Review on Stay Warm in Style: Cole Haan Women's Taffeta Down Coat With Bib Front and Dramatic Hood by Danierl Temple

Now that I've had it for a year it has gone from three to four stars. I still find the hood ridiculous, but it is very practical and the jacket is very warm. The commute to work in the extreme cold became much less uncomfortable than before. The one I received turned out to be defective, so I might like it better if I get another one. One of the hood drawstrings doesn't stay on which is a big problem as the hood is huge and doesn't stay on until you pull it up. But I wore it before realizing this flaw, so here are my first thoughts: Good: - Flattering (with the hood down) - Very warm but not bulky; You still have a waist and don't look like you're wearing a sleeping bag as your outerwear. Dark blue is a beautiful color. windproof. Appropriate sleeve length - don't touch me. brisk walking, as in some long jackets. Bad: - The hood is just ridiculously high - it's too big and you look ridiculous; OTOH, that leaves plenty of room for a hat/headphones/scarf - the cuffs of the sleeves aren't tight enough - on a windy day they don't keep out the cold and the cuffs of my gloves kept slipping out of the sleeve. Sleeve zippers sometimes snag fabric Pockets aren't big enough Considering the very low price ($110) and overall good fit I'll probably keep a spare when it arrives. But I think there's a reason Cole Haan didn't sell it at full price. This is not a $300-450 coat.