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Jan 17, 2020

Fashion Over Forty: Staying Warm on a Winter's Day and How I Clean a Down Jacket

Happy Friday and thank you so much for visiting!

It's another winter day meaning another day to dress for the weather :-) Winter pictures are truly not easy to take. I mean I enjoy taking walks even in winter as long as it's not tooooo freezing and not windy, but then it's best to be moving to keep warm instead of trying to take pictures. But we did manage  to get a few and I'm also sharing how I clean a down jacket easily at home.

Everything but the scarf is old, I will try to link to comparable options for those of you interested.

Please note: This post includes some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links. As always, this is at no cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!

 

My down filled coat is new to me by Eddie Bauer but I recently found it at Goodwill. So I really didn't need another light colored coat and I really want a black coat, but couldn't pass up this "like new" premium down jacket for less than $25 dollars. 

While this specific style is no longer sold in stores, I did find a very similar style on Eddie Bauer's website in different colors .... the new style does appear a to be a little bit longer than my coat, which might be a good thing. 


Some options of the coat are on Amazon as well, with free shipping. Unfortunately Eddie Bauer doesn't offer free shipping from their website.



The lining inside this older style coat is a pretty poppy red. I love the contrasting color! Non of the newer styles have a colorful lining, but you might want to check Poshmark, maybe eBay. But keep in mind, this older style runs shorter than the newer styles. I am short and it hits me at the hip, so it will be even shorter on you if you are taller than 5'2", therefore you might prefer the newer models.


These faux fur lace up winter boots used to be my daughter's. But she outgrew them before she could really put them to use, luckily they are my size! These are by St. John's Bay. Unfortunately they are no longer available at JCPenney  and I didn't find a similar style, but several lace up boot options can be found at DSW. I did see a couple listings of these exact boots at Poshmark. They run true to size and I find them to be very comfortable!



My quarter zip plush fleece sweater is also by Eddie Bauer. This sweater is so soft and warm, I want to wear it every day! While this color is no longer available, there are a few other colors available in limited sizes and on sale. A few options are also available on Amazon - not at sales prices, but you do get free shipping through Amazon with free returns at your local Kohl's store. 






My plaid scarf is the only thing new-ish. It was purchased in November from Target, but I can no longer find it online. It's from the "A New Day" line and you may still find it at your local store.

My jeans are the AG skinny jeans I  found on eBay a couple of months ago. These premium denim jeans are so expensive when purchased new, I'd never pay full price for them, but as I type this I found them on sale at Bloomingdales. They are still expensive but  a little more acceptable.  You can also find limited sizes at Nordstrom Rack and pre-owned from eBay or Poshmark are always an option. 




How To Clean A Down Jacket:


(Be sure to read the instructions on your coat's label as well, these steps are what works for me, but I can't guarantee that they work on every down coat.)


Remove all fur/faux fur accents (if not possible remove the hood). For this reason I always make sure the fur or hood are removable before buying a coat.)

Zip up all the zippers and turn inside out. Tie the strings.

If there are any visible stains, apply a stain remover. If you think the stain is caused by oil/ grease, rub dishwashing liquid or shampoo onto the stain and you should wait approx. 10 minutes to soak the stain. (I have no patience so I rarely wait).

Place your coat inside out into a front loading washing machine. I do not add any extra laundry to this wash. I use my regular liquid detergent, currently Persil Pro Clean. I don't use any fabric softener on any of my laundry, including my down coats. Use the "Delicate Cycle" on your machine.

When washing is complete, promptly move to dryer. Add dryer balls to the machine (I add two). I've had these dryer balls for a long time but have seen this wool dryer ball set recommended by other bloggers and it's on my wish list.



I use the lowest heat setting on the dryer. Drying will take a while. You will have to repeat the drying cycle several times in order to ensure the down is completely dry and fluffy. 


What If Your Coat Comes Out Of The Dryer Looking Like It Has Some Weird Stains And Streaks?

This did happen to me with both of my lighter colored down coats the first time they were put into the washing machine. I read somewhere online that there could be some factory reside on the down, this will cause your lighter colored coat to look like it's dirty all over. The first time I thought I had ruined my coat, but I simply threw it back into the washing machine and the dryer, and the second time all the weird looking streaks and stains had disappeared.




Shop today's look:

Remember, some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, at no cost to you. 
 


 





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13 comments:

the 4 M's said...

I love your boots! I am actually going to keep my eyes out for a black down jacket. Even though we live in the south, I really would like to go somewhere cold and snowy next winter and actually do not have a black jacket or coat. I figure something cool might pop up in my feed at the end of the season.
www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

Jennifer said...

I love your boots!

Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated

Amy Johnson said...

You look cozy warm Ellie! I love your boots.

Ellibelle said...

Thanks Mireille. That would be a fun trip for your family to take!

Ellibelle said...

Thanks Jennifer!

Ellibelle said...

Thanks so much Amy. The jacket is amazingly warm!

R's Rue said...

You look amazing. My favorite are your boots.
www.rsrue.blogspot.com

Jessica Jannenga said...

Love the layering here! I know what you mean about photoshoots in the Winter! I dont do well with the wind! The boots are cute and they look perfect for Wintery weather!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

Lisa said...

My goodness, what a great deal. $25 for Eddie Bauer! Major score. Thanks for joining us for the Style Six linkup. XO

Joanne said...

I love those boots. Your coat looks nice and warm and what a tremendous find!

Gail Is This Mutton? said...

It looks cold but you look cosy in your down jacket. Great tips for cleaning it. Thanks for joining #WowOnWednesday!

Shelbee on the Edge said...

Second hand coats are the best! I have so many cool ones that I have found in thrift shops. And how adorable are your boots! I appreciate the tips for cleaning a down coat. I only have one down filled coat that could probably stand to be cleaned!

Shelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com

Mica said...

that's a beautiful jacket, what a great thrift find! :) It's a shame we don't need these jackets here in Brisbane - we never get snow! - as they look so cute and cosy :) Looks perfect for your cold winter and snow!

Hope that your week is off to a good start! We had a relaxing day today with the public holiday :) Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup! A new link up is live on my blog now, if you want to join again.

Away From Blue