Rainy Days & Mondays - Merrell Wakefield & Ellenwood

It has not stopped raining all day. Our garden has slowly turned into an outdoor pool and we have been indoors all day (apart from my super enthusiastic 8 year old who insisted on going to outdoor athletics at 6pm - with just 3 other brave children). I've just seen the forecast and gales are about to hit. Sigh. BUT as a wise woman once said, there's no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing...

Merrell Wakefield in Heather Marl
Navy Jersey Top - Dorothy Perkins
White Vest - Primark
Jeans - H&M
Grey Patent Boots - Clarks (old)
Navy Quilted Bag - Vintage from Vintage Pintage
Necklace - Vintage from Jacob Street

The Merrell Wakefield has made its autumn winter debut. Lifesaving coat. That is all. It was last featured here and here and a few other times too but I won't bore you with too many old posts. 

What I love is it's got the shape and fit of a regular coat, with a flattering nipped in waist and it comes in neutral colours that don't fight with the rest of your wardrobe. However, unlike regular coats, you will not get wet wearing this. I've tested it rigorously...including at the now famous playgroup trip to the farm where it rained for the whole visit AND the bus broke down (not that the broken down bus tested the coat much - just my patience). 

For AW2012, the Wakefield's been rebranded as the Merrell Ellenwood - in case you're wondering why it's not widely available. I've listed some stockists of both the Wakefield and the Ellenwood at the bottom of this post as well as some pointers on buying one yourself. 

Today's photos were taken in the House of Fraser changing rooms as I waited for Mr SGS to try on some shirts. Nice mirrors..could do with one at home! Here's what was under the wonder coat:

It's a simple outfit today in classic navy. I love this jersey top from DP's. It's loose in the body with tighter arms and is slightly sheer - perfect for this in-between weather, especially when wearing the insulated Merrell. My ankle boots are past season Clarks. I am strangely drawn to grey patent..

My necklace was a bargain from the Lisburn Road based vintage store, Jacob Street. The pendant is made from mother of pearl - a neutral stone that will work with lots of outfits, but it can be taken off, allowing the solid necklace part to be worn alone or with another pendant. Walking into Jacob Street, I was like a child in a toy shop but my kids were like bulls in a china shop so a revisit is on the cards...sans enfants..

A Few Pointers on the Merrell Wakefield

Insulation: There are two types of Wakefield, insulated and un-insulated. The latter is less expensive but given the offers on many sites, it can sometimes be difficult to work out which coat is being offered. Mine is insulated so is super cosy in winter time. The un-insulated version is going to work well year round but will need a fleece layer in colder months

Sizing: I wear a size 10 (S) in the insulated version. I'm a 10 on top and 12 on the bottom half. It's a perfect snug fit on me though I cannot wear a thick jumper underneath (but am not a jumper wearer anyway and it doesn't really need it in our climate). If you are larger in the bust or want to wear heavier knits, size up or consider the non-insulated version.

Stockists:

Outdoor Mania - £119 possibly the uninsulated one but I cannot tell from the website 

Country House Outdoor (XL only) £166.50 - this is the insulated version

Shop Outdoors - best price for the new Ellenwood insulated - £139 with free delivery!

JUST ADDED: 
Let's Hike: as Shop Outdoors is running out of stock! also has Ellenwood for £139
Black Leaf - £136 for uninsulated Ellenwood, £152 for the insulted version.

This is not an inexpensive coat and I'm not suggesting any cheaper alternatives. I've foolishly spent £50-70 on rubbish coats, 2 and 3 winters in a row, that did not keep me dry and warm AND I've spent similar money on ski-style coats that come out when it snows but I'd never want to be seen in at any other time. This is your one-size-fits-all coat. Stylish, bum-covering, totally waterproof. Suitable for the school run, coffee with the girls, toddler group, walking the dogs and making snow angels. AND I reckon it will still be keeping me dry in 5 years or more....that makes it utterly bargainous in my books :)