Reviews by User: chickincanada (27)

what can I say? I love Keen, so it doesn't take much to fall in love with them. As with most other Keens, they fit half size smaller than usual. They're not as clunky as other Keens, too, so they're more stylish. And take note that if you have over-developed calf muscles, they probably won't fit you very well. The different leather patches are a nice touch, and there's a slight marbling of color to the leather which gives it such a nice look (I got seal brown). So far the only negative I can think of is the fact that the lining is synthetic. I don't know how well they'll breathe, and I question the durability of the fabric. I wish they were made of boiled wool like the other Keen boots on this site (Chamonix). Waterproofness is a definite bonus, though I don't know how well they'll stand up to a downpour with the seam going straight down the middle. But overall, these are very swanky boots I'll definitely be wearing a lot of this winter!

I took a chance on these as I needed a pair of sunglasses for traveling in England. They look great, not too big but with enough coverage and I look oh-so-hot in my boyfriend's two-seater. However, they do not stand very well technically. They stems do not have much curve to catch on your ears so they kept on sliding down my nose during a hike, which proved too aggravating and eventually gave me a headache from my ears straining to keep them in place. Another annoying thing is probably just my anatomical oddity having a fairly wide head, but they do not fit over my head while resting them so I have to either take them off or carry them. The grading of the shade is great for driving and sitting at a cafe looking glamorous like Audrey Hepburn. Overall, the quality and the look is superb, and great for kicking about town, but if you're looking for a technical pair, these may not be the right ones.

I really wanted to fall in love with this jacket, it had everything I wanted: slim-fitting, warm, waterproof (which is a bonus in rainy Pacific Northwest), and something I can wear for spring boarding. However, I found the fit to be somewhat awkward. The material is thin yet oddly bulky at the same time. Maybe it's the bonding to make it waterproof, but it was rather stiff and boxy-looking, the collar was very stiff and uncomfortable. Hood was way too big and in the way, I won't be wearing a helmet around town to put the hood over! I normally wear an XS in Burton clothing but was told to get a small for its "athletic" fit. It is pretty true to size, even with a thick fleece underneath there's some room, I think I would've been fine with an XS. It's an in-between jacket: too technical for every day wear, but not enough to be a proper snowboarding jacket (no powder skirt and possibly too thin for winter especially when it's blowing below zero with the windchill). I also found the quality to be a bit cheap. Couple of stitches on the edge were broken on the inside where the ipod would fit (which I should also mention makes the jacket bulky/stiff in the chest area), and some of the stitching from the inside was showing on the outside, indicative of loose stitching All in all, it's a nice looking jacket with super-soft lining, but it's just not "IT" for me. I'm looking at the North Face Redpoint Optimus for lightweight softness.

I am steadily increasing the merino wool collection in my wardrobe, and this one is such a nice addition. I got it in black, and it's very slick and classic. I can wear it with a pair of khakis to work, over my t-shirt and shorts as a light jacket, or as a midweight layer under my ski jacket - word "versatile" doesn't do justice to this amazing shirt! The quality is typical Icebreaker - very well made. I love all the qualities about it: temperature control, anti-odor (it's really true!), and soft, non-itching feel. Worth every penny!!

I was excited to find these, how perfect they would be for anything and everything outdoors (except for downhill skiing or snowboarding). Something that's weather resistant and stylish! It's hard to see in the picture but there's a zipper and button waist, and the zipper doesn't come all the way up so there's a strange little gap between the bottom of the waist flap and the zipper. The seam that goes down the center of the front isn't taped so it rubs your skin unless you're wearing a base layer underneath. Since it's fleece-lined, the base layer may ride up after a while with the fabrics rubbing together. All in all a great concept, but they just didn't work for me. They're going back.

I got these on an amazing deal at steepandcheap.com. I was disappointed that nowhere on the pants is there the classic Arc logo - how is anyone to know what great pants I've got on? Another thing to keep in mind is that sizing is NOT true, they run small. I'm 5'4", 110lbs and usually take XS but the Small in these are snug! I can barely get the suspenders and the upper part of the waist fastened with my thermals on. Even the length is a bit on the short side. Arc'Teryx produces great stuff, but these just aren't for me.

I am steadily increasing the merino wool collection in my wardrobe, and this one is such a nice addition. I got it in black, and it's very slick and classic. I can wear it with a pair of khakis to work, over my t-shirt and shorts as a light jacket, or as a midweight layer under my ski jacket - word "versatile" doesn't do justice to this amazing shirt! The quality is typical Icebreaker - very well made. I love all the qualities about it: temperature control, anti-odor (it's really true!), and soft, non-itching feel. Worth every penny!!

