Which Uniqlo Down Coat Should You Buy?

Compare Uniqlo's Seamless Long Down Coat (left) with its Ultra Light Long Down Coat (right). Guess which one I like?

When down coats 1st appeared on the market, I was committed to wool coats, soft alpaca wool to be precise. It wasn't until the launch of fitted-down coats I became interested. The warmth and lightness combined with a slender silhouette sold me ... and I haven't looked back since! 

Seamless

Initially, a goose-down coat was considered a casual coat. Nowadays people (me included) think nothing of wearing a down coat over a ball gown to attend galas or over a business suit to the office. With everybody wearing down coats, you don't look dressed down anymore. It's freed me from coat checks too. Weighing next to nothing, I just bring my down coat to my table, lay it either on the back of my chair ... or rolled up by my feet under the table. Nobody ever notices, nor do I have to worry about ruining or retrieving it from an attendant after the night ends. As opposed to searching for a ticket to go stand in line, I can simply head for the exit!

My new favorite retailer for down coats is Uniqlo. The quality, durability, understated style, and price points are unbeatable! Every fall the merchant brings out new styles such as a Seamless Down Long Coat in addition to their classic Ultra Light Down Long Coat. A Hybrid Down coat, a 3rd choice, is Uniqlo's warmest coat. 

Which coat is right for you depends on where you live. How cold does it get? The Ultra Light Down is my favorite because of its leaner, lighter, dressier look. In New York City I stay toasty warm in it all winter long. Perhaps on the coldest day of the year, I'll wear an extra layer of merino wool underneath it.

In fact, over the years, I bought 3 Ultra Light Down Long Coats. One about 10 years ago, the 2nd coat in 2020, and this year, a 3rd coat for my mother. Each year, Uniqlo brings them back, and they try to improve them based on customer feedback. The lengths have gotten about 3 inches longer, which works for winter, but note: the coat is not maxi-length, it's over the knees length. 

Sadly the 2022 version lost the pocket zippers, which isn't a dealbreaker. The pockets are not shallow, so items shouldn't fall out easily, I just like the extra security zippers provide. 

For customers who desire a maxi-length, Uniqlo usually brings out a much longer maxi-length Ultra Light Down Long Coat in the winter. But I like the versatility of the over-the-knees Ultra Light Down Long Coat. Easier to walk around New York City in it.

Uniqlo makes the ultra down outerwear into jackets, liners, coats, and relaxed coats without collars. Their down coats and jackets are their specialty and the apparel piece that got the innovative Japanese retailer 1st noticed in New York.

 

The best recommendation I can give the coat is ... I keep buying it. I like the looks, the warmth, and its durability. I still wear my 10-old-year ultra down coat, which is above the knees in length.

My mother and I like to go up one size as we prefer our down coats roomy for potential bulky sweaters if we decide to wear bulky styles. The coat is fitted, not boxy so sizing up won't swallow you up.

Since Uniqlo opened its doors, I've never spent more than $79 - $129 (on sale for the lower price) for a long down coat, and you can skip wearing a hat and scarf. All you need is a pair of gloves. 

In a single piece, customers are all bundled up without being all bundled up. Lightweight and super warm without the bulk! You can spend $600 - $2,300 for a down coat, but with Uniqlo, there's no need to do so. Like me, my mother loves her Uniqlo Ultra Light Long Down Coat!

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The Swing Dress Is The Bomb

Retailers are now running their end-of-summer sales, so I bought 2 new bargain swing dresses for next year. Moreover, I could still wear at least one of them during our Indian summer, early fall days.

IMHO, the swing dress is very stylish on most figures, and on hot summer days with no seam grabbing you at the waist it's cool and comfortable too.

So without further ado, let me tell you about the 2 dresses I bought. From Landsend and with a swingy-silhouette, the two dresses are 100% linen, machine washable, above-knee in length, and have pockets! All features I love! Regularly $68 bucks, luckily reduced to under $30! A steal considering how long they'll last with proper care. 

Ordering from a catalog can be tricky, especially with a swing dress. You don't want a swing dress that is too boxy or long, as it will look like you're wearing a tent or sack. Fortunately, these two do not disappoint. They are cut to flatter, a perfect fit, and feminine. In fact, they look much cuter trying-it-on than they photograph! What a relief!! I am glad I ordered them!

Can you guess which of the two, in my opinion, might take me into the early fall?

