Down Jackets - Eww (with a helping of Ahh)

I've been in denial over just how cold New York is in the winter. Every time I leave the house I try to convince myself that it isn't THAT cold outside; Mother Nature, you are a four letter word... In all reality, when it feels like tiny daggers are cutting into your flesh and any exposed skin takes the same consistency of a third-degree burn, it becomes utterly undeniable, it's flippin' freezing.

Until recently, I had never romanced the idea of purchasing a puffy down coat, call me crazy, but I refuse to walk down Park Ave. looking like the albino twin of Missy Eliott in "The Rain" video.

 Yeah I'm Supa Fly, Supa Dupa Fly...

However, out of pure necessity, I may have to let the puff win (I'm assuming treatment for hypothermia can get pretty pricey outside of health insurance). I couldn't accept that all down coats make your figure look similar to wrapped salami casing, and my inquires were correct, non-figure bashing versions exist. So why women with amazing physiques hide behind such monstrosities absolutely dumbfounds me (why don't they take that same maxed out American Express card that was used to purchase that cashmere Burberry scarf around their necks and drop a dime on a decent coat?).

So congratulations Mother Nature, you win, but don't hold your breath, Uggs aint happening (toe amputation can't cost that much out of pocket right?).

Pictured below are my personal suggestions to avoid looking like a jumbo burnt marshmallow.

 Elie Tahari, $290

 Laundry by Shelli Segal, $179

Moncler, $1440 (Even if I had $1400 to throw around, I wouldn't buy this, but I love the style. Picture it with forest green leather opera length gloves, dark skinny's, fur earmuffs and riding boots, hello Miss Park Avenue!).