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Four Winter Coats to Love!

November 19, 2020 By kimwheeler 26 Comments

We are having a cozy week here in Northern California and finally getting some real weather! I love coats, jackets and any kind of outerwear and always manage to add a few more each year. I have some good finds to share with you for today’s coat collaboration with other bloggers.

Here’s my four favorites right now that I think will last many seasons..

A coat for the cold…and snow.

I’ve recently been up in Tahoe as we bought a tiny cabin there. (More on my Instagram.) I knew I’d have to get more serious outerwear for the snowy weather. I’ve heard so much about these famously warm Orolay jackets from Amazon, and I love the details and look. They are slightly oversized and very, very warm. They have multiple pockets and zippers, cool pulls and wonderful hoods. I originally wanted the grey version, but then went for the shiny version of the coat in khaki (the burgundy is TDF too.) It’s been good for hikes, walks in the snow and even a picnic on the lake when the wind-chill was 32 degrees! If you like being warm, I highly recommend this coat which has over 12,000 reviews. d A bonus is the HUGE pockets. You do not need a handbag as you can carry a phone, wallet, keys and more in them and still have two extra pockets for hand-warming. It also has those little sleeves that extend out to cover your hands and thumb loops. This coat has a lot of pluses. I wore mine with my EMU shearling boots and a beanie. It’s very warm with just a single sweater.

A lightweight throw on puffer you can take anywhere and stuff in your bag.

This cute polka dot jacket was not on my list when I went to Target, but you know how that is! The polka dots and the tan color attracted me right away along with the lightness. It’s been my go-to with our chilly mornings and warmer afternoons. I love that if I get overheated I can just jam it in my purse. This is the coat everyone in California needs. Besides the dots, it also comes in a chic black herringbone !

I kind of like to pair this jacket with a scarf and a contrasting sweater, but it’s a good one to grab to throw over workout clothes as well.

A Teddy Bear Coat when you want to be warm and stylish.

I admit I have been obsessed with these coats ever since I wrote about Katie Holmes in hers last year.

I love the way Katie styled it with sneakers and wore in with a nonchalance to run errands. The cost of hers is $3,690, and I actually tried it on her MaxMara version at the Stanford store last year. What warrants that price is beyond me! This year there are nearly similar versions at reasonable prices. They are big and if you are cool with that, then a Teddy Coat is for you! Lord knows we aren’t going places in the next few months so why not stand out on your next Trader Joe’s run? Californians will appreciate the light versions of this trend. Wear this with sneakers or black running shoes, denim or leggings. A little fancy with casual is how to rock these fun coats.

My coat is no longer available, but J.Crew has a version and a new color block version and in leopard (all on sale now.) Other options are a silky soft Teddy Coat by Sanctuary, this beautiful merlot color, a very pretty look in black at Banana Republic, and a blue night color in a stylish version at Gap.

A dressed up puffer for when you want a chilled elegance.

I went to Athleta in my town a week ago with my pal Jeanne to get a work out top and came home with a jacket! Like a bird to a shiny thing, I was initially attracted to this pretty metallic jacket which Jeanne bought- so fun.

Then this lovely jacket came into my radar- a black puffer which looked like velvet. I like the look of velvet, but hate the feel…anyone else like that? This jacket is nylon, but just looks like velvet. It has the cool ruching of a more expensive Italian puffer and feels like a designer jacket when dressed up. I think it’s fabulous with all black. It’s a grown up version of the ubiquitous down puffer, and paired with your yoga pants or jeans it gives everything a little upgraded feel.

This jacket is made of what they call feather dry down and is water-repellent. I love that. I got caught in the rain today and it rolled right off this coat! Wear these puffers with a dress or skirt instead of the usual long coat for a younger look.

I hope you’ll stop by the blogs of these stylish women and see how they are doing cold weather in style….


Cindy Hattersley Design

Classic Casual Home
Most Lovely Things

Thanks for stopping by!