I was very excited to find a pair of casual, yet supportive, shoes with contrasting stitching and soles (bought black). I hate all-black shoes so these were perfect. I first got size 7 (wear 7's in other shoes), but they were a tad small. Got 7 1/2, and they're a tad too big. Too bad they don't come in 7 1/4! The look is casual but dressy - can easily shift from jeans at a cafe to a mild hike in the trails. And being weather resistant is great, as I commute to work by bike. The reasons why I didn't give 5 stars are: 1) there was a break-in time, the leather at the back of the heel is rather stiff and rubbed my skin for some time, 2) smudges of glue are all around the toe which makes them look poor quality.

these pants are great. I took them to England with me and I basically lived in them, even slept in them! they kept me warm under wind-blocking pants when it was blustery, and with the anti-odor properties, I didn't feel bad working up a sweat jogging and going out for coffee right afterwards -wicks sweat and dries up quickly! The size is right, I ended up ordering up a size thinking they might be skin-hugging, but they aren't, they are comfortably loose-fitting.

First thing you'll notice is the way the fabric feels. It's luscious. It's cut shorter (it'll sit just around the jeans waist) and sized smaller than what I normally wear so order up from your usual dress size. But it's got a flattering, feminine cut, and it's a very versatile item that you can wear with just about anything. I wore it over a cotton dress the other day and it complemented very well. I got the "celestial", but was surprised to find it sky-blue and not the off-white it looks on my monitor. But it's still very versatile and it was a great purchase. I got the capris made of this fabric, too.

I got the flip last year and have had it for a year now to comment. For a thing jacket that packs very well into a small pack, it retains an amazing amount of body heat. I recently had to ride my bike on a windy day with it, and it kept out the wind in ways my usual cycling jacket could not do. It is also very soft under my chin unlike my other jacket. One thing that bugs me about this jacket (and it's only one thing) is the little knob thing at the back of the neck for cynching up the neck. It sticks up, and if I have my hair up, it snags into the back of my head. It seems to happen more in the "inside" dark side and not the outward blue. However, I find myself wearing the dark side more than the light. The fit is very snug. I normally wear size 2-4, and and got a size 6 (the previous year's sizing was numbered, this year is s-m-l). It actually fits quite snugly around the hips, so if you want to wear more than a thin sweater underneath, size up. I should also mention that I have virtually no hips and it fits very snugly. After a full season's wear, there is some pilling along the seams of the embroidery and doesn't look like it's meant for much more than a couple of seasons' wear. But overall, it's a great little jacket that packs and layers well. If it was more water repellent and had a hood, it would be a dream come true.

I don't know what it is with Burton these days, but you really do pay just for the name and not the quality. This is the the third Burton item I'm returning due to poor quality, and I believe this will be the end of my Burton affair. The ink on it is way too clumpy and it makes the whole t-shirt stiff and scratchy where the inside of your arms touch the sides of the shirt. The ink is so blobby on the seams that it won't last one drying cycle before they start falling off. The style of the t-shirt isn't fitted and is a looser-cut. I normally wear xs in Burton but got small in this as the other Burton t-shirt I got was way too tight. This one fits, but I know if I went xs, it would be too tight in the chest and not fit terribly flatteringly. It really is a shame that Burton is choosing such poor quality products to carry their name.

can't believe how cheap the quality is. Fabric is paper thin, appliqué looks like they'll fall off after the first wash, and there was a hole in the armpit even before I tried it on! Burton should be ashamed of selling something of this quality with their name on it.

I searched high and low for a form-fitting, weather resistant, warm jacket to kick about town in style. I finally settled on this beauty in blue and I am so glad I did. I lamented that it didn't have a hood or pit zips, but couldn't pass up the fact it's reversible. Turns out that if you open the pockets on both inside and outside, they open right up and work like pit zips!! The fit is great, very figure flattering and true to size. If it came with a hood, it would be the world's most perfect jacket!

I've had the Luna for 3 seasons now, and I'm still in love with it. I picked up snowboarding later in life (past 30!) after skiing for half my life. Initially I was pretty bad for a long time, but Luna helped along very well. It's a very forgiving board, and it's like your best friend, who'll see you through and gets you better. I'm happy to say I can zip down the piste at mach speed and tackle the gnarliest moguls. Luna's fabulous!!

