Red's Gear Review: Columbia Omni-Heat Jacket

The traditional puffy coat is not cute. You see people in puffy coats all over Utah. The person is so lost under all that fluff it inspires the line, "I can't put my arms down" from A Christmas Story and my urge to punch them just to see if they can feel it (and yes they can) kicks in. My number one complaint about puffy coats is that they are generally only attractive on a select few (myself not included). This is why a new non-traditional puffy has evolved, the down sweater. You won't struggle to lower your arms to their proper place at your sides. And amazingly you can still maintain some girlish curves (or masculine muscles) while staying comfortably warm, which is a big deal for a girl who is almost always cold.

Omni-Heat Reach the Peak Down Jacket

Columbia has hit the market with a down jacket of their own. Columbia's Omni-Heat jacket is stylish and it isn't puffy in the Christmas Story way. The 700 down fill Omni-Heat Reach the Peak jacket keeps you super warm. Adding a twist to their puffy jacket is the Omni-Heat technology. The heat comes from reflective cells on the inside of the coat. The idea is that these cells reflect your body heat keeping your warmer then a traditional winter coat. Blonde and I have been testing the jackets for over a month now and we can testify it is warm, even in below freezing temps (check out our frozen hair).

Blonde and I rocking Omni-Heat jackets

Columbia got it right with the design. Very slim and a great fit. The sleek design is really flattering and the technology makes sure you don't lose anything on warmth. A great jacket for hitting the resorts, backcountry adventures or just hanging around Salt Lake City. But nothing is perfect. My two complaints are both dealing with pockets. First, two snaps close the side pockets which is neither easy to open/close nor protective for any gear such as camera or phone you might put in them. Second, there is no internal pocket. In almost all my outdoor coats there is a internal chest pocket. I find this mandatory to keep my camera warm, prolonging the battery life and protecting the camera from unforeseen snow due to being tackled and whitewashed (which never happens to me).  Overall, I give the Omni-Heat a 4 out of 5.  Great style and very warm, but the pockets really dock you some points for outdoor functionality.

LOVE

Slim design

Color (We tested grey)

Elastic sleeve cuffs

Warmth

Stuff sack (it works)

Lightweight
Quality

DIS-LOVE

The snap pockets

No internal chest pocket

Gear Tested - Women's Reach The PeakTM Down Jacket

Check out Columbia's Omni-Heat technology

The Civil War Etsy

Did I really use the word "effective" in yesterday's post? I'm a dork. But I guess the watch does tell time, so that makes it effective.
Last night I saw The Civil Wars in concert at the State Room. It was so great. It is rare that two voices match so well. It was as if their voices were designed for this specific duet.  Keep your eyes and ears open for my full review next week.  But today I wanted to dedicate my Etsyness to them.  I present The Civil Wars.

Ash Ring

Canon Necklace

Abe Lincoln

Custer

Confederate Flag Pen

Simple and effective wristwatch

I am over my sorrow about yesterday's post about Alt Summit and now I am moving on to shopping (a girl has to cope somehow). These super sleek and simple watches are my new favorite. I think I could accessorize anything with one of these. Designed by Laboratorio Quattro for Fullspot, the O'Clock is on my birthday wish list.

I love these colors

The O'Clock come in almost any color

Even the packaging is cleaver

First seen here Daily Grommet

More Craft Night Photos

Here are some photos of Karen's projects.  Loved that she put them with scarves.  Check out more from the Second Annual Ladies Only Craft Night here.

Love Affair with Gold

It is amazing how our opinions change. As I get older, am exposed to new ideas, different people and just learn more about myself I find it interesting how things I used to hate I now love.  I was struck by how much gold I have been wearing.  I used to hate gold.  Gold anything.  Gold jewelry, gold frames, gold dinnerware, anything gold. And yet as I look back at last week I found myself wearing a new gold shirt I got for Christmas, gold earrings (several times) and necklace I purchased several months ago and I was even tempted by some gold heels I saw at the store Saturday.  Sadly, I did not purchase the glittery goddesses for I have a strict "no shoe buying" rule for the next few months (I may have gone a little crazy this last year on shoes), but I was very tempted to say the least.  Call it a trend or call it infatuation, but I have found myself in a love affair with the color gold.  I actually prefer to say that my taste buds have matured.  So what better to help a recovering addict then to post some on my resent gold obsessions.

