Yet another coat thread!

[sprinkles77]

I want a Northface arctic parka, [http://www.allweathers.co.uk/the-north-face-arctic-parka-aw11---womens-9938-p.asp?gclid=CNTvpMiZkK0CFUUPfAodYFhsmg this]. It meets my criteria of:
warm,
waterproof,
not too bulky
and furry hood. I know I am 34 but I need a furry hood!

I'm 5ft 2 so I think it will come somewhere between mid thigh and knee length on me. But, even at this price it is outside my budget. Anyone found it cheaper? Or got one in good condition to sell. I'm a small / size 10. Or can think of something similar? I'm a bit over the puffy michelin man look, and don't want shiny. Every year I buy something that is OK but not quite perfect. I really wish I'd bought this a couple of years ago pre DS when I had more money!

[sprinkles77]

link again here

[MrsChristmasDB]

Have you tried ebay ?

There's a new one on there, size 10, new with tags, Size S ending later ?

Item no. 180777209025

Says it is 'Bittersweet Brown' colour.

[MrsChristmasDB]

I recently bought myself a NF coat. Yes, expensive, but I figure I won't be hunting for a new one for the next couple of winters, so worth spending the money !

If you google, sometimes you can come up with sites that have an offer on, too. Try some of the outdoor places, like Blacks, Cotswold Company etc ?

You may also come across another one similar you like ?!

[sprinkles77]

thanks mrschristmas. I want a black one. Brown is not my colour at all.
Every year I have bought something similar but cheaper, and just should have bought this, the one I really wanted years ago, instead of wasting money on others. On that basis I ought to get the right colour. I've been scouring the internet for days and did check all the sites you mentioned and some others. There was nothing else that fitted the bill, except a brand called "canada goose", but the one I wanted was nearly £600! I have expensive taste! I sold lots of stuff on ebay a couple of months ago and the proceeds are enough to get this Arctic coat and the winter coat DH wanted for his birthday, so I am tempted to say sod it and spend the money. We've had a poo last few months so deserve a treat, and don't normally spend money on clothes. I called the website and they have lots in stock. It's early winter so I'll get lots of wear out of it this year. Once I have it I will ebay my 2 other less satisfactory ones so they cannot sit in the wardrobe making me feel guilty!

As an experienced NF wearer, would you say the sizing is pretty normal and consistent between styles? I am normally a 10. I have the Nuptse body warmer (or gilet as they are called post 1979) in XS which is a little smaller than I'd like, but certainly does not actually feel tight when worn over a hoodie, so I'm assuming a S in the Arctic would be fine over a hoodie.

[MrsChristmasDB]

You're welcome ! My coat is black ! Brown just doesn't suit me.

From what you have said, I would just say sod it, and spend the money. Call it an investment, if it makes you feel better. I had to breathe very deeply after I bought mine, but I adore it !

I called NF about the sizing, because I wanted to be sure, and not to spend all that money and then it not really fit properly, and they recommend you get a size bigger than you normally are, so you would want an M, which is supposed to be 12-14.

The lady on the phone told me that the coats do come up small, and I was glad I took her advice. I am usually a 10-12 and ordered an L, to allow for hoodies underneath etc, and it's perfect, the M would have been too small.

I can highly recommend, they really keep you warm, it is just like wearing a duvet !

[MrsChristmasDB]

Argh ! Posted too early.

Don't just go on my advice though ! Blimey, I would hate for you to order one online or over the phone and it be wrong !

Can you get to somewhere with one you can try on, just to be doubly sure ?

[sprinkles77]

Am planning to try one on but it's free delivery so may order 2 sizes and send back the one that's wrong. Very excited about a great winter coat!

[MrsChristmasDB]

Ahh, so you are sensible !

Hope yours keeps you as snuggly warm as mine does !

[sprinkles77]

Have tried them on. Got the small as med seemed quite big and the last coat was too big and made me look huge which is one of the reasons it's being replaced. Coat should be here tomorrow!

[MrsChristmasDB]

Oooh, exciting !

Just had a thought, maybe you should keep one of your old ones for playing going out in the snow ?

You wouldn't want to ruin your shiny new one !

[MrsChristmasDB]

PS

You do realise you're not allowed to wear it yet, don't you ?

You'll have to wrap it and put it under the Christmas tree !

[sprinkles77]

Was just thinking will keep one of the big ones in case I ever need a maternity coat again (I hope so)! Really it's a bit mild for the new one today but I'm going to take off my hoodie and wear it anyway. We're Jewish so no need to wait till Christmas day to wear it, Chanukah started last night!

[sprinkles77]

Oh derrr. Can't wear til tomorrow. Confused myself by trying on then ordering on line! WTF?

[MrsChristmasDB]