COLLECTED | PARKAS & COATS WINTER 2010

Nigel Cabourn Cameraman Jacket

T'is the season to prepare for hibernation and I've been getting so many questions about winter jackets lately that I thought it warranted a post of its own. Jacketry, as I lovingly call it, is my ultimate achilles heel, and this season it has impressed at every price/style/construction so it was teeth-pullingly hard to pick and chose. That said, hopefully there is something in this selection to suit many a fancy and wallet size. I'm looking forward to adding to the list - the more the merrier - so don't hesitate to leave suggestions.  Check out the list with notations below the jump and happy parka-ing.  - M


CLASSIC: APC TRENCH PARKA

APC pretty much always impresses with their winter parkas. This one is no exception and I can vouch since I own the lady version.  Details: 100% cotton shell with fully quilted detachable lining (buttons on). Fleece lined hood with fox trim buttons on as well, and has velcro neck closure for full neck protection. $665 at Stuart and Wright.

REVISED PEA: WINGS + HORNS MELTON WOOL PEA COAT

I'm a fan of Wings + Horns this season - it's got a bit of a 'tude - and this coat made me think of what James Dean would wear if he was still around and lived in Maine. Naturally, I love it. Details: Leather arms, 90% wool 10% nylon body, Singe vent at back. $995 at Context Clothing.

LIGHTER FARE: BARBOR DERWENT JACKET

Barbour is a no fail when it comes to quality, construction and generally living up to its promises. I love this one because of its versatility: it can easily be layered, dressed down, or slightly up.  Details: Crafted in English thornproof waxed cotton. Attached hood. Hidden two-way zip closure with storm flap. Adjustable interior drawstring at waist. $399 at J.Crew.

FOR THE TUNDRA: FJALLRAVEN AKTIS PARKA

As a Vermonter I covet coats such as this.  Most parkas that actually keep you warm in blizzardous conditions make you look like a sleeping bag, which is thankfully not the case with this one. Details: Unites two of Fjallraven's most resistant materials, G-1000 and VinylonF waterproof Shell and goose down filling making it durable, wind-resistant, water-resistant. $775 at Fjallraven.

STEAL: L.L.BEAN BAXTER STATE PARKA

There is a reason L.L.Bean is still alive and kicking and it's because of jackets like this. Plus at $200 this coat is also the reason absolutely no guy has an excuse to wear a snowboard jacket to a dinner party this winter.  Details: Polyester waterproof shell. Filled with goose down Seven exterior pockets and three interior pockets ,  two stash pockets. Zip-off insulated hood.  $199 at L.L. Bean.

CRAFTSMANSHIP: NIGEL CABOURN CAMERAMAN JACKET

It's my personal opinion that Nigel Cabourn is actually an artist who, lucky for us, just happens to work in wool, tweed, and dyed fabrics.  This coat, (also pictured above), happens to be inspired by his vintage collection and will probably outlast you. Details: Mackintosh upper and Harris Tweed lower, to keep the wearer warm in extreme conditions. It features specially made metal clips, and waxed pull cords in the hood and waist line. $1,225 at Context Clothing.

DESIGNERLY: WOOLRICH WOOLEN MILLS TOGGLE PEA COAT

Apparently, this FW collection was inspired by Comme des Garcons 'design principles' but I see plenty of other influences too. The toggles, varied stripes, felted wool, fur collar are all evidence. Normally, I'm not so into a mash up of every trend in one piece, but somehow this jacket does it and still looks effing awesome. Details: Wool/nylon shell, removable synthetic fur collar. $660 at Context Clothing.

BANK ROBBERY REQUIRED: YVES SALOMON RABBIT FUR PARKA

Because everyone just longs to be a fur covered caveman in the end. Details: 100% cotton outer, 100% rabbit fur lining and hood. A drawstring pulls in the high waist. $1,646 at Opening Ceremony.