Winter Is Coming

a  fit review for the Maine Women Magazine “Maine Style” column

By Amy Power | Photos by Amanda Whitegiver
October 30, 2018

There’s no avoiding it. Winter is coming.

I was raised in Maine, and I absolutely adore my home, but the winters here can be bitterly cold. It’s seemingly impossible to feel confident and fashionable underneath the myriad of layers that leave me feeling more akin to the Michelin Man than Kate Middleton. So in an effort to combat the cold, Amanda and I have rounded up a few items to help keep you warm while also feeling as fierce as the winter winds that bite your cheeks.

Look One

It’s no secret that we love Patagonia. We make an effort to support brands with mindful environmental practices, and in this regard Patagonia really sets the bar, so it’s no surprise that they are our first stop when shopping for outerwear.  We immediately honed in on the Fiona Parka to elicit a casual weekend vibe. We are in love with this jacket for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact the ultra light down is reclaimed from other down products. Waste not, my friends! From a design perspective, we appreciate the feminine lines the princess seams in the front and back create, in addition to the contoured quilting that provides a flattering silhouette. This show stopping cocoon of warmth pairs beautifully with the Maine Lobster hat, hand knit in Bridgport by Katie Chalmers, founder of Betty Louise Studios. Katie has created many unique designs, but we are seriously crushing on the Maine vibes of this lobster + Maine motif (available this season at Daytrip Society in Kennebunk). The lofty 100% American wool keeps both head and ears toasty warm and the pom-pom is icing on the cake.

Look Two

Our second look has a more “put together” and “going out” vibe, appropriate for a dressy work option, date night, or even layered over winter wedding attire. We were on the hunt for a wool option that was warm, beautifully tailored, and also roomy enough to allow for layering. We love the Cocoon Coat by J.Crew for these reasons. I actually purchased mine in 2016 as a maternity coat, but have found that it transitions beautifully into non-maternity as well. I’m wearing a size 12 petite here, but if I were to purchase again now I would likely order the 6 petite. It’s tempting to size down because this coat is roomy, but I really find I enjoy the larger option as it accommodates layers more comfortably. Even in larger sizes, the fuller silhouette still maintains a flattering feel, evoking 1960’s sentiments, and you can add as many layers as you want to pile underneath. We chose to pair this with the Ruffle Quilted Vest by J.Crew Factory, a classic scarf from Burberry, and cable beret from The Scotch House (fun fact; when the last Scotch House locations were closed in 2001, they were owned by the Burberry corporation and re-opened as Burberry storefronts.) Given the high neck line of this coat, a scarf isn’t always necessary, unless of course Portland is doing it’s impersonation of a wind tunnel, in which case add the scarf! We finished off this look with the locally crafted, buttery leather  Infinity Tote by Eklund Griffin. This tote comes with its own clutch, and its size makes this investment piece an excellent commuter work tote, with room for a few notebooks, your laptop, and indoor shoes.

Tie It All Together

Finally, my favorite part in both these looks: my boot laces. I’ve had my Bean boots for many years, and they have held up beautifully. I’m not quite ready to pull the trigger and replace them, but they are starting to look a little worn, which is why I was positively thrilled to see the new boot lace bar in the mens shoe department of the flagship store in Freeport. With over a dozen colors to choose from, there’s something to fit every aesthetic, customized right down to selecting the aglets on the ends of the laces. This $4 investment gave my boots the facelift they needed to make it through a few more winters and they brighten my step along the way. Such a fun way to accessorize on drab winter days!