Hands up who's not outdoorsey?

It's taken me 41 years to accept that I'm not.  I'm really really not.  The sort of outdoors I like is sitting on a sunlounger by a pool or a beach (and even then I'm not a massive fan of sand) or with a glass in my hand sat down at a table.  Actually it may just have dawned on me that I'm not so much not a lover of the outdoors but inherently lazy. 

However I somehow appear to have spawned sporty boys (oh and for the record when it comes to sport or exercise... errr yes, definitely inherently lazy) and the reality is that my Sunday mornings for the next gazillion years are going to spent watching them play rugby. 

Now before someone asks, yes I have considered the point that this could be a fantastic bonding opportunity for all the boys of the family and I could spend quality time with my number one girl.  Believe me - this was the plan.  Who wouldn't this be the plan for?!  But I have two boys and you need one parent per child pitch side for training. 

However I shall look on this as an opportunity (and to be honest, I am rather enjoying seeing how much my 6 year old loves playing rugby and even the daughter has taken to chilling out with her kindle in the club house - I should point out it hasn't rained yet.....) to acquire new boots and a new coat. 

The issue is that these need to be practical and I suck at buying practical clothes.  There's a lot of style over substance going on in my wardrobe......

However I REFUSE to believe that it's necessary to look like you've been plucked from Base Camp at Everest.  Oh I know, you veterans of the rugby sidelines will be chortling at my naivety and predicting how long it takes me to cave and head screaming into North Face. 

Well. I have been heard to say that my children get their stubborn streak from The Husband but as I'm typing this, I'm getting ready to add Donkey along with Sloth to my middle names.  However I am very good at admitting I am wrong and admit it I will do if I cock up on this. 

But hopefully I won't.. (never let it be said I'm not a glass half full person).  I honestly think (and yes, I will concede I may be deluded here but I always managed fine on ski-ing holidays.  Admittedly I did have a North Face coat.  Eats words) that with the right layering underneath and the right boots, I can find something that won't have people yelling "where's your sherpa?" when I rock up. 

The timely reason for this blog is that it is yet another discount weekend.  20% off all coats at M&S and 30% off coats at Mango (although this appears to be now "selected" coats - cheeky monkeys - those marked with a circle or a star aren't included.)

Starting with M&S and I so so nearly bought this one last year.  I tried it on the other day instore and either my arms have grown, they're skimping on their sizing or it was just too short last year as well but I am GUTTED to say the proportions of this are wrong on someone with arms like an orangutang (ie me). However I may have to try it again...... I will try it again, it was too good not to try again.

Down Filled Hooded & Belted coat with Stormwear now £79.90 was £99  This is honestly an amazing coat (says she with no technical expertise whatsoever)  I'm a 10 to 12 on top and I tried on the Medium which was fine around the middle, if not a bit on the big side (but perfect for layering). I have quite a few friends who have the Burberry ones and I would defy you to be able to tell the difference.  Detachable hood. 

Also comes in a whole host of colours.



The one above is the mid length one which even on me was fine but I have to say I was and still am tempted by the super long one.  You can't get nearer to wearing a duvet cover pitchside than you could wearing this. 

Hooded & Padded Coat with Stormwear was £120 now £96  So this is waterproof as well. 



Other options which I didn't see instore (as, dear M&S, these were not in the extensive COAT section.  Obviously.  One is expected to go to the Coat Section and try on a selection of coats, but then meander round the huge shop and look at every section to hunt out all the other coats you've snaffled away a la Easter Bunny.  You're like a Coat Bunny)

Per Una Premium Down & Feather filled belted coat with stormwear now £119.20 was £149



Have to say I think it's all a bit Maxmara in the putty colour.  Rather lovely (I don't plan on rolling round in the mud, so this would pass as practical?)



I won't say again how much this isn't me this colour, but I love it on other people and this is definitely an ace way of making something very practical slightly more fashion forward (did I actually just type that last bit?!) 

Premium Down Filled Feather Quilted Coat with Stormwear was £129 now £103.20 in Berry




Premium Down & feather filled in 3 in 1 down coat £159.20 was £199 (can't quite work out why this is 3 in 1......



But moving onto Mango which somehow I don't expect to offer the same practicality as M&S.  Which is the most ridiculous assumption ever.  A bit like assuming that all Clarks shoes will be super comfy.  (they're not by the way) 

And whilst we're on that subject, my bestie has a Zara one she bought in Madrid years ago (the classic - oh I'm going to Spain so it must be hot.  Oh maybe not so much.  "necessary coat purchase made".  You can see why she's my mate, can't you?!) and that is definitely more substantial and warmer than one would think. 

