Before we left for our trip to Japan with my mother and aunt in spring, my daughter, Tiffany sent her down winter jacket to keep her grandmother warm. It fit nicely in Hawaii... sort of. It was just a smidge tight around the waist, but it could zip. However, mom gets cold very quickly and she wore layers upon layers of clothing in Japan which then prevented her from being able to zip up the jacket.Art and I searched every store in Hawaii, but could not find a jacket that would be appropriate for our trip to Yellowstone and Glacier next year or Alaska later on. All the women's coats we saw had a tapered waist. Mom... well... I know I will inherit it later on, has a bit of a pear shape. She's also very short, perhaps about 4'10". Her arms are not overly long. Every coat we saw seemed to have arms that extended at least 6 inches too far. What the heck? Do people have longer arms these days?
It was our goal to find that perfect coat in California. We went to a lot of stores and saw a LOT of coats, and finally found the one we thought would work at the Burlington Coat Factory, Orangefair Mall in Fullerton. Even better, would you believe it was on sale for $29.99?It was a size 18-20, Boys Snowboarding jacket. I don't think mom would consider snowboarding, but she was very pleased with the jacket and it fit her like a fluffy glove. We could hardly believe it. Even the arms were just the right length! (Maybe they thought it was too short and that's why it was on sale?)
Mom is ready for anything the weather throws at her now.
Mom and jacket look great together.
ReplyDeleteGood idea, looking in the boys section.
You know, over the years both Edo and Naomi have sent me their old down jackets. One I put in a pillow case as a feather pillow. LOL
Your Mum looks very cosy. I have something similar, but it's knee length and is wonderful when the colder weather comes along - which is forecast for very soon now. I too have 'grown' just a little around the middle since I bought it, but with not too many layers underneath it still fits well. You should get your mother some fingerless mittens, they seem to be really fashionable at the moment, and they're great for keeping your hands and wrists warm, whilst still leaving your (warm) fingers free.
ReplyDeleteshe looks toasty warm...she's probably a petite size-they are shorter in length and arms.
ReplyDeleteThat was a good idea checking the boys department and it looks like a great jacket to keep her warm and toasty wherever you go! Hope your week is off to a good start, Kay! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
That should be perfect for your trip to Alaska. I forget which month you said you'd be in Montana, but it should keep her plenty warm there.
ReplyDeleteWe were in Alaska in late June/early July and except for cold rain we didn't experience any cold weather.
Anyway, congratulations on the price! I was thinking about boys' jackets when you mentioned the pear shape, and that's what you got!! I'm more apple- than pear-shaped, so I don't dare wear a down jacket. LOL
-- K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Very nice, Kay. Did your mom try it on with layers of clothing underneath? That would be the true test.
ReplyDeleteI bought a lined jacket in Vancouver, Canada way back in March 1994. I still have it and it fits.
I feel your mom's pain. I am just a tad under 5' 2" and have become more and more of a pear shape in the past few years as time has marched on and taken a toll on my body. I also have short arms.
ReplyDeleteI spent months searching for the right jacket to take to Alaska a few years ago. I bought one; it seemed just right until I put a wool sweater under it when I got home. I ended up giving it to my stepdaughter.
I love that you found just the right jacket in the boys department at just the right price. I think it looks styling also!
Lin: We did try the Petite section everywhere and and the selection was even smaller, the waist smaller and the arms...not much shorter.
ReplyDeleteNow you know the secret. The Boys Department. I do assume she will be wearing long pants with this new coat? LOL
ReplyDeletewhat a perfect fit! and it looks warm too.
ReplyDeleteYour mom is so sweet looking. I am glad you found her a coat she will be comfortable in. Hope you and your family have a nice Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a cute picture, what with that heavy cold weather coat and her short pants!
ReplyDeleteYou always succeed in finding perfect things .Your mom looks as sweet as ever,the jacket is perfect fit.
ReplyDeleteDon't tell anyone ,my husband has banned me from buying girlie jackets for my daughter because as she is a growing child she needs a brand new jacket every season and my son can't wear the old ones because they are girl jackets and yes no more sequined and embroidered denims too !
Smart thinking to try the Boys depertment.
ReplyDeleteShe could use that jacket in Seattle right now. It will get down to 14 tonight!
Now she needs mittens and a hat and a scarf! Oh, and maybe some long pants. ;)
ReplyDeleteShe's cute as everything. How organized you are to think of shopping for a coat in California for next year's vacation.
ReplyDeleteIt's 19 degrees here tonight. I need a jacket like your mom's.
So cute! I love the oat with the capri's!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you found a perfect coat for your Mom-she looks so cute in it!
ReplyDeleteLove the 3 generation header picture!
Hi Kay,
ReplyDeleteAnna was thinking of you and found your blog when she googled you! We were so happy to read about what you and Art are up to! I've been trying to figure out how to contact you, and here you are!
I'm glad you found a great coat for your Mom -- that must be hard in Hawaii. Today felt like the first real day of winter here in Evanston. Snow flurries and all. Everyone had those winter coats on.
I'd love to know your new email address so we can tell you what's up in our world. Do you still have mine? It's my name at yahoo.com! Take care! Suzanne
p.s. I wrote from Ella's account as I was having trouble accessing my own! My yahoo address is the best place to reach me!
ReplyDeleteElla-Suzanne: I hope I've got your e-mail address right. I'm afraid I don't have your address. I used your first and last name @yahoo.com. If not, please contact me through travelerswife@hotmail.com.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your mom found the perfect winter coat. I'm not surprised it was from Burlington Coat Factory. I have bought my Womens Winter Jackets from them for years-- and we always get the kids coats there as well as my husband's. I think most of our shopping is there. They always have such great prices and we find everything we need and want in one place. Too bad you didn't start off there.
ReplyDelete