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This Belstaff Biker Jacket Is After Me

BELSTAFF Leather Sidney Moto Jacket

Leather motorcycle jackets never truly go out of style. I am seeing them hanging in the windows up and down Madison Avenue. Belstaff, a clothing company best known for making all-weather and waterproof jackets, has an absolutely gorgeous moto jacket in their fall collection. It is expensive and impeccably made. Indeed, I love the eye-catching ridges on the shoulder panels and along the sleeves; and just look at the tracks of zippers and the snaps!

I try hard to be a mindful consumer and not buy what I don't actually need. Although I don't own a classic biker jacket, I already have 3 fashionable leather jackets in 3 different lengths that I bought over the years. Actually, my Mom bought one of them for me -- a short, biker-length, leather jacket, with breast pockets and removable insulation -- while I was still a teenager. So a leather jacket, if you really need a jacket, is a great investment. It is attractive, versatile and holds up for years. A person will probably wear out long before his or her leather jacket does.

During any given week I walk up Madison Avenue many times in order to get home. Usually window shopping doesn't come back to bit me in the ass because I tend not to be an impulse, or over-buyer ... and I am afraid of clutter. Seemingly, this biker jacket was designed by the Belstaff people to flip my values and test me.  But, I resolve to stay strong. No. No. No. No. NO. -- so far so good. 

HELP, I may need to change my route! What temptation are you resisting to buy?

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Is Ice Cream the Ambrosia Of the Gods?

Photo: Braum

In Homer's epic poems, the Illiad and the Odyssey, the gods are always eating Ambrosia and drinking The Nectar of the Gods although in early editions they may be one and the same, so indistinguishable. In Homer's work, the divine food is consumed on top of Mount Olympus and thereby tied to immortality, magical powers, and godliness. 

Photo: ultraboardgames

I can't be the only person on earth ever to wonder what precisely Ambrosia and The Nectar of the Gods are. Scholars think both could be honey ... or if one is a drink, Nectar is likely mead while only Ambrosia is honey. Like the brains who study these questions in depth, I also guessed they are honey and an alcoholic beverage. (Hey academics, perhaps my blog can save you years of research. Read on.😊)

As I have another guess for Ambrosia if we accept it is separate from the Nectar of the Gods. I think ambrosia is likely ice cream since once you let yourself eat ice cream you can't get enough. In your mouth, it has magical powers!

Because in my family we have no desire to weigh 300 pounds, I don't buy ice cream for the freezer until the end of June. The weather in early June can still be nippy, so we try to hold off until the real summer with steamy hot weather arrives. We buy ice cream throughout July and August, then try to stop once fall is upon us. I also buy wafer cones because it slows us down and we tend to eat less ice cream if we lick it on a cone. You have no idea how much ice cream you can scoop out to fit into a bowl in our house! It's our magical power.😛

Photo: freepik

So, readers, we ate our last ice cream cone on Thursday, August 31st and the question is, will I buy one more carton of ice cream (or 2, or 3) as summer is not officially over this year until Saturday, September 23rd? Also, we have 2 rows of wafer cones left in a box. They shouldn't go to waste, right?

I decided yes, buy another carton if temperatures soar again and no, we've eaten plenty already if they don't.

Ice cream is a dessert I buy readymade since I can't make it better, healthier, easier, or cheaper at home.

By the way, we do eat ice cream throughout the year to celebrate birthdays and as dessert if we host a dinner or are invited to dinner, or if we treat ourselves with a trip to an ice cream shop. I just don't keep it in the freezer outside of the summer months. Unlike the ancient Greek gods (image ↖credit) we must leave home to eat it during the fall, winter, or spring seasons in the interest of health and not adding another 50 pounds to our frames! We don't have the discipline to skip ice cream if it's in the house because ice cream really is the Ambrosia of the gods! It's soooo good you can't stop eating it!!

Do you love ice cream?🍦

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Watching Game Of Thrones

Broken Crown by Mumford and Sons

I didn't read the medieval fantasy books from which Game Of Thrones is based and wasn't familiar with author George R.R. Martin. It's not my usual genre, but I love the television series. 

There's just enough special effects and fighting to keep it exciting without crossing over into boredom. The show is smartly character driven, and there are lots of characters and story lines to follow. No character's fate is safe. Just like in medieval England and the Holy Roman Empire, prominent ruling families rise and fall, so major characters are killed off.