Kim

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Filed Under: Style

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Annie Diamond says

    November 19, 2020 at 8:20 am

    Kim! Love your style! I have been wanting one of those teddy bear coats for a few years…I had no idea there even was a Max Mara version for almost 4k! I would be fine with a Jcrew or Mdewell version. Your Amazon coat with big pockets is perfect for Tahoe and that polka dot jacket…from Target?? No way!! You have a great eye!!
    xx

    • kimwheeler says

      November 19, 2020 at 2:29 pm

      Annie isn’t that crazy for $4k?? I mean I know MaxMara makes beautiful things, BUT it’s not that much better. I did try it on and it’s hella heavy so better for a New York winter. It might kill a Californian LOL! Thanks Annie for asking me to join you all. I need a statement coat like yours. It’s beautiful on you. xo

  2. LA CONTESSA says

    November 19, 2020 at 8:23 am

    OH MY GOSH COATS………..I have two closets full of them and NONE of them look like YOURS!
    THAT is on my list this week to weed a few out to get them all in ONE CLOSET!
    Because I never wear them……………but HOW do I get rid of a FULL LENGTH CAMEL PERRY ELLIS COAT!!!!
    IT’s HARD!
    VELEVT the TOUCH is NOT TO YOUR LIKING?I wonder if you have ever felt the REAL VELVET made with silk…….BACK IN THE DAY!What they make today is NOT THE SAME!I call it CHEAP VELVET………………terrible me I KNOW!!!But it is compared to what use to be found out and about!
    XX

    • June Lorraine Roberts says

      November 19, 2020 at 9:27 am

      I remember real velvet..Exquisite!

      • kimwheeler says

        November 19, 2020 at 2:34 pm

        I guess I need to see if I’ve been a victim of faux velvet!

    • kimwheeler says

      November 19, 2020 at 2:27 pm

      NEVER ever get rid of the camel Perry Ellis! That is gold. I wish I had still kept a long I. Magnin navy number I wore back in my 20s. Maybe I need real velvet to try out. I think I am judging on velvet on couches and pillows.. hate that. Love the look though. I’m now going to have to seek out the REAL DEAL I guess and test it…

  3. cindy says

    November 19, 2020 at 8:37 am

    Oh my gosh I want every jacket! Seriously you did some great shopping girl!! I love the dot but it probably would not look good on me. I have been tempted to buy that Amazon number and I love the Athleta jacket that your friend purchased. I love Athleta. Their goods are such good quality. Well you knocked it out of the park on this one! I want to go shopping with you!

    • kimwheeler says

      November 19, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      Cindy we should shop together because I need cool accessories like you have.. Athleta does have some really nice jackets and things right now! Thank you for asking me to join you all. I enjoyed seeing how everyone did this. xo

  4. Brenda says

    November 19, 2020 at 8:48 am

    Kim, do you mind me asking, what size is the “velvet” puffer? I am stuck between a small and a medium and can’t decide!! I want to be able to wear a sweater underneath because I am in frozen Canada.

    • kimwheeler says

      November 19, 2020 at 2:23 pm

      Hi Brenda, I bought a size small in the puffer and I am 5’4 and about 132. I can wear a vest or a sweater under it and zip it up without it feeling too tight! I hope that helps. Stay cozy up there. xo

      • Brenda says

        November 19, 2020 at 8:10 pm

        Thank you so much, we are exactly the same size! Unfortunately, Athleta doesn’t ship to Canada! Wah!

        • kimwheeler says

          November 25, 2020 at 1:24 pm

          Oh no! That’s ridiculous. I am so sorry.

  5. Mary Ann Pickett says

    November 19, 2020 at 8:59 am

    Wow, Kim…you look adorable in all of them. I am so tempted to get a new puffer!! Great job!

    • kimwheeler says

      November 19, 2020 at 2:12 pm

      Thank you Mary Ann for asking me to do this with you stylish women. xx

  6. Francesca B. says

    November 19, 2020 at 11:22 am

    Thank you Kim for the suggestions love the puffer it is going on my wish list. Love your new cabin in Tahoe good thinking….me and mine thought about doing that recently when we were in Squaw. Gorgeous place; and we all need to go back to nature and breathe . Take care:)

    • kimwheeler says

      November 19, 2020 at 2:10 pm

      Thank you Francesca! So sweet of you. I love Squaw too.. amazing beauty there. Hope you get the puffer on your list. xo

  7. Lisa Walker says

    November 19, 2020 at 11:24 am

    Just bought the last polka dot! My colors are black and tan. So perfect!

