Dressing for the Winter - A New Find From Lighthouse Clothing!

Millie is wearing the Imogen coat from Lighthouse Clothing

Here in Norway we take winter clothing pretty seriously. It gets so cold so quickly that we need to be sure we are wearing something that can handle temperatures of -25⁰C. The only problem that we find is that everything seems to look the same. The same black down jackets, the same padded coats and not much choice.

So Millie and I were delighted to make a new and stylish discovery that ticks all the boxes for us when it comes to winter coats.

Our new favourite coats are made by a company called Lighthouse Clothing in Northern Ireland and we love them!!! After my beloved Columbia ski jacket died in September (yes, OK I had had it since 2004!), I have been looking everywhere for something that fulfilled all the requirements a coat needs for a Nordic winter:

Warmth

In the Nordics you can't risk getting cold if you are out all day. Being cold in the winter here is not simply a matter of a bit of a chill in the air, it can mean the difference between life and death (quite literally). But even if you are not in the Nordics, warmth in the winter means having fun and enjoying yourself or spending the entire time wishing you were at home in the warm. The Abigail coat from Lighthouse Clothing is probably the warmest coat I have ever owned. I wore it briefly for the first time in October in England and was so warm I had to carry it. It is definitely going to be toasty in the height of winter here in Norway. I love because it means I won't have to wear so many layers underneath.

Padded

As much as we want to wear something skinny and lightweight, padding really does help in the winter. I'm not a huge fan of those natural down filled jackets though. I find they get horribly wet and then heavy and if you cant dry them immediately the down filing starts to smell. They are also pretty difficult to wash and dry. Being able to throw everything in the wash is a big priority for me. With 3 kids, a dog, and a gazillion chickens and guinea fowl you can imagine that coats do not always stay clean!! A simple padding like the ones in these coats from Lighthouse Clothing make it easy to wash and dry as often as you want.

I'm wearing the Abigail coat from Lighthouse Clothing

Long, preferably over the bum

Lots of ladies' coats in the Nordics go down to three quarter length (to the knee) so I was delighted to see that Lighthouse Clothing make coats that length too. It's surprising how much difference that makes to keep you warm if you are out for longer periods of time. They are also fantastic if you want to sit down for a minute. Cold rocks and icy benches are no match for a long coat and especially if you forget your seating pad!

Waterproof

I can't emphasise enough how important a waterproof coat is. You never know when you are suddenly going to get caught in a shower or a flurry of snow or simply some fog. It's all going to get you wet. In fact, the worst rain I find in Norway is the light drizzly stuff. You look outside and think to your "nah, I won't get wet in that" only to be completely soaked in about 5 minutes. I want a coat that that will repel the water and when you get home can simply be shaken off and hug to dry for a few minutes without hours of dripping all over the floor.

Style (of course!)

Just because you are out in the cold and possibly wet does not mean you have to compromise on style. Outdoor hear can and should look stylish too. All too often we forego style for practicalities, but not in this case. All the boxes are ticked even the style one. Woohoo! Even my picky 15 year old liked her's. Who'd have thunk it!!

Wellmade

How many times have you bought something only to discover that it's actually not that well-made and you spend a fortune on it. I want quality, well-made clothes that are going to last for some years. I don't think that's too much to ask. I want double sticking, durable zippers, good seams and a quality that looks like it's going to be an investment rather than fast fashion. So spending a little bit more means we are also helping the environment and not chucking last year's coat into landfill.

Details

Ok, this is optional but who doesn't want a discreet but stylish little logo, or a practical and beautifully made pocket? I do! I love all the details in these beautiful coats.

So if you asked me what coat I would recommend for a Nordic winter I am definitely saying Lighthouse Clothing. It's a question I am constantly asked as the winter progresses and I shall enjoy wearing mine everyday for the next 6 months. I can't wait for the snow!!!