I like how unflinching and without judgment human nature and behaviors like ambition and sex, as well as, the struggles for power and survival are portrayed. The series is far from dark, but be prepared: Lovers and prostitutes alike walk around naked. Sex can be crude and a matter of duty, lust or violence. Women are slapped across the face by their husbands. Lords chop off the heads of enemies without regret. And, characters are rebuked with names like fat "little piggy," "dwarf," "halfman" and every offensive, four letter word in the English language. But, I'm glad the series rings true to the period. I'd be more upset if it didn't.

All the characters in the drama are trying to fulfill their destiny in a world where life is nasty, brutal, short and ocasionally sweet, as philosphers and poets often remind us.

He needs a love interest who doesn't nearly kill him with arrows. Love isn't supposed to hurt.

The series must be exhausting and a blast to shoot. The actors are so talented ... and proficient with weaponry. (I'd cut off my own head, if I had to fight by swinging a sword. It ain't easy.) Obviously, it's the writing and acting that make a show resonate. With an international cast, you stay glued to the set.

 My favorite characters include: Jon Snow (a good hearted, bastard son of Lord Stark, or so we think? His mother is unknown. He became a favorite character of mine when he was left out of the party during the king's visit. Did he have to live outside the main Stark house too?), Tyrion Lannister (the clever 2nd son and dwarf in a powerful family), Queen Cersei Lannister (she's beautiful and scheming, but not particularly cruel), the "Kingslayer," Jamie Lannister (he's fun, fun, fun!) and Arya Stark (a spitfire and survivior). I miss Ned Stark and am still recovering from the shock of his story line in season 1. Charles Dance is amazing as Tywin Lannister, and Natalia Tena as Osha, a Wildling who cares for the younger Stark boys, is mesmerizing (with her piercing eyes and sultry voice). I love Jason Momoa, but his beard and character, Khal Drogo, SCARE me. Season 3 is the most intense! 

Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow (above photo) must meet at some point, don't you think? They are both developing into leaders and share a few traits - both have a conscience and are being shaped by betrayals and the harsh realities of Medieval-ish life. So they'll understand each other. But, will they be friends or enemies? And are they related?

Catch Games Of Thrones on dvd, if you missed the airing. It's got plenty of humanity and the magic of dragons. I look forward to a planned 4th and 5th season on HBO. There are 5 books and counting. So the show could continue for years. By the way, I think writer, GRRM, is on the same level as William Faulker. Just like Faulker, Martin created an entire world of intertwining plots and characters, with minor characters in some books becoming major characters of other books.

Who do you think will be the last king or queen standing, or rather, sitting on the Iron Throne?

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Vivaia Shoes Are Machine Washable

It takes a different kind of shoe for me to consider shoes that are not real leather because I always have trouble wearing man-made, non-leather shoes. Either they are too stiff and I can never break them in, or they are too hot, or they click and clack with every step. In fact, I've sworn off so-called liberated leather shoes.

Then along comes Vivaia shoes (established in 2020), a sustainable shoe company on a mission to make quality, comfortable and stylish footwear using recycled materials that are sourced from nature. Believe it or not, Vivaia shoes are made of recycled plastic water bottles. Plastic water bottles are turned into spools of flexible thread that is knitted into form. According to the merchant, Vivaia flats feel like sneakers. Their signature sustainable material is not only soft, cozy, and breathable, but they will last for years to come, and they are reasonably priced too!

Indeed, Vivaia shoes and boots are super fashionable: classic and understated, as well as, ultra-modern with vitality and pizzazz. The fashion-forward shoes won't go out of style.

Moreover not only is attention paid to the exterior design, but also to the interior of the footwear. The inside heel is cushioned to avoid blisters, and insoles are added to provide high rebound (or bounce), and arch support.

The over-the-knee boots are made with recycled plastic water bottles plus wool for warmth in cold weather. They pull up like thick socks and stay put (as in don't fall down during the day). Furthermore, all Vivaia shoes and boots are machine washable. Now that's different, it means they're easy to clean!

Moreover, the retailer says their shoes are perfect for people with wide feet and bunions. In Vivaia shoes, "your feet won't be squeezed, pushed, pulled, or bent out of shape."

For comfort is the main reason to buy Vivaia shoes. As for sustainability, sources such as the Harvard Business Review argue that sustainable fashion is a myth. Once a plastic bottle is turned into fashion, it's no longer recyclable, but goes into a landfill. In fact, the best way of saving our environment is to buy less and re-use (i.e., shop 2nd hand) fashion. I must confess to never buying 2nd hand shoes, but I only buy the footwear I need and stop buying until I need replacement shoes or boots. That said ...

