Coat and bag for work and school run

[Findahouse21]

Hi everyone

I'll be returning to work from maternity leave in November and was hoping that you could help me with some coat and bag advice please.

Coat - I'll be walking about 40 minute round trip with dd most days so would live your recommendation for a stylish, warm and waterproof coat please. I'm between a 12 and 14 at the moment but very short (under 5 feet) so long long ones are out. I am open to any colours.

Bag - I'll be taking dd's to school and nursery en route to work so ideally I'd love a bag that can fit my surface pro, lunch and any personal bits - purse, phone etc. I'm leaning towards a Rucksack as I'll be pushing the pram for at least part of the journey, but could be convinced

Budget is around £75 per item

Thank you in advance

I’d look at a quilted coat with a hood in M n S (machine washable) or Uniqlo (not washable but folds up very small and is lighter to wear). Definitely a rucksack. There are loads on the internet so no probs.

I have a Knomo rucksack, but it arrived about five minutes before lockdown so I haven’t been using it - however the reviews are always good and I think it treads that practical/stylish line quite well.

I’m on the lookout for a hooded mac but haven’t seen anything yet..

Get a technical coat that’s properly waterproof. Look at Millets, Blacks and Mountain Warehouse.

If budget stretches, get a Northface, not a quilted one though a proper one. I got one 6 years ago and it’s still perfect. It was my pram/school run coat. It’s officially my Mum coat and has kept me warm on football and rugby pitches too!

How about this: www.blacks.co.uk/15999468/peter-storm-women-s-mistral-jacket-15999468

I got this one for work and commuting recently. It has 16 pockets and my bag has never been more organised! I love it. I can also put a power bank thing in and then plug my phone straight into my bag. I haven’t had chance to use that bit yet, as I haven’t needed to.

www.amazon.co.uk/YAMTION-Backpack-Daypack-Compartment-Waterproof/dp/B0824DSTNB?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

I have the Northface 360 parka after it was recommended on Mumsnet. Pricey but it's amazing for winter in Scotland and I will wear it for years. I'm 5ft and it's not too long for me ( keeps my bum warm though!)

Seasalt Lagoon jacket

It is a lighterweight rather than super thick but you can wear layers under.

Sizing is generous and it will fall just below hips I would think.

The best thing is that the sleeves have a fastening to pull the wrist part together so shorties don't look like they have borrowed a tall person's jacket!

It to me is the perfect length and thickness as it can be worn all year round and good for short people

Seasalt quality is excellent in my opinion x

Or perhaps a thicker one of theirs if you want it to be a full on winter coat

@bookish83 you are definitely winning the coat part of my thread at the moment, I love that lagoon coat and it looks like it would last ages which is a great plus

@Findahouse21

I am proud! I am also short and love the coat proportions. It covers my bum and fastens well. I often have to fold sleeves up on other coats! I am eyeing up a parka style too!

I don't shop the brand often but when I have the items have been spot on, and their delivery and returns are too.

Bag wise I would agree with a rucksack. The Kanken ones do well with laptops and enough space for other things. Or even a walking brand depending on the look you want!

My other bags sit unloved now as I saw the light and started with backpacks!

I also am on mat leave! are you a key worker? Get a blue light card if so x

I got one from mountain warehouse last winter admittedly not the prettiest number but its knee length hooded very warm with a discount code I paid about £28

Seasalt though it might be above yout budget?
Their coats are truely waterproof

Coat I'd go for a tog24 waterproof material coat, possibly with a detachable insert, so can layer up for colder weather. Mine is my first genuinely waterproof.

I've a backpack for work, but actually don't like it. So in your shoes I'd settle for a nice bag for work, that meets your fashion needs. You can put on pram on way to work and then carry from nursery.

I'm your shoes I'd go to a designer outlet, in October. You'd easily be able to get both for that budget. The bag possibly less if took approach of spending less and can always change type later if doesn't work out.

[quote Findahouse21]@bookish83 you are definitely winning the coat part of my thread at the moment, I love that lagoon coat and it looks like it would last ages which is a great plus[/quote]
Seasalt Lagoon jacket is literally a rain jacket. No good when it's chucking down in November and cold as in January!

Following with interest. I'd love a seasalt Janelle coat but £150 is a bit much. I feel the cold terribly and hate getting wet!

Another recommendation for Knomo. Practical and looks good.

If you can up your budget then the North Gave arctic parkas are incredibly warm and waterproof.
I’ve had mine five years and it’s still going strong. Worth every penny

I'd consider something with the qualities of this one. www.tog24.com/collections/outlet-womens-jackets-coats-1/products/dight-womens-waterproof-parka-rose-pink?nosto_source=cmp&nosto=5f399cf760b2a6e819a44f54
Though for me the colour would be a disaster!

Seasalt coats are very durable and keep you warm and dry. They often have sales. I’ve had mine five years and it still looks good -used for hours each day due to having dogs.

Roka backpack

Mia Tui do some great work bags I think the Windsor and the Rucksack ones will fit large laptops
They are cheap as in under £50 generally but really well thought out design wise with plenty of inside pockets for everything

I must have about 6-7 of them in different styles and colours

North face coat - worth every penny indestructible waterproof warm baby proof

Fjallraven Kanken - hard wearing and lasts forever purchased years ago and still looks brand new used everyday. Comes in loads of colours.

This rucksack is amazing. I am a total bag snob but got sick of stuffing various mulberry bags to capacity with work crap and then being too heavy to carry, so I bought this.

I have used it every day for work and it's water resistant, has separate spaces for laptop and a tablet, different pockets inside and loads of room. It also has side pockets for a water bottle and umbrella. Honestly, just buy this bag

This one