And don't forget the uber-stylish down skirt, in mini, midi and maxi lengths! I love mine and it's perfect for when you have to stand around freezing.

Yeah. I hear you on the vest, but it is a pain to lug around all kinds of stuff at this stadium. A good 20 minute walk uphill to the park, then up more stairs to the seats, so no scarves, gloves, legwarmers... Too much to carry and potentially drop when pulled out at security check points where they search your bags.

But wouldn't you have lugged the coat? A true down vest should be able to stuff into a sack about the size of a sandwich bag. . . just sayin'

Yes, Sara, sorry if it sounded like I didn't like that idea. I meant that the vest was the only thing that made sense... still a single piece like the full coat would be, and not the mess of scarves and gloves and hats that I usually try to layer in. I don't know if my arms would be warm enough, but maybe I can thrift a vest and try it out.

Also, you can wear the vest zipped open and it will not be too hot. Plus it's very skater-girl cool.

Oh, no need to worry, Rae! I didn't think that, I just figured you're not terribly familiar with down gear and wanted to be thorough. What about putting together a small tote with just your cold weather game items. They should all be small, fabric, could get jammed into any other bag, if needed.

Sorry, but the mom in me always wants to solve someone's problems . . . . . . . .

Is this puffy vest too silly looking?
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/.....126370067/

Oh, I love the cutaway front. But the cap sleeves are a little weird. Here's my choice for you, in platinum. It's not down, but that means it will insulate better in wet conditions.

http://www.patagonia.com/us/pr.....4245-0-751

Love the vest idea and that particular vest that Una linked!

I can't believe you're returning this coat. When you're wearing jeans, boots and 4 layers of sweaters, it is going to fit you just fine. I got this coat this winter and it is just great for really cold days. I wouldn't pass it up for this price. When you have to go to a cold climate, you will be searching for a coat and you won't find one this nice for 5x this price.

Thanks, Una and Jonesy! Unfortunately the colors I like are out in my size and, well, it's about triple the original puffer in price... I'll keep an eye out on the Ebay, though.

I'm also wondering if a vest would be able to do double duty in an actual winter wetting (Missouri/Ohio)? It might be silly to get a piece that is *just* for games and nothing else. I wonder if there are puffers with zip off sleeves...

I just saw your post, Rita. Maybe I should try the size down, maybe in the correct team color, before I make the final decision? I had sized up from my normal size in coats and maybe that's what DH doesn't like.

Sounds like trying another size is a smart idea, but when you reorder, you could also try this vest:

http://www.landsend.com/pp/wom.....038;sku_0=::ZTU&CM_MERCH=search-_-down+vest&origin=search

It's only 34.99, can come in Petite, comes in a dozen colors (mineral yellow?, velvet orange?) and should be sturdy Land's End quality. (See their comment about sizing it.)

I have that LE vest (got it at Sears) for fishing trips when it's going to get trashed with fish guts and whatnot. It's very sturdy but a bit stiff and old-school. But you can't beat the price!