Before moving to New York, I lived in Chicago: land of the -20° windchill. Everyone in NYC likes to complain about the weather, but trust me, the worst winter day here is bikini car wash weather compared to an average day in the Midwest.
So trust me when I say that I, unfortunately, know some shit about cold winters.
I also know a lot about winter coats, because you depend on them for survival six months out of the year. I've owned many, and I've hated every single one β until now. Friends, let me introduce you to the Halstrom Modular Snow Parka from The Arrivals: the greatest winter coat that I have ever owned.
How incredible is it? Life-changing. Let's count the ways in which it is awesome.
1. It's warm AF.
If you're going to spend money on one thing, let it be an incredible winter coat. The Halstrom ($585, The Arrivals) is not inexpensive, but it's makes a difference in my life that you can't imagine. Layering in the key to Halstrom's success β the outer layer (which is black) is both waterproof AND wind-resistant. The inner layer (which is blue-green) is thermal-insulated quilted polyamide, which makes it lightweight and non-bulky, yet cozy as all hell.Β
Please read: You cannot get cold with this coat on. It's impossible.
2. It is BEAUTIFUL.
Aesthetics are important to me. And hardcore winter coats are not exactly known for being fashionable β they're functional and unattractive, which is UPSETTING. This baby flies in the face of that. It's not only gorgeous compared to other winter coats, it's one of the most beautiful items of clothing I own, hands down.
3. It's the ideal length.
I'm 5'10, and as you can see, this coat hits me mid-thigh. Flattering, not stumpifying β and function-wise, it keeps my butt warm.
4. The details are perfect.
The hoodΒ of this coat is warm and close-fitting, but not so much that it smushes my hair. The removable blue-green thermal layer has sweater-style sleeves to stop cold air getting in at the wrists. And I never knew that straight-across, zip-up pockets were what was missing from my life until now. They're also deep β like mid-forearm deep β which means you can actually put things in them without fear of them falling out.
5. DOUBLE ZIPPERS.
Zip up the inner jacket of the Halstrom when it's only a little cold, then zip the outer jacket for full protection from polar temperatures. You will laugh in the face of blizzards!
6. It's actually multiple coats.
I wouldn't tell you guys to spend all this money on ANY coat unless it was versatile as hell β and the Halstrom ($585, The Arrivals) is actually four or five different coats in one.
First, the blue thermal lining is removable. It's attached to the black outer-coat with a series of smooth magnetic snaps along the zippers at the front and along the shoulders. Though it's not tearaway Magic Mike pants easy to remove, it doesn't require instructions. Now you can wear the lining under anything else you own to make it warmer, and the outer layer isΒ also have a medium-weight trench coat, perfect for spring and fall.
7. The hood is convertible, too.
First, the fur unclips from the hood. Then THE ENTIRE HOOD UNSNAPS AND COMES OFF. This is the Optimus Prime of winter coats, guys.
This coat has changed my damn life. Not even kidding.
I have never been this warm, ever β I no longer hate the snow and the rain, and I no longer dread walking my dog in the winter. Seriously, this coat has me ready to head North and try to take The Wall.
If you're looking for an amazing winter coat that is also incredibly beautiful β The Arrivals Halstrom Modular Snow Parka is for you. Let it bless your winter life the way it's blessed mine.
