All Hail the Puffer! - YouLookFab Forum

Here in Boston having a puffer - or several - is mandatory. Last week we got our first cold snap and I was cranky because even though I have several puffers, each one has a drawback:

1) Black 3/4 Elie Tahari coat -
http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....ook085.jpg
Totally adorable, has a flattering shape (no marshmallow man), jackets fit well underneath it, unfortunately, the synthetic fill make it impractical in temps below freezing. It's best for spring or mild winter only.

2) Red 3/4 Ann Taylor puffer - the most streamlined of my puffers, but unfortunately, so streamlined I cannot fit a jacket underneath. Also, no hood. And, I don't find red all that versatile for my wardrobe. I feel like santa when I wear this coat. (I do not have any pics of all of this... because I wear it so infrequently, maybe only 1-2 times per year.)

3) Brown hooded A&F short puffer -
http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....008104.jpg
Hubby broke the zipper on this one last year, and I have yet to replace it. Probably won't bother this year, since I am finding I'm wearing a lot of long cardigans and tunics. It is warm, I adore the hood, but it leaves my tush and legs uncovered. It is also too tight to wear lots of layers underneath.

4) Cream puffer with fox-fur collar -
http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....008135.jpg
My warmest puffer of all. It is not only down, but has a thick furry (synthetic) lining too. So it is also my bulkiest. This is ideal for temps under 0 degrees. It's really REALLY heavy, and I overheat when I go inside. Awkward to carry and travel with. GREAT for doing things outdoors. GREAT for wearing a skimpy dress underneath; I remain perfectly toasty! Unfortunately, the color is more of a tan than white. And the collar is very dramatic, and keeps me super warm, but may not be the best for someone with such a short neck. It is removeable, but something seems off about the coat when I remove it. It looks better with, however, I have to be in Drama mode to enjoy wearing it. Hee hee.

So... today I went puffer shopping! Am I totally crazy??? Do I really need another? LOL.

I added this one today:

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....+Haan*-1*2

This one may just prove to be my Holy Grail of Puffers!!!

It's white, not tan.

It's incredibly lightweight.

It's flattering cut.

It has a removeable hood.

It's filled with down - we'll see how it stands up to the temperature test, but I suspect it'll work in most situations - except for super cold temps when #4 will be the better choice.

And, it can fold up and pack into a tiny travel pillow!!!

It hits me longer than on the model, but is still just above the knee, a perfect length. The sleeves are on the longish side, but in a good way for a winter coat. Not too long. I got the XS - for those of you who are petite and looking for a decent puffer.

Finally, it was on MAJOR sale! See that price? I got it for only $140. wOO-HOO!

I have to say that this is the best year ever for puffer coat shopping. I found several (Non-petites) that would've worked. It seems designers are getting the message and designing coats that are flattering and functional. If you are in the market for a puffer, get out there now.

16 years ago

Alecia

Veteran

Shiny, you crack me up. I remember you doing some serious puffer shopping last year, too. The newest addition is sweet! Can't wait to see it on you.

Anonymous

Very pretty. I think this will be beautiful on you and the down filling is so warm.

marianna

Hopefully the new puffer will be absolutely perfect!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Seattle has been below freezing for a fortnight (18 to 32). Today was the first day in a long time that we hit 36 degrees! I have had my new puffer on solidly the entire time (apart from this last weekend when I was in CA).

You live on the East Coast, Jennifer. You need loads of coats. I say you need another puffer! Hope this one fits the bill. It looks super.

Excellent, shiny! I love how your puffer collection will work for each and every situation you find yourself in! I've also noticed better-looking coats this season.

rute

You are very funny!
Love nº 4 also, the collar is dramatic, but faux furs are hot this season it looks good on you!

Louise

What fab puffers, i love the last one can't wait to see you wearing it x

At Thanksgiving I found my perfect puffer at the Nordstrom Rack north of Denver. It's a black Anne Klein knee length real down with detachable faux fox trimmed hood and nylon/poly shell. It's light weight and nicely shaped with front zipper plus snap closings and easy use slant front pockets that can be zipped shut. The XS has enough room to be able to layer a blazer or jacket underneath. It's been in the single digits and I've been warm. It's also waterproof. I think it was about $89. If you are looking for a warm puffer and have a Rack, it's worth a look. Two other customers in the store saw mine and headed for the puffer rounder.

shiny

Rute, #4 is real fox fur. I don't mean to upset anyone, but I have no problems wearing real fur and down and leather shoes and purses too. There is nothing like real fur and down. I don't find the fake stuff warm. The fake stuff also does not wear as well or last as long, and who knows what sort of planet destruction is created from the synthetic materials, especially since they don't last as long, and don't biodegrade either. That worries me far more.

That said, I do hope that all the down feathers in my coats came from birds that were going to be eaten. If people are going to eat animals, might as well make good use of the entire animal. Reading the other thread, I am quite alarmed anyone would pluck a live bird! That does sound cruel. It's bad enough plucking my eyebrows.

As for the fox fur collar, I did not know it was real when I purchased it. It is so much more warm than the fake fur hood of the AE puffer (despite not even covering the top of my head), I decided to keep it. I had no problem wearing it all around Iceland because everyone there wears real fur, not fake. It stays warm even when wet, which is a plus in that climate. I admit I'm more hesitant parading around in it here in the states. I would not want to upset anyone.

But as I've said before, I would not be averse to owning a mink coat someday - but only vintage. I wouldn't buy a brand new one. I have zero problems owning a previously used one. They last forever, if you take good care of them. And it seems criminal to just let a perfectly good one go into a trash heap.

yublocka

I'm not trying to deliberately play devils advocate, but I am genuinely curious about why down/fur etc is worse than regular leather products? Not that I have any fur, I am just generally ignorant to this issue as I haven't had all that much exposure to it. Why react more badly to someone wearing fox skin than someone wearing cow hide? Although I hate the thought of poor birds being plucked, as someone who eats chicken and fish and wears leather, I don't think I have any right to make judgements about down.

Similarly why is it ok to eat pig but not dog? I know I certainly reacted badly to see dogs on sale at the meat markets in China, but I love pigs as well, so why is it any less bad to eat bacon? I think we as humans have some funny arbitrary taboos that are just ingrained into us.

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