Can anyone recommend a good ski parka (ladies)?

[sbjf]

In the past I've been a wool coat/pea coat/leather coat girl, but lately I'm drawn to these really cool ski parkas that I see around town. It just seems like suddenly they fit my lifestyle more than the wool/leather ones.

I like the ones that cover your butt, have a generous hood (I like the fake fur around the hood look, too) and love bright colors.

Do any of you have one that you love? I've heard of Columbia brand and I see that LL Bean has some nice ones. I'm about to check out Lands End, too.

Thanks for any tips and input!

(this will be my Christmas gift from dh)

[aguinn]

i got this one from l.l.bean last year from my parents and LOVE it! http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=35489&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=3847&cat4=1087&shop_method=pp&feat=

it kept me very warm while skiing - i only wore a silk long-sleeve long-underware top (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=39000&sc1=Search&feat=sr) and a "Hot Chilies" pullover (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000124K1C/sr=1-1/qid=1101777766/ref=sr_1_1/002-0609358-0378466?%5Fencoding=UTF8&n=3375301&s=sporting-goods&v=glance) underneath and was snug as a bug.

and if you really want the furry hood, they have this one: http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=38224&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=3847&cat4=1087&shop_method=pp&feat=

all the colors are fun, too!

let us know what you get!

ETA: the links don't seem to come out right to be able to easily click on them, so just copy and paste them into your browser.

;)amy
proud momma to DS

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030729/1/5/1/-5/.png[/img][/url]

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif Weaned @ 13 months

[sbjf]

I like the one you have, but I do need a hood. I love the one you linked with the furry hood (lol, yes, I really want the furry hood!) but wouldn't you know, my crappy luck, the cute lavendar one is not available in my size, ugh!!!!!

What color do you have yours in?

Thanks for the help, too!

[aguinn]

mine's the eggplant/lavender. i think if i had the chance to pick again i'd go for blue, since that is my favorite color - i was going through a purple phase last year. lol

have you tried looking at a local store, like burlington coat factory or something similar? you might find the furry hood you're looking for!

;)amy
proud momma to DS

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030729/1/5/1/-5/.png[/img][/url]

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif Weaned @ 13 months

[sbjf]

I'm in a purple/lavender mood myself actually. I think since I'll have 2 boys I'm wanting something girly colored for myself.

Lands End has this one...

http://landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0,,1_2_1930_48558_109182_87629_5:view=59,00.html?C M_MERCH=PAGE_48558&sid=4097137721837134560

Which looks great, but I'm worried that the Dutch Purple will be too dark and make me look like Barney. I can't decide on another color though.

[Marisa6826]

I personally love Helly Hansens. They're a little hard to find though. I'm on my second one, and my brother is on his fourth or fifth - he was in the Coast Guard for years and turned me onto HH.

Have you checked out www.campmor.com? www.patagonia.com and www.rei.com along with www.ems.com are also good places to check out.

www.sierratradingpost.com has a lot of Columbia stuff and if you choose something from STP, go to www.fatwallet.com for the answer to their free shipping riddle.

The North Face ones are the real elite ones, with a price to match. Can't beat their quality though.

-m