So I have high hopes for these from Mango.  All prices are pre 30% off  - code is 5MNG

Feather down long coat £99.99



Hood and belt are detachable as you can see here in the black 



Love this one but think that the proportions would work better on someone who's on the shorter side. 

Quilted Hooded Coat £79.99 pre discount



Not many parkas here on this blog (ok no parkas) but a waxed/coated one with a great furry warm lining, could definitely be on the cards. 

Faux Shearling lined Park from Mango £119.99 pre 30% discount



And to be honest, that's probably all there is on the Mango site that even I admit would serve the warmth purpose.  Oh what to do.... Well I still have some other ideas up my sleeve - am thinking that our Scandi neighbours manage to survive on a daily basis in the cold whilst not looking like they've raided Millets, so this is where I shall be heading next. 

They do have some fantastic other coats though, including the wrap around one I featured earlier in the season (ie a matter of weeks ago, duh) and other gorgeous classic numbers.  I do have another coat suggestion up my sleeve (ha ha) which I'll explore shortly.

However I may just snaffle the M&S one, the full length duvet number, as it will also be an amazing dog walking job (not on the cards yet but just in case....) I'd hate for them to sell out again like they did last year (even though last year it was £99 and it's now £120 full price.... hmmmmm) 

Don't even get me started on boots.  I shall be starting my research on this tomorrow.  Warm wellies are probably the way forward, seeing as apparently we spend most of the Winter knee deep in mud.  Note to self - it might be a hell of lot easier and cheaper to persuade the smallest son that tennis is his game......

So finishing with outfits from yesterday and today. 

Yesterday - expertly taken by the 10 year old.  Charging around yesterday buying tile adhesive and underfloor webbing (I kid you not) but managed a sneaky trip into TK Maxx for a teensy splurge (only one thing) which I'll bring you tomorrow.  The round robin of swimming and tennis for the kids after school and then chilling with The Husband and wine in the evening.

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Breton top - H&M
Saxby jeans - ASOS
Navy waffle blazer - Next
Indira necklace - Stella & Dot
Taupe Jalouse boots - Ash
Whiskey Medium Marcie bag - Chloe 

And today it was the turn of The Husband to take the photo.  Trying to tell me something?  Very relaxed day with the boys and The Husband, the daughter was at dance rehearsals all day so went along to basketball training and then a late lunch at Wagamamas. 

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White shirt - Autograph Men's (creased within an inch of its life after wearing it for just two hours.  I HATE white shirts) 
Bat sweatshirt with leather shoulders - Zoe Karssen
Grey Baxter jeans - Topshop
Black ponyskin skate shoes - Next 
Black Faridah Hobo bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Tomorrow Rugby is at the Astro turf so I can wear trainers.  This has made my Saturday night.  WOOO HOOOOO.  No damp grass shoe dilemma.  It has come to this....... Where did it all go wrong.....?!  In both Friday and Saturday nights this week which is very unusual for us and I'm loving it.  Not a hint of a hangover - quality time spent last night as The Husband got home early and we had family Uno night with wine and crisps (fear not, the kids had juice).  Tonight, Thai meal all ready to rock, another round of Uno en famille (the more I drink, the funnier it is apparently....) and tomorrow morning I shall feel like a spring chicken. Maybe this is the way forward....! 

Hope everyone has a great weekend.  As I'm at "such" a loose end, I'm going to do a sneaky Mango order later - knitwear here I come. xx

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CONVERSATION

23 comentarios:

  1. Sorel boots - bought a pair last year from Toast when I got a discount code but lots of places do them. Changed.My.LIfe. Warm and practical and also stylish (I think anyway) have shocked my long suffering partner who hs my cries of 'Cant do that I have the wrong shoes' continually ringing in her ears.....

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    1. But they're no good in mud. Think honest to god ankle deep mud. They'd get wrecked no?! Fab for walking but I want ones I can hose down!

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  2. Replies
    1. Ho hum... I'd hate to ruin a good pair of boots!

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  3. I'm a rugby wife and I adore my Timberland Nellie boots x

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  4. And my dubarry boots. Expensive but worth every penny x

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    1. You see I love them, I really really really love them, but I don't think I'm a dubarry sort of person. I"d feel like a total fraud in them! They're way too outdoorsey and cool for a faker like me!

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  5. I was trying on duvet coats in M&S today. I was in the petite section, useless to you obvs, but they had a rather nice navy one I thought could work for my commute and running round with the kids.
    I bought Joules wellies last year. Sadly style over substance.

