Mom Style Files: It Begins with the Coat

Why hello there.

 

I haven’t forgotten our Cold Weather Cute Mom Style Files Challenge.

 

Cold Weather Cute

 

How could I?

 

The weather here dropped to a balmy -25 {yes you read that right} It was like Antarctica out there. Without the penguins and polar bears of course.

 

In these frigid temperatures it became obvious that the key to Cold Weather Cute must revolve around the coat.

 

Without a proper coat, you might just end up a human icicle frozen to the sidewalk for eternity.

 

This winter, I switched jobs and went from climate controlled garage parking to public parking ramp with a three-block walk. It didn’t take long to realize my cute vintage pea coat wasn’t going to cut it.

 

Cue search for the perfect, cute and cozy winter coat that could withstand the Polar Vortex’s wrath.

 

I looked at a few department stores and couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for – a down parka-length coat with fur hood. There were loads of coats, but either they weren’t in my size, or didn’t have all the elements I was looking for.

 

Then I opened my mailbox, and found the answer I was looking for – my Land’s End catalog was featuring winter coats and the perfect coat was on the cover.

 

But would it keep me warm.

 

There are three elements a winter coat needs to be cute and functional.

 

Down vs. Synthetic

Down is great at keeping you warm, but if you are planning skiing or sledding with the kids Synthetic will keep it’s shape better. Down has a tendency to bunch up and hold moisture.

 

A Hood

Sure you can wear a stocking cap, or beanie, but when it comes to keeping out the Iowa wind, nothing beats a fur trimmed hood.

 

Length

There are three general lengths when it comes to coats, and the longer the coat the warmer you are.

There’s the jacket which hits at the hip.

Lands End Jacket

 

The parka, which hits around the knee or thigh.

Screen Shot 2015-01-18 at 6.33.55 PM

 

The full-length, which falls around the calf.

Lands End Full Length Coat

 

After looking at coat after coat in the Land’s End catalog and online, I checked fill type, temperature recommendations, length, hood styles and of course color and cuteness factor.

 

And finally decided on this …

 

Lands Coat Mine

The tulip-hem down coat in black.

 

For a split second I pondered the antique spruce color {like the one above}, but thought a neutral black would stand the test of time better, and I could always brighten it up with fun scarf or hat.

 

The coat is the perfect length, short enough to show off my cute skinny jeans and long enough to cover my tush.

 

Combining the unique tulip hem and the simple belt created a slimming silhouette, in what could have easily become a bulky shapeless lump under all that down.

 

Of course the hood was a necessity and it has come in handy during those sub-zero temps.

Land End Coat Mine

My Land’s End coat is the perfect mix of cute and cuddly.

 

Now it’s time to accessorize.

 

Check in next week {and I promise it will be next week} when I introduce accessories.

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