Parka London

[ExConstance]

I so want a big snuggly parka with "fur" lining and luxurious fake fur on the hood, so I feel enveloped and warm. looks really lovely to me Has anyone got one? I will be saving up to get one in the autumn if I'm convinced it is as lovely as it looks.

[louloubelle2]

I have that same Lara parka but in the green and I love it. The quality and finishing is excellent e.g. the zips, toggles, poppers etc are all sturdy, and the fur collar is lovely and feathery soft and luxurious (unlike the awful synthetic fairground toy fur Whistles use on their parkas). The front pockets are huge, they go all the way down to the hem. Also the lining is removable which would make it a great weight in the spring/summer. I can also vouch that it is water resistant, I wouldn't say it is waterproof and would withstand violent rainstorms, but it doesn't claim to either.

I really feel the cold, and I turn to my North Face Arctic parka for very wintery conditions or when I need proper waterproofing, but this has been a great around town coat for the winter we have so far had.

John Lewis had it on sale for £142, sold out now online, but might be worth a to see if one of their stores still have it?

[ExConstance]

I've ordered a black one from a shop called Lambert's Yard, couldn't find a heavily discounted one but I want it so much!

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I tried one on today, having psyched myself up to pay that much if I loved it. It was absolutely beautiful but the hood was ridiculously big. I ended up buying a cheapo one instead.

[louloubelle2]

Yeah, I forgot to say that the only slight downside is the fully fur lined hood, along with the fur trim, do make the hood quite heavy on the back of the coat. I have to do some adjusting to get it it sit right. But the plus side of it being heavy is that it does stay on your head and not fall off in the slightest breeze.

I also noticed you can buy different coloured fur trim from the Parka site, £35 I think. If you fancied.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I could have fit at least ten of my heads inside it!

[Oldraver]

I cant get passed the picture of the dowdy girl in that skirt and shoe combo...

[seefeld]

I've got the Charlie parka by the same brand. It doesn't have "fur" inside, it's lined with borg and a quilted bit at the back, but it does the job in the autumn and spring. I've got a more heavy duty Woolrich parka for the winter.

Didn't realise they sell different colour fur trims! Off to investigate now...

[ExConstance]

It is being delivered on Thursday - could have been Tuesday but I will be at home on Thursday tending to my dog after he has minor surgery. I'm ver excited. There are a couple of other lovely coats on the site, maybe next year...

[louloubelle2]

Let us know what you think. It is a few more ££ than most high street options, but I looked at a lot before I bought mine and, as a stickler for finishing details, this is far superior. Parka styles are the same every year, so it's not like you're spending on a trend based style. Plus you can remove the lining for spring/summer, so an all year round coat!

[ExConstance]

It has arrived! medium is a good fit for a full up size 12. The Parka itself is very well made and the lining is like rabbit fur, lovely and soft. Yes, the hood is huge - but that is because the furry bit fits along the edge not on the main bit of the hood. Anyway, I'm getting old, the hood is better looking than my face, so it won't be going back. Certainly in a league of its own and far nicer than anthing else I've seen.

[louloubelle2]

phew, glad you liked it! We should stress the fur is all faux, but you are right, it is lovely and soft and very good quality.

I don't have a problem with the hood size, although as I said above all the fur does make it a bit heavy when hanging down, but I think the size adds to making it look like a quality item. Plus it stay up when you need it to!

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Resurrecting this. Went back today and bought this one, reduced to £85 in the John Lewis sale. It's beautiful and I love it, but the hood is still enormous! I definitely want to get a different coloured trim for it at some point too. Wish they did bright pink or red.

[ExConstance]

John Lewis were sold out when I looked - you were very lucky RLBG. I will console myself with the fact that I got another coat in Laura Ashley with £100 off to wear for work, and a rather lovely dress, much to my sruprise from Sainsbury's for £5.40

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

The Birmingham branch had a fair few in today, but not black ones - lots of navy and a few different khaki ones. This one which is utterly gorgeous.

[seefeld]

Seriously tempted to get another parka but having just bought a Rag and Bone bargain in TK Maxx I think I have enough more than enough now!

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Pic? Sounds fab.

[seefeld]

It's this one but in black: www.lyst.co.uk/clothing/rag-bone-olive-waterloo-parka-coat-fabric-green/

It's wool so therefore totally different from my other parkas which totally justifies me buying it

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Very nice! Proper Old School. :)