“When weather calls for layering, a coat isn’t just part of an outfit, it becomes the outfit itself.”  This quote is from the Mackage website, a Canadian company founded in 1999.  I couldn’t agree more, especially when you expect to spend a good part of your day outdoors, or in and out of your car……… It was probably six years ago when I discovered Mackage coats, shopping in a SoHo boutique in New York City….at the time, I needed a new black ‘everyday’ coat….when I tried it on, I was immediately in love….the fit, the big collar, the feminine style, the comfort – I thought it would be a wise purchase and it certainly was as I have worn it to death, and still wear it….but we must have variety, right? Can’t only have a black coat! Introducing Mackage #2……

This one was a Christmas gift from hubby a few years back, found at The Tannery in Harvard Square…..it still remains a favorite: the 3/4 length is good for my short stature, and while it is warm enough to wear all winter, the light color makes it a nice choice for milder days….it also is a great contract to all the black in my closet….The third Mackage in my ‘collection’ is more of a fall jacket/sweater, heavyweight wool with leather trim….it works especially well with jeans and casual wear, have enjoyed it on weekends…because the sleeves are like a fitted sweater, it is not something that works layering over another jacket, so has a limited use for business wear…

OK, now the fun begins……fast forward to this New Year’s weekend, away on a mini ski vacation in Stowe, Vermont where après ski activity always includes shopping!  So – while browsing in one of my favorite shops, Green Envy, my eye is drawn to a glorious coat on display – last one – on sale – and, yes, it’s Mackage…..at first I thought I was out of luck because it was a large, but lo and behold, it fit! (This brand runs very small, my first one is also a large and I am generally a size 4)  The dramatic fur trimmed hood makes this coat a real ‘WOW’ – and how practical to have a warm hood when the winter wind blows!  How could I resist? 🙂

The story does not end here. Two weeks ago, I had a business dinner to attend with the two newest members of our sales team….it has become somewhat of a tradition that we shop at Revolve in Lexington before heading next door to dinner….as we all were poking through the racks, “Ooh, look at this scarf!….Ooh, great leather skirt!” …..I stop dead in my Gucci boots.   OMG. My heart races…..A Mackage coat. Like new. $299. Gorgeous……I try it on, just because.  So frigging nice……”Jenn! Do you need a black coat? You have to try this on!!!”  She does, and she looks amazing, like a model…..I literally got goose bumps looking at her.  We all tell her she has to buy it, but she was hesitant, thinking of other major expenses in her life……no, she did not walk out with a bag in hand, but after sleeping on it , she bought it the next day!

If I had not purchased the coat in Stowe, Jenn would not be wearing this today. (Would be me!) She is loving it and that makes me smile!