These boots are perfect if you just need something for around town. They are stylish but still sporty. They are sufficiently warm for cold Maine winters (around town). The reasons they are not ideal for most outdoor activity are (1) very little tread, (2) very little ankle support, (3) good, but not excellent, insulation. If you like these, also check out the Keen Chamonix boot (This is what I settled on for around town). If you need something for outdoor activity, check out the Keen Dakota boot.

This jacket was not nearly as warm as I had expected. I compared the down fill in quite a few jackets before purchasing this one. Although the fill was supposedly the same as other comparable jackets, the loft wasn't nearly as warm in the Mountain Hardwear jacket once I received it. I think the warmth factor is also partially due to the outer material used. If you're going for a less bulky fit and aren't worried as much about practicality (e.g. waterproof or windchill factors), then you would be happy with this jacket.

I have generally found that, when it comes to jackets, the quality of Mountain Hardwear does not compare to tried and true brands such as Patagonia and The North Face. (And I have tried 3 different MH jackets.) The zipper on this jacket did not work properly. The quality of the materials used is also quite inferior when compared to other excellent quality jackets. I purchased the Marmot Mountain Down jacket; while it may be a bit bulkier, I'm still warmer and much happier with the quality.

PROS: Best quality cotton mix I've found from Patagonia so far. The material is slightly more durable than that of Patagonia's Vitaliti tee, thanks mostly to the 10% spandex added for shape. The length is also a plus, hitting far enough down to smooth out your skirt/ short button fronts.

CON: The shelf bra design manages to flatten while not quite adding any support. Implications: little AND big girls alike will fail to appreciate the built-in shelf bra.

Love the pockets, nice material. My only complaint is that the button/ tie front sticks out. This is my pet peeve with many skirts & shorts- anyone who shares this complaint should check out the Patagonia Duway skirt. It's made of an even nicer material w/ DWR finish and has an exceptionally smooth fitting front.

This shirt keeps me extra warm on my early a.m. Maine seacoast runs (and usually comes off 1/4 the way through, unless it's winter time). The high performance moisture-wicking material also keeps me dry. The unique stitching pattern and smooth material make for a strikingly form-flattering fit. Perfect for outdoor recreation or just kickin' around, this shirt is a universally practical must-have.

The only complaint that I have on this shirt is that it is cut extremely short (which tends to be characteristic of Marmot). Both XS, which I usually wear, and S were too short. I suppose it depends on how you are used to dressing, but I don't feel the need to flaunt my little tummy when I'm simply looking for a comfortable kick-around or workout shirt : )

When you zip it up all the way, this hoody makes you look like you should be shooting silky webs out of your fingertips and swiftly dismounting from skyscraper roofs. It makes me feel like a kid at a Halloween party again, only sexier : ) It has a very sleek and classic cut otherwise.
My only quibble is the small bit of gray mesh around the collar (which sits back as part of the hood when unzipped). The gray mesh wasn't evident in the picture; it is a nice touch but would look better if it were the same color as the rest of the hoody.

This is an impeccable winter fleece. My only regret is that there is no hood. ONE WARNING, though: You may want to tow a mini mirror OUTSIDE (or use your car window reflection) to try it on. This 300-weight doesn't mess around! Also, FYI, the outside material has a wool-like finish; the inside is where you see the nubby stuff. I am hoping this means that it won't pill as easily as other fleece does. If you want to layer underneath, order one size larger than you normally do (especially if you're an XS).

The fact that I've ordered (and returned) 2 down vests, including The North Face Nupste and The North Face Allure vests, showcases my "slightly selective" nature. I know EXACTLY what I want, usually long before I find it. I'm happy to say that this vest was exactly what I wanted. (1) Attractive, feminine cut (2) HIGHLY durable (as in, LIFETIME durability) (3) HIGHLY functional (enough down fill to keep a very shivery Maine girl warm in everyday winter conditions). While The North Face vests were defnitely top notch, they simply did not offer a flattering fit at the same time (XS was too big for me).

Bursting with functional class and unique appeal, this fleece jacket is a must for any girl who understands that "classy outdoors chic" is NOT an oxymoron. Highly recommended. (NOTE: Runs smaller than many other companies. I'm an XS, and this is the first item that actually hasn't been a bit too loose on me.)