this post is dedicated to all of you dear readers who love style but can’t give up your precious high performance gear. i’m for style over function every day of the week, but i know there are those among you (hello, residents of portland!) who would rather be warm than cute, and who would rather have comfortable feet than, well, just about anything. fortunately, it seems we may not have to choose after all. i came across some of the new offerings from merrell recently, and honestly, i was shocked. i couldn’t even believe how much i loved some of the pieces i spotted.
the haven toggle coat is my absolute favorite of the lot…in fact, it’s one of my favorite coats i’ve seen all season. in person, the fabric is almost a flannel texture, but it’s total merrell-quality performance: water-resistant, toasty inner lining, and virtually impervious to the elements. i’ve finally found something warm enough to warrant ditching my puffer coat…i’m sorry, but there just is no way to make a puffer flattering. this one’s every bit as warm (in fact better, because it seems to work wonders at just keeping you warm, without letting you overheat), and infinitely more stylish.
their sweatshirt-inspired cardigans are absolutely perfect for weekend errand-running. i love that they look like sweaters but are actually closer to a fleece fabric, making them (again) super warm and cozy. the longer black zip cardi would be just the thing for dashing from your yoga studio to your car. and the little black flats? sure, they’re not the sexiest thing ever, but i have a pair just like them, and i can tell you they get a staggering amount of wear in my wardrobe. they’re great in just about any weather, and i can walk for miles in them. definitely a good cardio shopping shoe.
and really, how can you not love the flower on that sweet cream beret? it reminds me of a certain famous camelia, in fact, but for about 1/150 of the price.
as you’re shivering your way through this week, take a look at some of the new goods from merrell’s fall collection…i have a feeling you’ll be as shocked pleasantly surprised as i was.
(FTC disclosure: some product samples were very kindly provided by merrell, but i would never write something up unless i loved it. bribery is not chic.)
I am impressed. What do you think of the toggle coat in the rain?
i haven’t tried it in a torrential downpour, but in your average low-grade rain, it has been absolutely great. and the shape is really flattering – it has a nice silhouette 🙂
Oh my gosh. I’ve been looking for a jacket like one of these for months. And here it is, on your blog. Thank you!!! P.S. Merrell’s repair policy isn’t as robust as many other performance brands. I know this due to a pair of hiking boots who, after about 10 years are separating from their soles. They’ll reimburse up to $25 toward repair done at the shop of your choice.
sadly, the black zip cardi is currently out of stock in my size – what a nice alternative to a fleece!
wow what great finds! i love the sweater cardigan! my boyfriend and i are planning a trip to portland (my first visit there!!) in march… so perhaps i need to find a good warmish rain jacket before we go. thanks! xoxo jcd
jillian, you’ll definitely need that rain jacket…these would be great options! enjoy planning your trip, and feel free to email if you need any tourist recommendations 😉