Enough colors and styles are offered for a day of work, a night out on the town, or a walk through the park. Certainly, Vivaia shoes are worth a browse, an open mind, and some serious consideration.

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A Mobile Computer Cart Instead Of A Desk?

The Z Mobile Cart is perfect for small spaces.

Trust me.  Living in New York City forces you to think about every piece of furniture you bring into your home. In an apartment, space is as valuable as your property.  Whenever I think about buying furniture, I always ask myself if I mind losing the space it will occupy.  Personally, I like a bit of sparseness and would rather not fill-up every nook and cranny in a room.

For several years I have wanted a desk for my laptop.  But I value my space more.  I'm happy I waited, because as it turns out, I really don't need a desk.  The reason: Computers keep shrinking.  They have gotten so compact, and just when you think they can't get any smaller, they do.  With constant innovations, in a few short years most of us may be able to replace our present computers with one the size of an ipad, or something so tiny we can't imagine it now.  So why invest in an expensive desk that soon may become obsolete?

But right now I still want my computer off my dinner table and my notebooks and pens off my living room couch.  With this in mind, I bought a Mobile Computer Cart.  Ideal for small spaces, it has a sturdy steel "Z" frame, a lower shelf for storage and wheels for mobility.  The cart is versitile and looks good against a wall.  I can pull a chair up, and the cart becomes a desk; or pull the cart over to the couch to work.  It also has a center ledge, where I keep a calculator, extra note paper, pens, a TV remote control, a cordless phone, hand cream and lip balm.  So everything I need in order to work is organized and at my fingertips. [I made a pouch out of a cotton placemat (on sale for 98 cents), so the stuff doesn't fall off when the cart moves.]

I bought the cart at Walmart even though there isn't one in Manhattan.  If you don't have a store in your town, Walmart will ship goods to a local FedEx office free of charge, where you can pick them up.  A variety of carts and workstations are available for desktop and laptop computers.  The Z Mobile Cart costs: $35, plus you can usually find a coupon to save more.  It's a steal! 


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Thursday's Chelsea Boots And More

It was hard to pick only one style to feature!

Thursday is the name of a boot company right up THE SAVVY SHOPPER's alley! It's the type of business I love to introduce to my readers. The boot company offers customers the highest quality handcrafted boots at "honest" -- without a doubt, reasonable prices. There are no cutting corners, customers get the best materials available on every Thursday boot or product made. You'll also find comfort, durability, and versatility in their various styles of boots. What you won't find are boots that are made cheap, have poor craftsmanship, or are overpriced. 

Customers pay honest prices for ridiculously comfortable and well-constructed footwear that is incredibly stylish to boot (I couldn't resist the pun:).

Here's how they do it. Thursday Boot Company was launched as a Kickstart campaign in 2014 by Nolan Walsh and Connor Wilson, raising $275,000. There is no middleman. Thursday reinvests what they save by selling directly to customers and putting profits back into premium materials including full-grain leather, supple glove leather linings, and cork bed midsoles for comfort. After launching, word caught on! The company quickly went from selling 1,000 boots per month to 1,000 boots per week.

After succeeding with an array of the highest-quality and chic boots, Thursday expanded into dress shoes, sneakers, jackets, and accessories. Every piece is thoughtfully designed and meticulously tested to be functional and fashionable. 

These full-grain leather boots were made for pounding the concrete pavements of city streets. They won't fall apart after a few wears, after taking a beating, or by getting wet. Thursday's footwear, jackets, and accessories are made for people who live busy dapper lives. There's no compromise between style, quality, or price. 

If Thursday's child has far to go, you can't go wrong wearing Thursday's Chelsea boots for super cuteness.

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Vince Camuto ... Thank you!

There's so much I like about fashion designer, Vince Camuto. I walked into his Fifth Avenue flagship store recently (at 667 Madison Avenue across for Barney's), which houses his Signiture and Vince Camuto lines. His stuff, including apparel, shoes, watches, jewlry, sunglasses and jackets for men and women, is classic and modern. It won't go out of style anytime soon, and it's beautiful!! He gives you quality -- great fabric, complimentary silhouettes and expert tailoring combined with extra design details and ultra practical bells and whistles (such as zippers and pockets), and it's affordable! 

