Ok, where is the brilliant 'Warm and waterproof coat' thread from last year? I need another one.

[CuttedUpPear]

I bought an amazing coat by Didriksons last year on the advice of a MNetter here who worked in the industry. She gave the BEST advice but I can't find the thread now. Basically she explained how warm AND waterproof is a hard combination to come by because we're the only country with such a wet and cold climate and no one designs for us. Nice.

I bought the coat for DS but ended up wearing it myself, now I need to buy him one of his own before he gets soaked to the skin!

[Drywhiteplease]

Give ds back the original coat and get yourself a Merril Wakefield coat. I adore it, best purchase ever.

[CuttedUpPear]

Hmmm they look nice but I don't want a long coat, I have an active job. Over the bum and no more

[Ruprekt]

Try M and M Direct

I got a coat there a couple of years ago. Helly Hanson and it still looks good and is warm and waterproof.

[captainpig]

I think the poster you mention was drowninginlaundry, she posted on several coat threads. Do a search on her name. (I also bought a Didriksons coat last year - it is fab).

[CharlieMouseWillDoIt]

Is this the thread you mean?

Or maybe this one?

Good luck in your hunt for a warm and waterproof coat. It really shouldn't be so difficult, should it?

I bought a Didrikson's one last year, but can't remember the name of the style now.

[CharlieMouseWillDoIt]

Sorry, just realised I've linked to the same thread twice. Try this one:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/1315391-If-you-are-OVER-57-where-have-you-got-a-good-longish-waterproof-warm-coat

[neuroticmumof3]

I like the Merril Wakefield, but how warm is it? I'm after something suitable for dog walking and don't want to boil as I work up a sweat trying to keep up with my very active dog.

[Drywhiteplease]

I got the one without the thermal lining because I wanted to wear it year round....will add a fleece or something when it gets really cold.

[CuttedUpPear]

I bought the Didrikson's boys age 15 coat last year and it fits me (5'6", size 10) just fine. It was £35 on ebay so a bargain. But still don't have any more money than that to spend this year.

[CuttedUpPear]

Thanks for the link to the thread Charlie, it was a really interesting one and I'm sure will help a few people this year now that the wimpy summer has given way to autumn proper and we are all freezing cold too.

[neuroticmumof3]

I've decided I'm in love with the Merrell Wakefield now and that my life won't be complete until I find one. Unfortunately nowhere seems to have a medium size in either the purple or the ink colour . If anyone has one they don't want please pm me so I can buy it.

[Drywhiteplease]

neurotic I hope you find one. I wore it today in the torrential rain and was lovely and dry....this is such a great investment and I will wear it every day now.

[actiongirl1978]

Hi Cutted - I know the thread you mean - it formed the basis of my coat search this year!!!

I spent weeks researching and in the end bought the Didriksons 'Rebecca' from Complete Outdoors. I love it so much I could sleep in it. It is warm, completely waterproof (it had its first rain outing yesterday!) and looks like a parka tbh.

It looks great with my grey skinny jeans and brown block heel ankle boots and frankly I feel cool in it... unlike a 'camping/hiking' coat which is what I used to have!

Oh and I had two compliments on the school run. I live abroad and so it proves that it passes International style scrutiny!

[CuttedUpPear]

Well done actiongirl! Passing the true test indeed!

[AgathaFusty]

That's a lovely coat actiongirl.

Has anyone tried this - I like the look of it, but not sure if it will be warm enough. Good price though.

[OttersPocket]

I too would love the Merrell Wakefield in a medium but alas I don't think it's going to be. Sniff.

Has anyone got the Merrell Haven? If so, would you recommend it?

(I got very wet and cold this morning - I need a warm coat in my life!)

[noyouhavehadawee]

no actiongirl but im after a parka and keep looking at it, they have it in go outdoors and so i intend tryingit on next we pass. there are a few on m and m direct that look reasonable i agree but they only seem to hav s and xs in stock grrr. The hood on my berghaus wet cot is now peeling away so im kind of desperate now.

[TapselteerieO]

Otters I have the Merrell Haven - three years old and worn half the year here in freezing cold Scotland, it keeps me warm and very dry. It has been one of my best ever purchases, not very stylish but that is irrelevant when it comes to how good it has been at protecting me from wind, rain and cold.

[OttersPocket]

Hi Taps,

Thanks for the review - I too am in bloody freezing Scotland! My mind has turned to getting a warm, waterproof coat - I feel like I have finally grown up

Sounds like a good investment to me.

[carrie74]

According to Schoolgate style today, the Wakefield has been rebranded this season, and she gives links to cheapest finds.

I bought the Wakefield on recommendation from here in the Spring (expecting not to need it until well into autumn - instead it got LOADS of wear over the "summer", and again now. Looks great. I've got the non-insulated one, as I have a waterproof puffer coat for when it gets properly cold.

[OttersPocket]

Thanks Carrie, that's interesting.

But now to go with the rebranded Ellenwood or the Haven....decisions, decisions...

[dingdong3]

Thanks for the mention carrie...yes it's now called the Ellenwood so it's harder to find the older Wakefield now. I've a link on the blog to an Ellenwood for £139 which is pretty good. You do see the uninsulated Wakefield about for £70-80 sometimes...and sometimes it's difficult to tell which version is being sold so you may need to phone to check with the supplier.
Definitely the best every buy I made last winter. I now want a black one! Don't tell DH :)

[Roundandroundthemulberrybush]

Does the Merrell really look ok? Or is it ok for a waterproof coat ok? I am desperate for something warm and properly waterproof but I absolutely the coats and always feel a real frump in the usual black parka / puff a. The last thing I want is a very expensive frumpy coat even if it is waterproof. Today I am wearing ultra skinny grey jeggings, a dark long sleeved top with a slightly cropped back jumper and studded back ankle boots with messy bum, ray ban aviators on my head when driving, lots of chunky jewellery and an oversized mans watch. This is my standard uniform. Will the Merrell work with such a look?

[dingdong3]

It's the best you're going to get in the waterproof coat department.....you sound more edgy than I am style-wise so maybe it won't fit your wardrobe? Check out the blog today - I wore mine with a navy jersey top, navy skinnies, grey patent ankle/shoe boots, cross body vintage bag. It's not edgy style but on days like this, I chose dryness over all else - HATE being wet and cold :)
The black would probably be a better colour choice for you?

[regnamechange]

just read the blog! I love the coat but don't have that to splurge on. My Gap parka is still going but its not warm, any suggestions that are less expensive? Or is there such a thing that I can wash said parka in to make it waterproof