Can't wait to hang this Easter card my mom had framed for me

 (The card was my Grandmother's)

These gold based cups and carafes from Design Within Reach

Bowl from Tse & Tse

These are true shoe love

Anthropologie Measuring cups, really

Love local jewelry artist Katie Waltman

This necklace is on her Etsy shop

Just saw this today on Creature Comfort. So want this journal

Last but not least, my Grandmother's gold frame board.  

She used to have all the grandkid photos hanging in it. Someday, I will have the perfect place to put it.

WEAR: I Love Grey - Women

If you know me, I really love color. But more than anything I love color combinations. Steel blue, baby blue with Rust, or Campagne Pink with Gold and touches of Plum or Black, or Teal with Bright Red, or Soft Greens with Tans and Creamy Whites--the list goes on and on and on. With all the color I surround myself with all day you would assume that Grey would be a sorry color to want to embrace but I am officially obsessed. I just want to enrobe my body constantly in it. It has become my go-to wardrobe staple and it is a extremely versatile neutral.

Check out what the latest cinereal clothes I am lusting over:

Merino Cowlneck Sweater - J.Crew

Dream Open-Shawl Cardigan - J.Crew

Merino Necklace Sweater - J.Crew

The Heidi Dress - J.Crew

Timber Tweed Pencil Skirt - J.Crew

Ruffle-trim Cardi - Old Navy

Fair Isle Tie Cardi - Old Navy

Metallic Argyle Cardi - Old Navy

Double Time Cardigan - Anthropologie

Arbor Vines Sweater Jacket - Anthropologie

Twisted Birch Shell - Anthropologie

Volante Tee - Anthropologie

Daughters of the Liberation Jean - Anthropologie

Style Guide Skirt - Anthropologie

Basket Weave Beret - Boden

Slouchy Leather Handbag - Boden

Velvet Blazer - Boden

Bloomsbury T-Bars - Boden

French Connection Lark Coat - Nordstrom

Tahari Woven Sheath Dress - Nordstrom

Minnetonka Cally Slipper - Nordstrom

Miz Mooz Cabot Pump - Nordstrom

Kate Spade Haley Skirt - Nordstrom

Etsy and I love Rings

I love rings.  No, this is not a wedding ring post, although there were plenty of them to be had on Etsy.  I just love rings, no need for a big diamond (at least not now).   I have been keeping a list of rings I find on Etsy that just make me happy.  Here are a few of my favs.  

1. Here I go again with my nature style Lava stone (see my style here) 
2. For your Medieval style
3. I used to hate big rings, but this Green Stone ring is beautiful
4. This Finger Print ring is much better than a vial of blood (crazy Billy Bob)
5. Who knew Glass could be so funky
6. Birds of a Feather flock to my finger.  LOVE this one.
7. What do they say about Roses
8. No animal was harmed in the production of this Bird Band (I think)
9. Stack It ring never looked as good as these

Etsy Shoes?! Yep found them

Yes, you get double duty from Red today.  Aren't you lucky.  I was just so in love with the Pantone stuff not to share it immediately.
Our friend over at The Shoeologist is looking for guest bloggers.  And even though I didn't apply for the job, despite my recent love for delicious heels, I thought, "Does Etsy have shoes?"  Well, yes, yes they do.  I found them in all their handmade/homemade glory.  And if you happen to be looking for something to buy me for Xmas I'm a size 8 and I'd take #3, #5, #7 or #8.

 

1. A little extra cuteness for moccasins
2. For tall leggy blondes gladiator leather sandals
3. Rope never looked so good (on a foot that is) infinity sandals
4. Pretty birdie hand painted vans
5. If you love me you will get me these crocheted felted slippers
6. Part of me (a big part) really loves these crazy vintage boots
7. Deliciously divine Eco-friendly leather flats
8. I love these designs of fiep custom made women shoes
9. Show off a little toe cleavage keyhole flat
10. Hipsters will love these modern moccasins

In the Kitchen with Found on Etsy

Growing up my mom always had the latest Country Living or Better Homes & Gardens on the coffee table. We had drawers and drawers of the old editions in an antique dresser (a perfect item for the pages of either magazine btw). So when I wanted some new ideas for just about everything, I signed up for the Country Living and BH&G online daily newsletter. Stay with me, I promise this has to do with Etsy. Now every day I get these lovely newsletters bulging with links to a bazillion holiday ideas, decorating tips, craft projects and delicious RECIPES. Come in Etsy and this week's theme "In the Kitchen." I haven't had a lot of time to cook because I have school every night. So I am dedicating my weekend (OK well not all of it) to trying out all the great recipes (OK not all of them) I have been putting on my list over the last few weeks. And I'm dedicating this Found on Etsy to all the wonderful tools, gadgets and just cute stuff for the kitchen.

