7Btype%3A%22transition%22%2CensembleId%3A%2234087%22%2CformatStr%3A%22product%22%2CpassedIdObj%3A%7B%22ensembleId%22%3A%2234087%22%7D%2CcategoryId%3A%22103%22%2CpathInfo%3A%22C1C3C103%22%2CcolorId%3A%22529%22%2CsizeIdSelected%3A%22-1%22%2CquantitySelected%3A%22-1%22%2CimageName%3A%22EB08ID_0066796_529B1%22%2CimageTypeCode%3A%22B%22%2CcatPath%3A%22categoryId%3D103%7E%7EpCategoryId%3D3%7E%7EgpCategoryId%3D1%7E%7EcategoryName%3DOUTERWEAR-JACKETS--BLAZERS%7E%7EpCategoryName%3DWOMEN%7E%7EgpCategoryName%3DEB%22%2Ccs%3A%220%22%7D" rel="nofollow">http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/W.....%220%22%7D</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39731 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:18:08 +0000 shiny 39731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hee hee... I love the subject line. </p> <p>I gave in to the giant puffer this year and I'm happy I did. Mine is truly marshmallow-land, considering it's off-white: </p> <p><a href="http://s386.photobucket.com/albums/oo309/lookingfabat43/iceland/?action=view&#038;current=icelanddec2008135.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....008135.jpg</a></p> <p>I was limited because I absolutely needed a Petite coat - sometimes I can get away with regular sizing, but not for a coat this long. </p> <p>My requirements were simple: I wanted one with real, 100% down inside it. I have multiple puffers that don't make me look quite so puffy, but none of them have down; they are filled with acrylic synthetic something-or-other. This makes them less puffy but nowhere near as warm! </p> <p>The coat above was extremely toasty - underneath, I could get away with wearing just a tee if I wanted, and still be quite warm. The color is fox fur and it is removeable. I liked the fox fur - it can be cinched in to cover the ears. However, my ideal coat would've had a fur-lined hood for complete head coverage. Still, this worked and kept me toasty.</p> <p>This is the other puffer I took to Iceland:</p> <p><a href="http://s386.photobucket.com/albums/oo309/lookingfabat43/iceland/?action=view&#038;current=icelanddec2008104.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....008104.jpg</a></p> <p>I'm not sure you can call it a true puffer, because it's not that puffy! It's from Abercrombie and Fitch. I rarely shop in that store, because it's the sort of place my teens would shop in, but I saw this coat last winter and tried it on and fell in love with it (leave no retail stone unturned!) It hits at my hip. I fell in love with the gigantic hood (which is removeable but the coat isn't as cute without it). Unfortunately, the zipper broke while in Iceland... I will be getting it fixed. </p> <p>It's not down filled but would work for driving since it's car-coat length. The hood would keep your hair dry during a snow storm. This coat is very waterproof, which is a big plus. </p> <p>This puffer is cute and less puffery - Elie Tahari - but it's not filled with Down so it's more of a fall-weight coat and you would freeze in it:</p> <p><a href="http://s386.photobucket.com/albums/oo309/lookingfabat43/winter%20coats/?action=view&#038;current=lookbook085.jpg" rel="nofollow">http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....ook085.jpg</a></p> <p>I have another 3/4 length, red puffer from Ann Taylor a few years back ... sorry no pic... again, it's not so puffy but it's also not so warm either, since it is not filled with Down but some synthetic. </p> <p>North Face makes a very nice puffer (black) that is down-filled, has a hood, is quite long (the XS is ankle length on me), but somehow doesn't make you look too marshmallowy. I see this coat all over the place here in Boston, worn by many stylish women to and from work. I have been tempted by this coat for a few years now.... unfortunately, I just can't get over the stupid North Face logo which is not just on the front, but on the BACK too.... as my DH says "It looks like bird poop from far away!!". </p> <p>Here's this year's edition of the North Face jacket (on me, it hits close to the ankle, or they have shortened it this year): </p> <p><a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=123407&#038;CategoryID=10925&#038;AdID=11045&#038;PageID=10925*1*24*-1*-1*3" rel="nofollow">http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....24*-1*-1*3</a></p> <p>As for tips - other than looking for something with genuine down for the ultimate in warmth - look for one with seaming that defines a waist. Or even one with a belt, if you don't mind belted coats. </p> <p>I had my eye on this one for awhile - note the seaming that defines a waist - but now it's only available in black. Black is practical but white is so pretty and it stands out in the sea of winter black: </p> <p><a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=126933&#038;CategoryID=5391&#038;PageID=5391*1*24*-1*-1*1" rel="nofollow">http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....24*-1*-1*1</a></p> <p>I'm happy and content with the one I have in the first pic.... it stood the Iceland test and it only cost me $60! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/giving-in-to-the-giant-puffer#post-39725 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:53:10 +0000 Kristen 39725@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought I could avoid it, but it's only December and we're on our third major snowstorm of the season here in Chicago. And this year my work parking lot is outdoors which means I have to warm up and scrap off my car at home and at work. (Last year I parked in a covered lot -- bliss!)</p> <p>None of my shorter winter coats are gonna cut it on the snowstorm days. So...it's time for a full-length puffer. Marshmallow-land, here I come!</p> <p>Laura, I know you've confessed to owning one: any advice on what kind or where to get it? Or does anyone else have any suggestions?</p> <p>I have to work fast because I think I need it for the weekend. I'm off tomorrow so I can hit the stores where needed! </p>