I’ve worn this coat a lot over the last month, as the temperatures have dropped and it’s got more wintry in Northern Ireland. Whilst I have a big collection of coats I’ve never really had a sensible outdoor coat. The Northface Castagnola Jacket was kindly sent to me by Cotswold Outdoor and it has been a revelation. For one I don’t have to worry about carrying an umbrella in my handbag. Most of my winter coats don’t have a hood so I always make sure I have an umbrella on hand in case of a downpour. But this North Face is fully waterproof and the snug hood protects me from the wind and rain perfectly. The water just seems to glide off the coat and (for once) I actually don’t mind being outside in the pouring rain as I feel none of it!
Unsurprisingly the coat is also toasty warm due to the amazing insulation. You’ll get no drafts thanks to the inner storm cuffs. It’s little differences like this that I’ve been missing in my winter coats to date. The Castagnola Jacket truly is designed for protecting you from the elements, but not at the expense of style. Whilst this coat is super practical I feel sleek and stylish in it too thanks to the all-black colour combined with the lush faux fur trimmed hood.
These pictures were taken at the weekend when Phill and I were in Holywood (a town just outside Belfast) for the day. It was such a dismal rainy day but we made the most of things. We had a nosey around some charity shops (I got my hands on Nigella Lawson’s Nigellissima cookbook) and fab boutiques (Red Ruby Rouge is a must-visit), as well as the Yard Gallery, before heading to The Bay Tree for coffee and grub. My friend told me I HAD to try the award winning cinnamon scone so of course I did what I was told and I’m glad to report it was in fact scrumptious. The coffee was mighty fine too.