Jacket Obsession.

I admit, I have become addicted to jackets. It is kind of like those kids that are all straight and narrow in high school, never exposed to anything immoral...when they finally get to college they go nuts. I never got to buy jackets, so now that I have a use for them, I have gone crazy. I have now officially purchased 14 jackets since I arrived -- wool coats, parkas, down jackets, microfiber jackets, rain coats, you name it, I have it.

It all started with trial and error, though. Before I left Texas, I bought the warmest coat that I could find. I thought I was all set. But noooo...that "warmest" Texas coat only got me through two weeks in November here. The next one I bought was a cheap parka from Target...nowhere near warm enough. Then came massive research into the intricacies of "what makes a jacket warm." You need inner stretchy cuffs to keep the cold out of your sleeves, you must have an attached hood, an inner neck sleeve thing that zips over your face is also a must, also temperature rating: -0 is a MUST for me.

Below are the newest added to the collection, I am going to kick winter's ass next year:



Coat 12, above, is the lovely Delancey coat from Lands' End. I am quickly discovering that Lands' End has the warmest coats within my budget. REI has the warmest coats of all, but they cost an arm and a leg! Dri-off finish for those blizzardy days, Polar Thin insulation, zip-up neck warmer, handwarmer pockets, inner knit cuffs...awesome. -15 rating, $159 on clearance for $59.99.



Coat number 13, lucky 13! Weatherly Jacket. Waterproof, Polar Thin insulation, sherpa collar, handwarmer pockets, -10 rating, $59.50 on clearance for $29.99. This one is super light, but super warm, will be perfect for the fall.

I also treated myself to this hat to match:



I am going to look like April from In Treatment...minus the whole cancer thing.


Jacket 14, microfiber rain coat. No hood, which is upsetting, but I bought a cute little rain hat. The no hood is going to drive me nuts. $79, I paid $31.

I had the Kelly Raincoat, the only coat I paid full price for, but on my quest to become Amy Winehouse, it doesn't fit anymore. So mad! $149 down the drain. Anyone need a gorgeous wonderful rain coat? If not, I am paying to have it tailored, because it is worth it.

So now you must be thinking, wow, 14 coats, she's done, right? Nope. The ones below are on my list -- I am checking these daily. When I have enough money in about two weeks, if they are still on sale and still available, they are mine.

Petite Commuter Coat, so cute and stylish. Perfect for fall and spring.

Single breasted trench, perfect for spring. I want this one NOW, eying it for #15.

Ideal perfect wonderful jacket. Only one size left, and alas, it isn't mine. But I expect this coat to come out again in the fall, and I will pay full price for it. -25 degrees, totally worth it.

Very ugly coat, but rated -40. It is SO mine.

A couple of more things I need for my assault on winter 2009-2010 and the eventual move to Moscow:



Ski mask. I know it is totally pervy to people in Texas, but I need it.

A really good fleece jacket for under my heavy jacket. Layering!

Really good fleece/thermal pants for under my work pants.

Keep these in mind for Mexican Independence Day!