I bought the coat originally but the arms were monkey-long and it just bugged me too much. Hey, I said, why not the vest? It's exactly the same curvacious design but...arms free. I got the shoreline, it's really flattering. My daughter coveted it so I got her the beetroot. I have to say, that is a dicier color; it looked really bad on me because my hair's sort of reddish brown, but she's blonde and it's a kicker on her. She's 13; whenever she desires my clothing it's the ultimate compliment.

I only wish it had the quarter zip, but I think the color's so great I can't gripe too much. Growing up in NH you'd think I'd be OK with the cold, but I wear these wool tops every day from September through April in CT. Pathetic. This one's really flattering and has those seam details that make it look classy and different. Even the crew neck is a bit different with its intersection and overlap. Size true to fit.

My only worry -- haven't washed it yet -- is that it'll shrink more than Smartwool. We'll see...I'm careful but my husband isn't; I call him the wreckless washer.

I have several already, so knew this style was a staple; not itchy, warm, breathable, long enough arms (key) and though a bit short for a really tall chick, I can live with that. And on sale, worth an extra star right there!

The actual reason for the 4 instead of 5 stars, though is becuase the heather white color is a bit see-through. Just enough so I feel self-conscious. However, there are so many situations where I'm wearing my smartwool under one to (yes) four other layers, that I just choose it when I'm not baring all.

Arms: short. Brown collar clashed with the berry color. The stitching design was so so close to being really funky but instead looked like a great quilt artist started but then got hit by a bus half-way through sewing. Relevant? Not sure. I returned it, but it definitely seemed warm. Good luck