For when your wool coat just will.not.cut.it.
Corner Office
Canada Goose Whistler Coat ($795)
Yes, this coat is pricey. But, depending on where you live, worth it. I picked one up on Amazon in the off season and saved a bundle. I did end up with a white one though, which is less than ideal. But for $200-off? Not a problem.
Middle Cubicle
Intern Desk
LL Bean Warmer Coat ($119, seven colors)
Plus-size: Women’s Lodge Down Parka ($179)
Without question, the most worn item in my wardrobe is a black-and-white striped tee. I wear it in winter under sweaters, in spring with white jeans, in summer with black shorts. I’ve been wearing the same one for years (it’s the best). But they don’t make it anymore. So here are some options for replacement.
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
When I was young, my Mother used to bring me along when she would go shopping for fabric. As a result, I spent a lot of time, killing time, flipping through pattern books. So when I spotted this dress, I was instantly transported to the pattern table at a Jo-Ann Fabrics.
Without question, the most worn item in my wardrobe is a black-and-white striped tee. I wear it in winter under sweaters, in spring with white jeans, in summer with black shorts. I’ve been wearing the same one for years (it’s the best). But they don’t make it anymore. So here are some options for replacement.
When I started this blog, influencers still re-wore clothes. There were no haul videos filled with the latest from Shein before it winds up in a beach in Ghana poisoning the planet. There were no sponsored campaigns delivering fresh wardrobes each month. The content machine doesn’t like reruns.
When I was young, my Mother used to bring me along when she would go shopping for fabric. As a result, I spent a lot of time, killing time, flipping through pattern books. So when I spotted this dress, I was instantly transported to the pattern table at a Jo-Ann Fabrics.
Before we start today’s reader questions, I wanted to take a moment to talk a bit about mental health. For those who experience mental health challenges — whether occasionally or frequently — talking about our struggles is a double-edged sword.
I actually love the look of a white winter coat like this, but I’m wary of buying one. How quickly does it start to look dingy and dirty and how do you keep it clean?
I bought this jacket at Land’s End last year and it kept me incredibly warm through the miserable polar vortex: https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-shimmer-down-coat/id_288488?sku_0=::DTE It doesn’t look as shiny in person as it does in the pictures and has nice little features like fleece pockets for when you forget your gloves. Plus, it’s 50% right now. Would definitely recommend!
I purchased a similar jacket from Land’s End a year or two ago. The seaming was diagonal which I found a bit more flattering and it had a built-in cuff with thumb holes. It is the best thing ever. While everyone was freezing during the polar vortex, I was perfectly comfy. In DC during non-vortex weather, I don’t have to wear a sweater and can sometimes even go without a scarf. The best part is it doesn’t let the teensiest bit of wind in.
I purchased the stadium parka from Eddie Bauer last season and was impressed enough to buy a their shorter Yukon classic coat. I love both and found them to be far better replacements for my old North Face down jacket.
I bought the Patagonia 3-in-1 parka three years ago for Chicago winters and I have never made a better purchase. It is two separate jackets that zip together and I actually use the trench separately a ton, especially when working in other climates like San Francisco. Probably slightly less warm than a straight up down coat, but has always been good in Chicago and I love the versatility.
Link if it’s helpful, you can probably buy it elsewhere: https://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-tres-3-in-1-parka?p=28407-0
I just bought the Whistler coat for NYC winters! I love the length- longer but not full length. perfect for skirt wearing ladies. Great rec.
For a shorter Canada Goose model, I just got the Victoria and it’s great. Still covers your butt but isn’t as cumbersome when getting getting in or out of the car. It hasn’t gotten that cold in DC yet but it seems nice and warm (which is good since I have a quarter mile walk from my parking garage to work)