Before I start this post, it’s safe to say I will never make a fashion blogger. For me and my current lifestyle, most of my days are spent either in my tatty old DIY clothes or um, tatty old dog-walking clothes (or tatty old pyjamas!) I sometimes stare longingly at my old office attire and high heels, shrouded in dust. Still, there’s nothing to say I can’t enjoy the clothes I do need and so let me introduce my new perfect dog-walking coat.
When you have a dog like a Springer Spaniel, there’s no such thing as being bothered by weather. In fact, she wants to go out in precisely the weather I hate and would rather stay in when those temperatures get tropical (a rarity in this country I know). That said, with our never-ending possibility of having four seasons in one day it always pays to be prepared, so why not be stylish (dear reader, I use the word very loosely indeed!) at the same time.
I was asked to pick out something from the beautiful Northern Ireland brand Lighthouse Clothing and honestly, it’s just right up my street. I decided to pick out a new (as I love to call it) dog-walking coat because it felt like something I’d get most use from. I knew being waterproof was an essential along with being lightweight enough that I could pack it and big enough to be able to fit at least one, possibly two jumpers underneath.
The ethos of Lighthouse clothing is something that really resonates with me too, as much as I love to hibernate I also appreciate my surroundings and being outdoors. Yes, we’re far from the coast but they’re a brand that translate just as well to city living:
To encourage a simpler, more joyful life, we create style led weatherproof clothing for the daily dash, easy coastal wanders and the wild and wonderful everyday. We believe that you don’t need to sacrifice style for practicality. Each of our coats & jackets are as much at home on the high street or at the school gates as they are on a long beach walk in coastal drizzle.
Lighthouse clothing have some beautiful designs and colours to choose from but I thought instead of playing it safe I’d go a little left-field for my new dog-walking coat and pick a STRIPY one. I barely have any stripy clothing and I’m not really sure why but anyway, the Tori Jacket Night Sky Stripe won the day. I figured if I’m going to be wearing it so regularly it can at least make me happy and I already have a pink raincoat (predictable huh?)
Before I tell you about it from my perspective, here’s the official bits and bobs so you can see all the properties of the coat:
- Highly waterproof (5000mm)
- Highly breathable (5000gsm)
- Windproof
- Fully taped seams
- Cotton rich outer fabric with Teflon® coating
- Soft, cotton blend, chambray lining with contrast herringbone detail
- Cotton lined, detachable, adjustable hood
- Two way front zip with faux leather puller
- Chest pocket
- Two front patch pockets with side entry
- Concealed, adjustable waist drawcord
- Zipped internal pocket
- Distressed wooden button detail
- Shirt cuff and hem detail
- Mid-Hip Length
- Weighs 662 – 807g (Size 8 – 20)
- Machine Washable
And what do I think? Well, I LOVE it. I mean I really do. It’s become my favourite dog-walking coat even if the weather is looking dandy and although the hood is detachable (which is always a great feature) I haven’t yet taken it off because it really doesn’t get in the way. I love the slightly longer length at the back instead of being waist length (god love anything which covers my bum!) and it looks really flattering too instead of just a typical shapeless style.
I also the double front pocket detail, which means you have a pocket on each side to put things like keys and poo bags, but also separate pockets to keep your hands warm. It has good sleeve length which I often struggle with and I really feel like I can move in it you know? It’s not restrictive at all.
If I had one minor complaint it’s that the buttons which whilst they look pretty are incredibly stiff so I’m hoping they loosen a bit over time, it’s difficult to do them up and undo them especially if you have cold hands. I also should have gone for my regular size too, I sized up to a 12 thinking that would be ideal especially as I like to layer but even with a couple of jumpers and my massive shawl scarf it’s still very roomy.
Basically I really now have found my perfect dog-walking coat. I’ve put it through its paces and work it out in the rain, in the wind, having fun with Maddie and even walking about Central London. If you need me, I’ll be wearing stripes.
Disclaimer: This product has been kindly gifted from Lighthouse clothing. All words, opinions and images are my own unless otherwise stated.
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