1. Pink Pots
2. Vintage Kitchen Scale
3. Kitchen Measurement Conversion Chart
4. Colorful Apron
5. Hand Mixer Tea Towels
6. Wood Magnet Knife Holder Thingy
7. Vintage Mixing Bowls
8. Lace Cake Plates
9. Painted Plate Set
10. Oak Salt Shaker & Pepper Mill

Gifted Magazine

OMG!  This online magazine will get you excited for the holiday season better than listening to Christmas music on FM 100.  Thanks to Creature Comfort and other contributors for bringing us pure designy, crafty genius.

Friday Finds: Scarves and Other Neck Warming Devices

It has been a really busy week for me.  My clothing chooses were usually thrown together at the last second and go for comfort and ease then style (no one wants to see the combo I did today...yikes).  But my trusty collection of scarves have saved the day, instantly transforming any outfit from boring to simply styled. 
With this busy week has brought little time to for me to wander the virtual aisles of Etsy, but when I was trying to think of what I wanted to search for I couldn't leave my favorite accessory out of the mix. 
The scarf is not only my go to accessory it has an amazing way of warming my entire body with just a few wraps around my giraffeish neck.  And now that it is getting cold outside I will be wearing one almost everyday.  Thank you scarves and all you other neck warming devices.  This Etsy Friday Finds is for you.

1. Orange you Happy
2. Cool Grey
3. Vents and Buttons
4. Milk Chocolate Glitter
5. Hoodie Scarf
6. Tie me up in a bow
7. In the leafy tree tops
8. Loopy
9. Collar

As I searched for new and interesting designs I kept finding myself landing on this designer.  I only included a couple of her items, but she had some unique styles.  Check out more here.

Friday Finds: Etsy and The Mustache

This is for Heidikins. She liked the mustache necklace so much (I'm assuming from her comment with the XOXO) I decided to dedicate this week's Etsy finds to Heidikins' love of facial hair and search for the best Etsy has to offer of The Mustache.
Oh and needless to say this is just a sample of the stache offerings. You can find the little lip tickler on everything from mugs to t-shirts to underpants (the underpants made me giggle and a little scared, but it isn't included below because we're keeping this PG).

1. Neck and Lip Warmer
2. Shave That Stache
3. Drop a Note (Stache)
4. Moosestache
5. For the Little Mustache
6. Mustache Anytime and Anyplace

Friday Finds: Etsy Bags

I love bags.  Purses, messengers, backpacks, duffel bags, coin purses, wallets - you name it I have at least one of each and most likely more.  But you can never have enough, right?  Sadly, I store my bags in a large box in my closet, except the outdoor bags which get stored in the outdoor gear room (everyone should have a gear room - it's fun).  Only when I get really bored of the "current" bag does it get rotated out.  I need to come up with a better way to switch bags out on a more regular basis.  Until then, below are some of my favorite bags (most of the purse variety) from Etsy that are making me very sick of my "current" purse selection. 

1. Not Your Usual Army Bag
2. Red and Strappy
3. Silky Clutch
4. I Love Bikes
5. Green String
6. Bird Bag
7. Big Beautiful Bow

WEAR: TIGHTS

Recently, I've been intrigued with wearing dark tights and pale shoes...  Or really just tights with anything.  Something about cramming my legs into cozy warm individual blankets gives me reason to celebrate the upcoming change of seasons.



Aubin & Wills



Rue Magazine

Anthropologie

Anthropologie

Banana Republic

J.Crew

J.Crew

The Sartorialist

I know brightly colored opaque tights have been all the rage but apparently I am more seduced by grey and other neutrals.  What is it with me and grey?