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    1. OOH I think I saw that. And yes, Joules wellies, look gorgeous, quality is crap. They're guaranteed for a year apparently... Hmmm One poxy year?! Fine if you wear them every day but I wear mine on a handful of occasions - they went pop after about 18 months but I'd only worn them 3 times!

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  6. I wish I could wear duvet coats (rugby mum here too! ;) ) bùt I look seriously GINORMOUS in them so they're a no-go for me! Actually, with my bloody menopausal hot flushes atm, I think I'll be able to forego wearing coats this winter & stick to chunky cardigans or capes instead, lol!

    I'm afraid for muddy fields though, I stick to Joules Wellies with thick memory foam insoles, oh so chic! X

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  7. I like the Mango parka but agree down is probably the way to go for warmth. Uniqlo?

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  8. Kat, I've never commented before but I love your blog and eagerly wait each post. I'm a rugby/footie mum and I look more for waterproof ability rather than warmth. My thinking is you can always add layers and scarves but I detest getting wet. However, both would be amazing. I'm on the lookout myself at the moment. I'm trying to find a waterproof parka style. On my feet I've got a brown and black pair of Dr Marten Jolie biker boots, which are amazing but no longer produced which is a right pain. Good luck with your search and let us know if you have any joy. K x

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  9. North Face Arctic Parka ticks all your boxes (apart from being North Face of course!)

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  10. Thanks, I'll have a look. I don't mind North Face, as long as it does the job. I've been looking at Merrell and Jack Wolfskin, they've got some nice stuff. Meant to say earlier I live in Wales and it rains A LOT hence the emphasis on waterproof. Oh the trials ......

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  11. I can recommend Jack Wolfskin. My pet hate are those twee wellies from Joules or Cath Kidston (personal opinion) get some black Hunters. Sturdy. Totally mud proof. Classic.

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  12. I have a very lovely waterproof parka fron Craghoppers. Navy with white fur that I bought last year in the sales. Guaranteed for life too. Not rugby mum but I spend a lot of time on foot taking children to things.

    tanya

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  13. My whole blog's inspiration is about not being outdoorsy. I might be the only person like that in all of Switzerland. The main reason I was excited about coming here? My husband bought me a pair of Sorel boots and then a red pair of Hunter wellies! That was it. Still is all I've got, actually...

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  14. buy the grey mango one and buy a fox fur or raccoon fur piece to sew/safety pin on around the collar edge...throw on classic hunters and jeans and cashmere beany....funky!

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  15. Kat, have a peek at Long Tall Sally. I have a beautiful parka, fur trimmed and hooded coat from there which is amazing (I too am orangutang-ed of arm and leg)
    Just avoid the rest of the clothes though, overpriced and undermade!!

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  16. I love your blog so much Kat, but can't help chortling about the idea of you seriously spending practically the whole winter watching rugby in a Marks (or other high street) coat! You'll be wet and frozen and that's never a good look. Those are more for a quick dash from shopping centre to car! I'm not outdoorsy either, but have realised over the years that a PROPER outdoor coat makes the outdoors a lot more pleasant. I've got an Ilse Jacobsen soft shell (proper Danish waterproof coat) which, when put over warm layers (eg Uniqlo heattech top and a cashmere jumper), is great in even the worst weather and actually gets loads of compliments for its looks too. And some of my friends have a very warm North Face parka jacket which looks great too. (I promise we aren't 'rambler' types! We wear your kind of clothes except when we're outdoors in bad weather watching our kids perform some kind of sporting endeavour!) I totally agree with others, a pair of Hunters is the perfect footwear choice, with some (plain) fleece welly socks undermeath for warmth. Oh and cashmere gloves, a stylish scarf and some kind of hat are good too, with nice sunglasses if remotely justified! X

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  17. Agree with everyone else about high street coats being crap! Husband has a North Face puffy and it's so warm. Ridiculously so. If I was forced to spend time outdoors, I can see the attraction as it works like no other high street coat can. He bagged his 1/2 price on eBay - very lightly used.

    How about a proper Barbour jacket with quilted lining, and full hood? I'm such a rurbanite that I wear mine for the slightest hint of a shower!

    Hunters are very cold, even with welly socks. I have poor circulation to my toes and have had chilblains, though, so it may just be me.

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  18. Oh yes, Ilse Jacobsen raincoats are fab too. I have a thinner one for warmer weather. The rainboots/wellies are gorgeous too. Spending time trekking outside dropping kids off in all weathers had made me see the attraction of proper outdoor clothes! I don't think an ordinary down coat will keep you dry! I have a zara one and its gorgeous and warm but not at all waterproof.

    tanya

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