I have been searching for a functional (yet fashionable) winter jacket forever. As a mom, I was tired of being wet (getting the kids in and out of the car when it was raining) and cold (waiting on said kids to hurry up while enjoying nature on a 30 degree day.)

I was very specific in my wants: a coat that would be light enough that I could throw it on while running errands, but warm enough to wear when it was really cold outside. I wanted a hood for days when it is raining and preferred something that could be worn with both athletic-wear and jeans and still look casual and cute but not feel too bulky.

After extensive research I selected The North Face Down Triclimate Jacket in Brownie . It is basically 3 coats in one! There is a down liner that zips into a HyVent shell. You can use the liner and shell separately or together. The shell protects you from rain, snow etc while the down liner keeps you warm. When used together you have the quintessential winter jacket.

The price tag seems a little steep (around $350) but it is a sound investment that you will surely use for seasons to come.