When Jenna Lyons was dismissed from J.Crew, those of us who had stopped shopping the brand during her tenure breathed a sigh of relief. I’ve ordered a few things from J.Crew over the past few months. Many of them have not impressed me, but my most recent purchase is worth talking about.
Since moving out West, I’ve struggled to find a winter coat warm enough for the cold weather. So many winter coats are made for fashion, not function. I own a 10-year-old J.Crew coat with Thinsulate that does a good job, but it’s wearing out. I needed something new so on a lark, I decided to order another coat from J.Crew.
The J.Crew Lodge Coat ($350) in stadium cloth felt like a winner the moment I removed it from the packaging. The coat is lined with a quilted Super-Fill liner which is really thick. Yet, when you wear it, it doesn’t feel like it weighs you down.
The one issue the quilted liner causes is that it fits snugly. I recommend sizing up one size if you wear a lot of blazers or bulky sweaters. It felt a bit tight in the arms in my true size, so I decided to exchange it.
This coat fits beautifully. The fit is modern, similar to their cocoon cut, but closer to the body. My one wish (not complaint, wish) is that it was a little longer. It hangs to low-hip, so it has a more casual look. It’s a great pea coat alternative.
I’m very pleased with this purchase. I waited for a promo code that lowered the price to $223. With Black Friday just around the corner, I would recommend holding off until the price comes down (because it will). But if you’re looking for a warm winter coat, this is one that will not disappoint.
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Have you found a puffy coat that is both stylish (by that I mean fitted instead of a sleeping bag-shape) and warm? I have a 2009 thinsulate stadium coat from J Crew as well that I’m still rocking that is great for when I want to be dressy but I’d love something that is a bit more casual for when I’m in jeans and boots (other than my ski jacket). I hate being cold and I don’t have the patience or desire to buy and try all the puffy coat options that claim their superior warmth online. 🙂
I don’t own it yet (waiting to see if there’s a sale on it soon) but I’ve heard really awesome things from the long Everlane puffer. I think it’s super cute in the red and also in the green. I’ve also heard on the lower price range that Uniqlo isn’t bad for outerwear, but I can’t claim to have tried that either.
I own an older version of this coat and LOVE it- its slim fit and really warm!
ugh https://www.patagonia.com/product/womens-radalie-parka/27695.html?dwvar_27695_color=CAN&cgid=womens-jackets-vests-casual#tile-9=&prefn1=fit&prefv1=slim&start=1&sz=24
Patagonia radalie parka- idk why the link didn’t come through
I bought a Land’s End long puffy coat two years ago during a friends and family sale. It’s calf length, super warm and pretty close fitting. It does shed the down a bit after two years of use, but I only paid $99, so I don’t mind that.
I have a knee length Lands End coat that is super warm and has worn very well the last three years. I think I’ve maybe picked out two or three feathers in that time. I don’t think they sell the one I bought anymore, but it had really flattering diagonal quilting.
I have a Uniqlo long puffer that is like this one: https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/women-lightweight-down-hooded-coat-400726.html . Mine is a couple years old so there are slight differences in the style of the belt, etc. But I can say I have been a big fan. It is super warm but not overly bulky. And the belt helps give it more shape so that I do not look like a blob.
Northface Tremaya Parka. I love it. It’s so incredibly warm, and it is casual but not too casual. It has all the benefits of a puffer (i.e. the down layer) without the Marshmallow Man look, since it has a layer of fabric on top of the down layer so the Marshmallow Man is hidden in the lining of the coat:)
I think I got the rec from someone in the comments here last year and I am forever grateful!
I second this!
The Land’s End “Shimmer Down” coat is amazing – so warm, and has little touches that are missing from jackets that cost twice the price (knit cuffs at the wrists to keep out the cold, fleece-lined pockets that keep your hands as warm as gloves). The color in person is really nice – I have the black and it’s not “shimmer-y” at all, but has a nice look to it. LE runs sales frequently so it will likely get under $100 – would highly recommend!
I broke out my Land’s End down coat last week. It’s kinda puffy, super warm, and it packs down easily. It was so worth the $60.
I don’t like puffy coats. To each their own, but they are not for me. I look like the Michelin MAn.
I just bought a super cute puffer from Uniqlo.
Do you feel like this coat is any warmer or less warm than your old coat with thinsulate, or are they about the same? If you were going more for warmth than looks, would you get this coat or the lady day coat with thinsulate?
Have we finally turned a corner with J.Crew?? I was reminded how beautiful their clothing used to be when I wore a tweed skirt that I’ve had for over ten (!) years to work yesterday. It’s a nice heavy fabric, perfectly lined, and a classic pencil style. While the pieces I’ve purchased in the last couple months haven’t been quite to that level of quality, they are definitely an improvement over recent years, so I (like you) am optimistic, but skeptical.
http://www.thepolishedblog.com
I love my parka from Alpha Industries! The company orginially started out as a military outfitter, (their M-65 field jacket was the first ever field jacket!)
https://www.alphaindustries.com/womens-parkas/alpha-industries-n-3b-w-parka.htm
I just bought this coat from Marks & Spencer – also surprisingly warm! I hope the quality is good, it seems nice though. And shipping was fast.
https://www.marksandspencer.com/us/funnel-neck-coat/p/P60119968.html
this post came a week after I finally pulled the trigger on a new wool coat. I had been planning on buying the j.crew coat but given the recent quality issues i couldn’t justify the spend (curious to know if you think the quality is back up) I hunted for quite awhile as I wanted something with at least 50% wool and preferably a wool/cashmere blend (Florida girl living in Brussels – always cold). I ended up going for this Aritzia coat and could not be happier.
https://us.aritzia.com/product/auden-coat/64979.html