Since losing more than 50 pounds, I now know what it actually means to "have nothing to wear". Because we're a bit boat broke right now, I've been rationing clothing purchases and trying to limit myself to one item of clothing a month - but I'm finding that really difficult! I was swimming in my old spring coat and last week I finally broke down and bought myself a new rain jacket for spring. I searched high and low in my small city for a rain coat that would be practical and stylish, because I'll probably live in this jacket for the foreseeable future.
I was really happy with the fit and quality of my old coat, the Lolë "Glowing" Jacket (in "Black Embossed"), which is a three season belted style that I wore non-stop until it was time to don my parka:
The only thing I didn't love was the design which, although subtle, made it more difficult to accessorize than a simple black coat. The fit, however, was outstanding and very forgiving as my weight fluctuated - the fabric has a nice stretch to it which makes it incredibly comfortable and it fit over my wider hips with room to spare. You can tell from the photos with models how much extra wiggle room there is in the hip region.
I tried on the newer "Glowing" design, this time in a pretty grey design ("Dark Charcoal Corn Field") and although I loved it even more than my last jacket because the pattern is more "me" and the belt now has a chicer design, I couldn't commit because it's pretty warm thanks to a cozy liner. Because we're headed into what I hope will be summer weather, I decided something lighter might serve me better. But I'm watching for a good sale and I might pick this up for fall because I just love it so much! That pattern really has a mid-century modern look:
The Lolë "Memory" is lighter weight, but still water-repellent. I love the ruched waist (which also stops drafts) and the double zipper. I still have a bigger bum and thighs - which I love! - compared to my waist and small chest, so a double zipper makes sitting for long stretches comfier because I can create a little more wiggle room. It's also great for hauling my ass into our giant truck without ripping a side seam!
I've been wearing this coat non-stop since purchasing it and I feel so great in it! I bought "Dark Charcoal," which is a pretty tame colour but it lets my sky blue Hunter boots shine (they're cute in the matte finish too)...
Another contender was the Marmot Essential Jacket (I liked it in black, but it's chic in grey too). I almost bought it because it fit so well, looked really sleek and modern, and was made of Gore-Tex, but in the end I vetoed it because the Velcro closure on the pocket kept catching on the sleeves of my sweater. The Marmot Highland Jacket looks really sophisticated as well - and has zippered pockets! - but no one carried it locally.
For a really relaxed shape, the Lolë Stratus was a great fit with tons of room for ample derrieres and thighs. I just personally love a coat that's belted or ruched in the waist, but for anyone who prefers a more relaxed cut, I highly recommend this jacket:
My post about narrowing down some winter coat options for women with a
similar figure as me (wider hips and thighs, narrower waist, small chest
- a pear, if you will) was a real hit, so now that I found a great
spring jacket, I wanted to share! I think it might turn out that I'm a Lolë devotee because their coats are designed to be really flattering and fitted, but tend to offer some room for curvy bodies. I love that!
Have you splurged on a new jacket this season? Do you have any go-to brands for clothes that are flattering and forgiving?
