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!

[youngblowfish]

Just a quick post to say that I also love the elastic button fasteners on top of the Taylor, they are different. I don't find the hip pockets unflattering, even though I thought I would.

When I get too hot in my coat, I tend to completely undo the zip and unfasten the wrist poppers. It it is raining, I keep the storm flap buttoned over the zip, but the zip remains open. That seems to keep me cooler.

[sarimillie]

Longtalljosie - but I'm glad it works for you!

[Cheddars]

I love this thread but I wish that these coats were stocked somewhere so that I could try them on.

There's just no way I can choose the best fitting coat from a 2D image.

[Betty365]

If you're anywhere near Huddersfield, Outdoorworld has a few Didriksons in the store in all sizes. They do come up big, and the hoods are huge and snuggly. I tried on:
Naomi: Really nice fit, can be pulled in at the waist and long enough to keep my bum warm. Nice purply-blue colour too.
Lindsey: A bit boxy on me - but if you're in a smaller size, or not as tall as me (I'm 5'7") it would look great
Taylor - perfect for us tall, round girls, it fits nice, comes to just above the knees and is totally snuggly. Sadly the price tag means I have to save up first.
So what did I buy?
None of them!
I went for the Desiree Seems similar to the Naomi, but a bit cheaper, and it comes in red. Always a winner.
I was looking for a warm, waterproof coat to keep my work clothes dry when standing at the bus stop at 6.20am (grrr). I had an old, but loved cotton parka from Next that I'd had for years - sadly it lost it's pizzaz, and gets soaked so quickly.
But I love that Taylor - I will have one, one way or another. But I needed a work coat more than a fun coat

[Betty365]

UPDATE:
Next-day delivery from Viking Kids was a pleasant surprise! You don't get that very often these days, do you?

The Desiree fits a dream and is made of soft, matte plummy-red fabric. Although sadly it was really badly creased when I took it out of the plastic - I know the label says I can put a cool iron on it, but I don't think I'll risk it!

The forecast is for 5 degrees tomorrow so it'll get a good road test. It feels very light compared to my old coat, hope its up to the job!

[Happybell]

Well after much research and reviews on here I went ahead and ordered a Merrell Wakefield, Small (only one i could find at a bargain Price) Unfortunately it was the uninsulated version and too small around the waist, but perfect on arms. I'm now in search for an Ellenwood as I understand Wakefield is no longer sold. So anyone know who has the best price? Is there a big difference in size between the S and M? Or should I consider others? I'm a size 12, short but not quite petite... If you know what I mean! I've also see Didrikson mentioned but can't find any uk stockists? Please Help me find that perfect schools run/football side line coat! X

[CuttedUpPear]

Bump so MrsShrek3 can see it [hsmile]

[nextphase]

what colour would you like?
here looks cheep, and in the right sizes.

I'm reasonably tall, and a 14. Bought a L, and its right for me, but the arms are quite long (lovely long, but would be too long if I was much shorter)

[RoginaInWellies]

Just had my Marmot Chelsea delivered from Amazon. I'm a petite short-arse, my old coat is age 11-12, and this Is pretty good on me in XS. It's a bit long but that's to be expected since I'm barely 5ft. The arms almost fit, which is amazing as my arms are freakishly short. I'd been round the limited outdoor shops here and the Marmot sizing seemed best for me so ordered and kept my fingers crossed. Haven't been outside yet (are you kidding? It's snowing!) but I'm hoping its magical properties will also keep me warm. Happy so far!

[leobeebs]

I've been lurking for ages and think I've narrowed my choice to either a merrell ellenwood or Didrikson Naomi or Stella. Know the last two are different styles to each other but can't make my mind up if I need a knee length or bum length. I live in Southampton so not the coldest part of the uk. Does anyone have a Stella?
And what size should I go for in either brand of coat? I'm a curvy size 14.
Thank you ladies I really need to keep away from s&b it's costing waaaay too much.

[mumof3teens]

After much deliberation have found a fab, fab down parka in TK Maxx. Was £315 down to £139 :)

[sarimillie]

I have just invested in an insulated Wakefield, but I did try an Ellenwood and it was lovely, too. I tried the Naomi, but found it long in the arm and generous, especially on top! So I'd say it depends where your curves are - if you're an hourglass the Naomi might suit, tho size down, and if you're a pear like me the Ellenwood will be great - they are neatly cut, and a large should be right. Personally I like the longer length - more rain protection - but the Naomi felt warmer than I needed.

[Happybell]

Sarimillie where did you get your Wakefield from and try on the ellenwood. I'm spending a fortune on returning coats as the sites I've ordered from don't offer free returns!

[OhYouBigBadBeast]

Now where can I find dh a really warm coat for Christmas? He's not into duvet type coats, or anything remotely fashionable and he's a bit fussy.

[sarimillie]

Happybell - I've been doing all of this over the Internet, too - it's a pain about the lack of free returns, isn't it - I had to pay to return the Ellenwood and Naomi.

[sarimillie]

Got the Wakefield from Tk maxx, amazingly - would have kept the Ellenwood if I hadn't been lucky there.

[PippiL]

Gutted, I dithered too long. The didrikson Taylor is now out of stock everywhere in black size 38.

I had sold loads of stuff on eBay to buy it too.

[BieneMaja]

My black Taylor is sitting here unworn. I'm still not sure it fits/ is what I want. I just returned a black 38 to outdoor world so pippi ring them. They may well have it! I might still be sending my 36 back too. at the fact that I will have paid £20 in return fees.
Lovely coat but def for tall, long armed, slim hipped people...

[PippiL]

Erm, I am not tall, long armed or slim hipped...

The search continues.

[PippiL]

Ah, fuck it. Just bought the haven in black. Totally unoriginal but the warmth factor got me.

[sarimillie]

Did anyone have any ideas for a coat for OhYouBigBadBeast's dh? I'm on a similar quest!

[PippiL]

DH has a carhart (sp?) waterproof coat. It has lasted him a good few years and still going strong. Hood that zips off etc.

Cross between technical walking/snowboarding jacket, and like NF without being NF! smart enough to wear over a suit if weather is bad.

[PippiL]

Think it could be this one only in green.

[BieneMaja]

I'm returning my All Black Taylor. Sadly it will cost me a tenner to return it. If anyone wants a Taylor in 36 (I'd say a decent 10), then PM me as I think they are now out of stock. I paid £162...

Lovely lovely coat, but its more for someone bigger up top, smaller down below. I'm pear shaped... So alas not for me...

[sarimillie]

Pippi, that looks just the kind of thing. Will keep an eye out for a deal ...