2 months ago my tried and true, trusty old LL Bean parka finally had to be laid to rest. She has warmed and sheltered me through some fierce winters since 2003. I have seen evidence of her aging and been preparing myself for our final excursion together. I knew that when her time was up I would be very sad, but need to focus on replacing her.
It was hard. Harder than I thought it would be. I tried to shop local. I tried to be loyal to a Maine legend. I did research. I politely struck up conversations with people to ask about their coats. I met some nice people, gained some information and got a few leads. I tried on so MANY coats. Some styles had the length and warmth features I needed, but none looked good. On me. The coats were so pretty on the hangers and online. Gorgeous color options and details! On me they looked like sausages with hoods.
Many times I was tempted to post pics and ask for your opinions, but I knew deep down that even though I needed a coat, I wasn’t going to be happy looking like a sausage.
I ordered the coat pictured below on December 26th. Due to storms and delivery challenges it finally arrived today. I think it might work for me. There is a lot I like about it. I am brave enough to show it to you and ask for your candid opinions. Sausage alert, but at least this sausage looks like it has a little waist. Well, not a “little” waist, but an indentation where a waist should be....
Keep or return? Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

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