Spotlight on Ultra Light Down Jackets

In so many of my posts - especially UK holiday ones, I mention my Uniqlo ultra light down jacket. In fact I've mentioned it so many times that I decided it needed a post of its very own.

Problem is Uniqlo have changed the design this year.  Sooo annoying!

First of all a little background.  I love to look smart and really admire bloggers who wear lovely fitted blazers and I do own a couple but most of the time they just don't work for my lifestyle.  Now do these ladies really wear these dresses and jackets all day every day?  To do the housework?  When I started my blog I wanted it to be a realistic representation of day to day fashion for a fifty year old housewife and mother.  I hope I am achieving this.

Last year I invested in a Barbour International jacket in black.  I spent quite a bit of time choosing as I wanted it to be warm but also smart and stylish.  I love it, it is very warm indeed but it had one little problem, it has no hood.  Why not?  I don't understand why the designers don't put in a simple  hood hidden in the collar.

I'd already purchased an ultra light down jacket from Uniqlo the previous year but again, no hood (see photos further down).  Now I am often out and about and my umbrella is always 'in the car' never with me and if I am running from errand to errand I just want to be able to cover my hair to avoid the dreaded frizz.  Along with my shopping bags and bags for life by the way - always 'in the car'.

Last year for my 50th birthday I had a lovely day out with my family and my younger sister was wearing a very gorgeous khaki colour jacket - with a hood - and from Uniqlo.

My 50th birthday, I am wearing my red ski jacket and my sister is wearing a Uniqlo jacket

​The next time I was in Westfield London I stopped by Uniqlo and purchased a navy blue jacket with a hood and I have worn it and worn it.  It tends to suit autumn, spring and even summer rather than really cold winter days - but when it is really cold it doesn't often rain so then out comes the Barbour as it is warmer.  I do sometimes layer it up though - when it has been really cold I wear it under my North Face coat, it is so lightweight that it is possible to do that and not feel like an eskimo.

Walking to the post box with Katy!

​Then my daughter started borrowing it!  So off we went to Uniqlo a few weeks ago to get her one and guess what - they have changed the design.  The  shiny fabric has been replaced with a matt finish and sorry but I just don't like it as much.  They still have the shiny fabric - but with no hood!

Anyway, do take a look if you are passing Uniqlo or have a browse online.  I understand that stylish Parisian ladies buy their 'vests' in the ultra light down and wear them under their smart jackets - maybe that is what the other bloggers I follow do?!

They are warm and easy to pack - you can literally squash them into a bag, backpack or suitcase and always have it with you.

In the meantime I am on the lookout for something similar for my daughter or mine will be missing when I need it!

Here are a few ideas with a similar price tag to Uniqlo:

Next have a 'packable jacket' in a choice of 4 colours - see here.
Decathlon have x-light trekking jacket by Quechua - see here.
Zalando have one in their 'essentials' range - see here.

Happy shopping!

Love
Michelle xx
​

Off to Prague in my Barbour International Jacket - very warm but no hood!