Is Canada Goose worth the investment?

When freezing temperatures hit and you’re looking for a winter coat, some of the obvious brands are The North Face, Columbia Sportswear and Eddie Bauer—all fairly affordable options when looking for a quality parka.

But one brand gaining popularity this season is Toronto-based Canada Goose, which charges more than $700 for down coats.

Recently I have been considering purchasing one, but I can’t help but think: Is it worth it?

Canada Goose manufactures their down material from geese and duck feathers—like many other brands—and lines their hoods with real coyote fur. They claim that all of their animal products are harvested ethically and that the coat will keep you warm even in the coldest places on Earth. I'm assuming that means Chicago.

I’m getting by with a suede Michael Kors coat and a short down coat made by Zara this winter. I also have an ankle-length Eddie Bauer parka, but I don’t particularly like it because it makes me look like I’m wrapped in a sleeping bag. Regardless, all three of these coats combined cost me less than what a Canada Goose would.

You can purchase a North Face parka anywhere from $250 to $400, and with the extra $400 to $500 you’d spend on the Canada Goose option, you could buy yourself a quality pair of boots, a scarf and a pair of gloves.

Before you consider purchasing one, make sure you've exhausted all of your other options and are sure it's the best coat for you. Canada Goose advertises itself as one of the warmest options on the market. It may be warm, but so are others.

Besides, it’s really not that stylish or unique and may pose ethical issues for those who choose not to wear real animal fur.

If Canada Goose made a model with a cinched waist and some fleece lining, I might just go ahead and buy it. But until then, I think I'll stick with what I already have. Maybe next winter I'll consider otherwise.

What are your thoughts? Tell me on Twitter.

Passing Slowly Through Winter

December was a fairly mild month for winter weather in Chicago, but January has been chilling me back to reality. It's certainly time to bundle up, which is why I've been regularly wearing this suede Michael Kors coat. I got an extremely good deal on it at T.J. Maxx, paying only $150 for what was originally a $300 coat. Don't underestimate that place, people!

Street Level Totes are some of the trendiest handbags on the market right now. This particular one doesn't belong to me. I borrowed it from Natalie in the City for this shoot, but I later bought my own and it's easily become one of my favorite bags.

This wool sweater has served as a winer staple for me. Manufactured by Anthropologie, this neutral piece is sophisticated and practical. It can be paired with many different kinds of pieces, like jeans and skirts.

Outfit Destinations:

Class

Dinner

Movie theater

Shirt: Zara | Sweater: Anthropologie | Jeans: Lucky Brand | Coat: Michael Kors | 

Booties: Marc Fisher | Fitbit: Tory Burch | Street Level Tote: Nordstrom

{ Photography: Natalie Craig }

Fashion Fetish Friday: Street Level Tote

Does this tote look familiar? It should. 

Girls have been carrying these handbags in Chicago since fall and I recently saw more when I visited L.A. last week.

Made out of faux leather, this large tote is reversible, simple and has a magnetic closure. This particular style has become so popular that almost every major retailer offers some version of it.

I bought one from Nordstrom for a friend, but other stores like Akira, Forever 21 and Anthropologie carry them, too.  Retailers may vary in which colors they offer this handbag in, but other than that, they are virtually identical. I purchased mine at Urban Outfitters. It has an outside pocket and a label tassel, but it's very much the same tote.

It's also been good to me. It holds all my belongings that I carry on a daily basis and rests on my shoulder comfortably, making it a great bag to travel with.

My only complaint: There are no inside pockets, which makes it hard to find things like my phone, keys and other small items when I just drop them in there.

Have one of these totes? Show me on Twitter and use #FashionFetishFri