Grew up in Bethesda before it was so fancy. Thank God I left. However, it is pretty much the era, not the location or the people. I live across the river in a higher end ZIP and there are a lot of puffer jackets, hunter boots, etc. around here.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, it has to be North Face, sorry.

This is true. Otherwise, you'll be made fun of.

Not by anyone worth caring about.

This IS a rather horrifying thread.

What is going on in Syria is horrifying. What's going on in this thread is a harmless diversion.

Pretty sure the first two posters are having fun with the whole premise.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh and also, I'm on the anti-puffy coat camp. I get that they're light and comfortable but so are snuggies. Winters in this area just aren't that cold. Even on the rare occasions it hits zero, it's more about layering and wearing gloves, hat, scarf, etc. oh, but one thing I DO wear in winter tho ugly as crap: uggs! I know.... But having warm feet make a huge difference. I walk a lot tho (never drive except occasionally on wknds). If you drive exclusively, then I'd skip the Uggs and keep the dignity.

Hypocritical. I think it doesn't get cold enough for this one thing but wear the other thing that falls into the exact same category?
Uggs are hideous. You want to be warm. Fine. I also want to be warm and will wear my puffy coat without Uggs, the ugliest shoe ever and it just simply doesn't get cold enough here for uggs. It's about wearing warm socks. See what I did?

NP. Long puffy coats are like the Uggs of coats. Both are hideous.

Anonymous wrote:Oh and also, I'm on the anti-puffy coat camp. I get that they're light and comfortable but so are snuggies. Winters in this area just aren't that cold. Even on the rare occasions it hits zero, it's more about layering and wearing gloves, hat, scarf, etc. oh, but one thing I DO wear in winter tho ugly as crap: uggs! I know.... But having warm feet make a huge difference. I walk a lot tho (never drive except occasionally on wknds). If you drive exclusively, then I'd skip the Uggs and keep the dignity.

Hypocritical. I think it doesn't get cold enough for this one thing but wear the other thing that falls into the exact same category?
Uggs are hideous. You want to be warm. Fine. I also want to be warm and will wear my puffy coat without Uggs, the ugliest shoe ever and it just simply doesn't get cold enough here for uggs. It's about wearing warm socks. See what I did?

I think you can get nice Bethesda-mom-weekend-clothes at REI. Their house brand also does not make you look like a walking advertisement.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anybody post a link to this black North Face puffer coat? My curiosity is killing me.

http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/womens-jackets-vests-lifestyle/women-8217-s-miss-metro-parka.html?variationId=N2M&variationName=DAPPLE%20GREY#

My kids and I play a game where we count how many of these we see in one day.

It was cold today and I counted 6 in one very small mall during lunch. Must be the thing for this year.

Go to Nail Design in Bethesda and 8 out of 10 people will have that jacket.

I think most of the people posting here have never been to Bethesda. I live there, with elmentary age kids. I see some north face black coats, but not a lot. People wear also sorts of things, usually pretty casual. Nice boots are popular but I also see lots of things like merrells. Jeans are popular, but aren't they everywhere? Most people do have nice highlights and most are on the thinner side by American standards. It might that there is some popular purse that everyone is carrying--I hate purses so wouldn't notice. I don't find Bethesda to be at all fancy or snooty, if you're in the public school world.
Here's what I would suggest to the OP, if she's still reading and wants something easy for school events and the park:
lucky jeans, boots, a open drape cardigan sweater in a color you like and a fitted t shirt. A cute necklace would be great. And a trim fit down coat--Costco has some cute ones now or go to nordstroms.
Of course, if your kid goes to Landon, I take it all back a d have no advice for you

Oh and also, I'm on the anti-puffy coat camp. I get that they're light and comfortable but so are snuggies. Winters in this area just aren't that cold. Even on the rare occasions it hits zero, it's more about layering and wearing gloves, hat, scarf, etc. oh, but one thing I DO wear in winter tho ugly as crap: uggs! I know.... But having warm feet make a huge difference. I walk a lot tho (never drive except occasionally on wknds). If you drive exclusively, then I'd skip the Uggs and keep the dignity.

Wow - i haven't read the whole thread but scanned many posts. I'm surprised by the number of women who say they hate shopping and have no sense of style.... I love all the girly things so can't imagine but to each her own! Maybe if you're like that, a good way to keep things simple is to find a label or store that works for you and just stick with that. Your clothes will generally look coordinated and you won't be overwhelmed with choices. I love shopping but definitely have a few labels I fall back on a lot - Vince, Stuart Weitzman, Cynthia Vincent, some others. Or stick with a palette. I probably overuse gray but that's my go-to color - works with everything and not harsh on skin tone like black. And unless it's good quality fabric, whites can look cheesy. Or OP - just do what Einstein did and find an outfit you like and just buy multiples of that. If you don't care, no big deal right?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, it has to be North Face, sorry.

This is true. Otherwise, you'll be made fun of.

Not by anyone worth caring about.

This IS a rather horrifying thread.

What is going on in Syria is horrifying. What's going on in this thread is a harmless diversion.

I love down. I have light medium and heavy. I LOVE extra light down coats -- so easy to carry around and maintain. I see why they are so popular.

In Bethesda, black is the new black. Period.

Ugh, The Black NF puffer is soooooo played out, not to mention unnecessary around here. When I lived around NW Chicago I counted scores of these. The men had a corresponding one they all wore, also black. So I'd be sitting in a Potbelly's, and notice Every. Single. Person. wearing one of these. Chicago, 5 years ago - not that that's bad, I just find it funny that it would become so popular in a place like Bethesda. Long ago, only AAs wore NF and it got to be a white people thing.

Bethesda Mom here. My magic recipe on weekends is Gap jeans, wool sweater, Eddie Bauer puffy coat if needed. Unhighlighted hair in messy bun. Merrill's. Old but safe car. Go ahead, copy me. I don't mind.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anybody post a link to this black North Face puffer coat? My curiosity is killing me.

http://www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/womens-jackets-vests-lifestyle/women-8217-s-miss-metro-parka.html?variationId=N2M&variationName=DAPPLE%20GREY#

My kids and I play a game where we count how many of these we see in one day.

It was cold today and I counted 6 in one very small mall during lunch. Must be the thing for this year.