Even people who never walk across a stage to collect awards can buy his clothes, shoes and accessories. Vince Camuto creates clothes to flatter and make you look your best. Cher or Bjork may dress to stand out. Remember that weird swan Bjork wore around her neck to the Academy Awards? Be honest, didn't you think "bird strike on her way over to the show?" You don't want to wear clothes to look like that. I think even Bjork would leave her feathered friend at home, if she had a do-over. She's a talented musician who made a fashion mistake.

Which brings me back to Vince Camuto's store. The word for his collection is lovely. It's impossible to make a fashion faux pas while shopping in there, plus you won't have to rob a bank to pick up a few pieces. He also has a hand in designing Jessica Simpson's collection and is available in major department stores like Dillards, Macy's and Nordstrom's. Vince Camuto has a laser sharp eye ... and I love EVERY-fashion-forward-THING with his name on it.

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Cute Summer Old Navy Dresses

When I came to help my mom, who took a fall fracturing her fibula, I packed all winter clothes, including leggings, t-shirts, and two cardigans since I only thought I'd be away for about 4 weeks, but she is undergoing physical and occupational therapy and I'm still here. Spring has arrived and all my spring and summer clothing is at home. I only packed one dress (this one) that I can wear on a chilly, early, spring day, but not on a balmy, global warming-created day.

So in anticipation of 80 degree F days (in fact we had one today), I bought 2 Sub-Knit Short Sleeve Tiered Swing Dresses in hot pink and medium-navy blue from Old Navy, as well as, a black pair of $2 flip flops to wear around the house. Old Navy's flip flops are great, no need to pay more elsewhere, and I'm happy the retailer once again manufactures 100% cotton dresses. Not polyester, not rayon, no blends, all-cotton dresses!!! ON is forever offering deals. Wait for one to get a dress dirt cheap!

Hopefully, between my ballet flats, Nike sneakers, and the new flip flops I won't lack shoes to wear as the weather warms up. The all-weather mocs I also brought with me will soon be retired until early autumn. 

The thought crosses my mind I'll be wearing the same style of dress over and over like a uniform, but I bet real money the majority of people rarely notice what we wear when we encounter them. They sense if we are disheveled and not coordinated, but can't recall our particular outfits. What do you think?

My life as a minimalist-want-to-be is being tested and frankly, I'm enjoying the noble less-is-more experiment. So far, I'm managing!

Moreover, ladies, look at this handsome guy! Hubba, Hubba!! Posting him fits into our spring fashion topic. Colorful shirts in a breezy linen blend have just arrived at L.L. Bean for men. The fabric wicks moisture and dries fast. 

Get ready, Betty ... Freddy for cotton dresses, linen shirts, and shorts season. 

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Target Celebrates 20 Years Of Design Collaborations

Isaac Mizrahi for Target silk dress

For 20 years Target has partnered with the likes of Isaac Mizrahi, Anna Sui, Zac Posen, Philip Lim, Lilly Pulitzer and others to launch their designer collections at budget-friendly prices. Clearly I'm a big fan! My 1st Liberty purchase of clothing was a 100% cotton Liberty of London for Target summer dress. Only $25, and I still wear it! Nice introduction, eh?

Italian designer Missoni for Target collaboration captures its trademark zigzag pattern.

Target's 20 years of Design For All launches in stores and online on September 14th -- two days away! -- with a curated collection of the past 20 years of  "collaborator" style.

Photo: Benjamin Lozovsky/BFA.com of Lilly Pulitzer For Target dresses

Target's collaborations make the innovative work of top designers accessible to the public by mass producing it. Customers can pick up some lovely things for their wardrobe, or home at a fraction of their usual cost. The quality may not be quite as rich as what lies in Bergdoff Goodman, but you pay much less for very decent quality. Offering good value for less is a fair tradeoff! Moveover, the goods last for years.

Michael Graves For Target's spinning whistle teakettle

I love the little number at the very top: an Isaac Mizrahi silk dress for $60 bucks! You are hard pressed to buy silk fabric to make the dress yourself for less!

Rodarte for Target for a night out on the town

I've spruced up today's blog with some of my favorites from Target's 20 Years of Design for All collection including: Lilly Pulitzer's Palm Beach floras, Missoni's teacups and Michael Graves teakettle. The Rodarte nylon frocks are dressy and edgy chic!

Thanks Target and partners for 2 decades of affordable style! Jointly you are the Edwin Markham of elite designer commerce: “He drew a circle that shut me out - Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle and took him In!”💋

20 Years of Design for All spans quite a big anniversary collection of wares! Take a look by clicking on the links provided. What are your favorites? What would you like to have in your closet and/or home for less?


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