help find me a winter parka that's not frumpy

[yazzy85]

After reading all the "frumpy" threads on mumsnet I've become quite self conscious. I'm only 29 but because I have two toddlers fashion hasn't always been a priority. I want a waterproof parka style winter jacket, I looked at the Merrell Ellenwood that has been suggested on here but does it qualify as being frumpy and unfashionable?? Help please ??

I'm not sure I'm qualified to pronounce on fashionable , but after trying on about a million winter coats, I ended up with one from Skogstad, a bit like the one pictured but shorter length, it's been probably the most (favourably) commented on item of clothing I've ever had, loads of people have asked me where I got it. I think the main thing with it is that it is actually cut in at the waist, so you don't look so shapeless as you often can in a winter coat. That and it is definitely really waterproof and really warm :)

That's a lovely jacket!

How about this one? £70 down to £24 plus a extra 15% off if you enter the code! www.asos.com/asos/asos-nylon-parka-with-faux-fur-trim-hood/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3348917&clr=Khaki&SearchQuery=Nylon+parka

I saw a girl wearing it and had to ask her where she got it from - the fur is really thick and looks gorgeous. (better than the pic) Sizes are quite big so probably best to go a size smaller, I did. The inside is quilted so warmer than your average parka. Best one I've seen and I've been looking for ages!

I have an Aigle Rainstar which looks really cool in the green colour.

I don't really walk anywhere as kids go to school a drive away so wear it over jumpers.

Zara do funky parkas.

I have the Ellenwood and I'm dead cool

It is properly waterproof and light so doesn't add bulk. So whilst it's not high fashion, I wear it when I really cba getting soaked, if I am going to be out all day in the rain. I have fashionable coats but gave up and got this after getting utterly drenched a few years back in a Zara down coat with furry hood. The Merrell keeps my hair intact and my clothes bone dry. I got mine for £90 on Amazon, always deals to be had.

Have just taken receipt of the north face arctic parka. Gorgeous and down to £191 at ellis Brigham

What's the sizing/shape like on the Skogstad stuff? I just got a Saltwater coat in the post and am going to return it as it's just a bit meh - does the thing of being a bit loose at the top and a bit tight around the hips/where the zip starts, also colour was not very me.

I'm a small size 8 (5' 1") and the 8 fits me reasonably well with room for winter clothes underneath it, a wee bit long on the sleeves but not drastically so. As I say, mine is a shorter length jacket, & I found it pretty well shaped.

Thanks!

www.notonthehighstreet.com/iamia/product/parka-style-coat-with-belt

I just ordered this one in Khaki....

Saw a lovely one in m&s today. Seriously. Dark khaki with a sheepskin lining and fake fur trim. Might have bought it but it's been freakily hot here today and I couldn't get in the autumn winter spirit

Thanks ladies, I like the Skogstad one and Asos one is lovely but may not be fully waterproof when walking the kids to nursery. Ellenwood is still quite nice, I will see if I can find it cheap somewhere that do returns sizing if off.

Really rate my didrikson and the one I have is quite non frumpy

I really like this parka,I'm thinking of getting a similar one

this is non frumpy at all, the slim fit is very flattering,

Ooh, that Woolrich one is gorgeous (though a bit out of my price range)

I have the Asos one. Not put it to the test yet, but I don't think it's going to be waterproof. Still, it looks good and it was a great bargain.....!

Just ordered the ASOS one even though I already have about three parkas

I'm going to have to stop reading coat threads, am going to end up in the poorhouse under a pile of attractive yet practical outerwear (and red lipsticks).

Leedy- you and I both. Am now the slightly shamefaced owner of three Nomads coats after the last coat thread (all three lovely but madly impractical). All shipped to the US too . Mumsnet plus Ebay is a very expensive combo when one is craving European fashion have fab tweed coat on 'watch' too

I've looked at every single one of those and still find them a bit sludgey and frumpy, tbh - apart from the tightly-belted Not on the High Street ones, which aren't practical for what I would be wearing them over. Can anyone point to some parkas in more vivid (not black or khaki) parkas?

I stopped a woman on the street in London last year to ask where she got her beautiful, sky-blue parka, but she said she had had it for tears, and it was from a shop in Germany...

Not quite a parka, but I love this red one.

Have a look at Mat de Misaine, which is a nautically influenced French company. Their Rubis style is waterproof and warm with a wool mix lining. I am waiting for an opportunity to wear mine!

Delighted to hear I haven't just bought frump coat!

The Woolrich ones are soooo expensive.