    Thanks!

    • kimwheeler says

      November 19, 2020 at 2:08 pm

      Lisa isn’t it cute? You have to share a photo when you get yours! xo

  8. Rosemary says

    November 20, 2020 at 4:37 am

    …. and I really love them all! Great choices Kim! They’re all so stylish, whilst also being practical. Rare to find a coat that’s both and you found four of them! I’ve been pondering on which could be my favourite and being honest, it’s so hard to choose. I’d b love the one you wore in Tahoe, for Switzerland … warm and cosy for hiking, sitting outside for lunch and perfect for Apres Ski in the evening. Metallics are so versatile! I love how you’ve styled the Teddy Bear coat and it looks great on you … as they all do. Like you, I love to have a coat that easily fits in a bag! So handy for layering, for days out and travelling.
    Have a good week Kim!
    Rosemary

    • kimwheeler says

      November 26, 2020 at 7:31 am

      Hi Rosemary! Yes the Orolay would be good for Switzerland! You would not get cold in it. I agree metallics are really nice and look good with so much- and flattering on all skin tones. I agree the ability to jam your jacket in a bag is also huge! Hope your staying cozy there in England. xo

  9. Lorna says

    November 20, 2020 at 12:28 pm

    Nice coats and jackets. The teddy coats look like fun but a bit over the top for our winters. I’m a velvet freak. Have loved it since forever and I always have a few pieces in my closet.

    • kimwheeler says

      November 26, 2020 at 7:29 am

      HI Lorna thanks so much. Velvet is so pretty and really is nice to have a few pieces in the wardrobe!

  10. Juliet says

    November 20, 2020 at 6:57 pm

    Kim … where to start?! I feel like I need everyone of these coats … but there’s no room in my coat closet. What to do? The Orolay jacket would have been perfect when I attended the Army Navy Game a few years back. I’ve never been so cold and I left my bag on the metro. See how this coat would have saved me?! And the puffer that stuffs in a purse … I can’t decide between the polka dots or Herringbone. I’m leaning toward Herringbone. I can squeeze it into the closet without dislodging anything else. Ok, the Teddy Bear is not really my style, BUT it looks so comfy and cozy and that’s the only thing I need right now. The Athleta jacket is amazing and I love the high low hem. The velvet is super cute too, but I need something that covers my expanding tushie. So back to polka dot versus Herringbone? Fun post … I’m off to see what Mary Anne, Cindy and Annie are featuring, but I’m gonna need a new house to contain all these new coats! xo

    • kimwheeler says

      November 26, 2020 at 7:28 am

      Juliet, We may have similar coat closets. I have heard from other women that have the same issue! Oh yes wouldn’t that Orolay coat have ben good for the Army/Navy game? Yes not purse needed! Did you get your purse back?? I love the herringbone too. I think one can think of these Target coats like an extra layer during winter as they are pretty light. The Teddy Coat feels huge, but is warm and light weight…I love that. Stay cozy Juliet. xx

  11. Heidi says

    November 20, 2020 at 7:13 pm

    Hi Kim,
    You are a good shopper! Such cute looks, each one. I love that buying a getaway cottage requires you purchase a new wardrobe! Clever!
    That polka dot jacket is so cute, you had me tempted. But I do not need another coat! I bought 3 blazers this year and barely wore those, due to the lockdown.
    I don’’t have a velvet jacket though, hmmm maybe…
    Happy Thanksgiving Kim,
    XO Heidi

    • kimwheeler says

      November 26, 2020 at 7:23 am

      Hi Heidi! Lol well, I at least need a better coat for the cold. I love blazers so much too and I feel like I haven’t barely worn them during this past year. Velvet is always a classic right? xoxo

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