I’ve had four different readers ask about the coat I was wearing in my photos from Italy. It’s often difficult to find a heavier coat around here, because we rarely need them. Even on cold mornings, it usually warms up by lunchtime and we can dash about in lightweight jackets or even heavy sweaters.
Because of our college son’s school schedule, January was really our only option for travel. Our younger son is homeschooled, so he’s good to go anytime!
I knew Northern Italy would be colder than what I was accustomed to in balmy South Alabama, and on top of that, I wanted a longer car coat style to cover my bohunkus. That extra length really makes a difference when out and about.
Usually not one to worry about details, for some reason, I went crazy when it came to this coat, and researched every one I could find on the internet.
I was searching before Christmas, so unfortunately, there weren’t many sales going on at that time, but I think if you look now, you can probably find a lower price for most of them.
Here are the final coats I considered:
Faux Leather Trim Coat – Lauren Ralph Lauren, Nordstroms
Ellen Tracy Quilted Barn Coat – Amazon.
But the winner was . . .
Hooded Quilted Car Coat from Coldwater Creek.
*Here’s an update: I forgot to mention I was able to throw this coat in the washing machine when we got home and it ended up looking brand new. No problems at all!
The bad news is, this may be sold out in black now, but was available in garnet the last time I checked. I’m guessing they’ll reissue this coat, or a similar version for next year since it was a big seller.
Even though we had to travel with bulky coats, we were still thrilled it wasn’t steamy hot July! Have you ever traveled in cold weather? Would you rather wait until it’s warmer?
The hood and especially the zipper pockets make the Coldwater Creek coat a winner, for sure! Thanks for doing all of this research for us!
I’m sure in Chicago, you know a thing or two about coats! I love the hood, but to save space, I removed it for the trip.
I like having a hood on a coat (even if I end up wearing a cap as well) because it can be pulled up for protection from a light rain. I’ve given up being vain about my hair, but I really hate getting rain spatters on my glasses!
Thank you Suzanne.
Just wish I could rock a padded coat as well as you do! Pretty much any coat makes me look like a sausage!
You should do ads in that coat. It looks so darn cute on you!! Have a great week.
Thanks Katie. It could have been a little smaller, but it gave room for big sweaters underneath!
Love your coat and it’s similar to the one I have for trips. Bought a RL car coat years ago it still looks great. Light weight and has a little fake fur collar and yes, I have used is as a pillow in airports. Love the cute snaps of you and your family. I think I’m needing a trip soon!
Have a wonderful week……..
Glad to know you went with the car coat. You’re such an experienced traveler, it lets me know I made a good choice!
You did and I went with black too so I’d fit in. While waiting at the metro in Paris and waiting for the train in rush hour crowds a sweet lady walked up to Jim and me and said not to get on the train since it’s so crowded and we are tourist, just what the local pick pockets look for. We ask her how she knew and she smiled and walked away. We waited for the next train.
That’s why I wanted zippers on my pockets! So glad there are nice, helpful people everywhere!
The coat was perfect for your trip. You’re right, I think I am going to want that coat. What a wonderful trip for the whole family.
Yes, it was a great trip, and I didn’t complain once about being cold!
Tee-hee, he does need a coat, maybe one like your husband is wearing–or a little bit longer?
Yours is very chic and the pic taken on your drive to Sienna seems straight from the pages of a fairy tale. Breathtaking!
Thanks Dewena. It was a beautiful drive, and one of the few times we drove ourselves instead of taking public transportation. The navigation system on our phone took us on some tiny, one-lane gravel roads, but the scenery was amazing. And surprisingly, we ended up right at our destination!
It was a good choice. Not too puffy. Just right. Didn’t you feel like loaning it to poor David?
Well, I had to stand there a while and think about it . . .
I was in Naples in June, and I almost died from the heat and humidity. If I ever go back, it will probably be in Winter!
The coat becomes you, and the zippers are certainly a good idea. My purse was snatched in Naples, and I guess I was lucky that they didn’t cut my finger off — they were trying to get a ring, too! So glad you had a great time, Bob’s photos are incredible, and you look like a model.
Thanks Ellen. Naples was definitely the hotbed of “action.” We didn’t spend much time there, but kept our eyes wide open the entire time.
Well the coat is fabulous and you looked fabulous wearing it! But your son’s photography is outstanding. I love Italy and just swooned over the photos!
Thanks, but these were all from my husband. Both boys and my husband are all great photographers (my personal paparazzi). This was the most documented trip anyone has ever taken!
It looks super comfortable and classic style that will always look good. I know you made a life time of memories during your incredible trip!
I don’t know about classic style. I remember a few years ago when I saw “puffy coats” I laughed! But they are soooo warm! Who knows? Maybe they’ll stand the test of time.
I am just now getting to comment. I love your coat selection. I think you made an excellent choice with all the points in it you were looking for. I definitely think not having to haul a purse around would have been a plus. I think traveling in winter is probably a good idea.
I’m not much of cold weather fan, but yes, the cold wasn’t so bad in exchange for shorter lines and no smelly people.
Leslie Anne, Robert’s photo of the driving scene from Florence to Siena at the beginning of your blog reminds me of an impressionist painting! Please pass on my compliments to him for all of his artistic photography.
Loved “traveling” with you to Italy!
Thanks Sandy. I thought we were going to fall off the edge of the sloped road when we stopped to take the photo, so I’m glad it turned out so well! I’ll be sure to let him know.