My wrists look like they belong to a bird, so I've never been able to wear the cuff-style watches. I've been eyeing Nixon watches for a while and decided to try the Small Scout. Out of the box it looks really beefy, but it looks good on my small wrist! Couple of shortfalls: the loop that tucks the strap in is scratchy on the inside. I had to twist it around to the outside which shows the seam. I also wish it came with a date indicator. But aside from those minor shortcomings, it's a really cute watch!

I just wish I lived in a warmer climate so I can live in capris. These capris come mid-calf, so they're not as "flood" as they make them sound. The fabric is SO soft, and flows really nicely. I have two more HT items made of the same material and it's a great one to have on when the temperature rises. I find that HT tends to fit a bit bigger than other brands. I normally wear size 4, and my other HT capris in size small is too big. XS fits like a glove.

I was a bit unsure about this jacket. The pitfalls of internet shopping is buying it sight unseen, and I've had my share of misses. But this was a hit! I only got it yesterday so I can't say how it will stand to the elements other than the short walk I took with my dog last night. It may be more of a late spring/early fall jacket, it'll probably be a bit cold for winter conditions. I'm 5'4", 112lbs, so the xs fits, but I wont' be able to wear a bulky sweater underneath. But that's okay, because I'm slowly switching my wardrobe to merino wool and you don't need to bulk up. The fit is figure-flattering, but find that it's cut rather generously in the chest. Which is okay, it kind of gives me the illusion of having a bigger bust! ;-) The fleece inside is soft, but because it's black, it's already collected a bit of white fur from my cat. The wool content is 25%, though, if that makes a difference to anyone. Overall, it's a really cute kick-about jacket around town.

far exceeded my expectations! They should elaborate what "colossus knit" is - it's a nice waffle knit that looks like thermals. But I wear it with jeans and yoga pants alike, goes well with everything. The contrast colour on the hood and collar is pink, not white like I thought from the picture. The thumb holes are generous and not constricting, and the fabric is doubled up there so your hands have more protection. Sizing is true. I'm a size 4, and the small is a looser fit, which is what I wanted, If you want a tight fit, then go a size down - it's got stretch so it won't be too tight. It's comfortable, warm, fashionable, and non-stinky. What more could you ask for?

I have several pairs of Keen footwear, and thought what better way to round out my collection than to get Keen house slippers. I was exceptionally and pleasantly surprised to feel immediate arch support the moment I slipped my feet into them. It literally was an "ahhhh" moment. I would even hazard to say that these offer the most support of all my Keens. And why not? just because you're at home doesn't mean that you don't need support, right? Might be a bit pricey to kick about at home or do casual errands, but they really are worth it as they are incredibly comfortable. Can't think of anything negative.

I wouldn't say I'm any expert on floor pumps. But this sure beats the dinky hand pump I used to fill up my tires like a little organ monkey. I love the extra attachments for other items - now I can fill up my own exercise ball rather than taking it back to the store.

I love Icebreaker products so I was surprised when I tried it on and it was very boxy looking. The pockets in front makes the jacket rather stiff and bulky so it doesn't look that great unzipped. Having said that, I really needed an in-between jacket for my trip to blustery England so I took it with me. I wore it just about every day and the fabric relaxed so it's not as boxy anymore and kept me warm under a proper windproof jacket. It's only "wind resistant" compared to other sweaters, it really doesn't do much in truly windy conditions but fine for the warm-ish spring and fall conditions. I also wore it at a smokey beach barbecue and it did not hold the smell of the smoke! I went a size up thinking I'd want to layer, but it's WAY too big, so don't size up unless you want it baggy, it's true to size with enough room for a thin sweater underneath.

you will notice how comfortable these are the moment you put them on. I love the colour as well (charcoal). The only reason why I didn't give these 5 starts is that the rise of these pants are very high. I like low-rise, and got these because you can roll them down, but even rolled down it's higher than what I like. If I leave it unrolled, it tends to creep down and the crotch comes down quite low - not sexy!! Size is true - I ordered up because the hoody made of this material ran small. I could've opted for a size smaller, and maybe the waist issue wouldn't be so obvious then. But don't let this deter you, these are great, comfortable capris!

I have 4 pairs of these in different colors. I LOVE them, I lived in them for the past 2 summers. I think I'll pick up a couple of pairs before others wear out (won't be for a while, they're quite durable, the only signs of wear are on the straps from my wading through mud). They give great arch support, look very good, and what can I say, they are super comfy. They're very true to size, I wear size 7 in most other footwear and this one is bang-on. They do fit on the narrow side, though, so if you have wide feet, they may not give you enough support.

I loved the casual, yet different style of the Switch. I bought the cocoa thinking it had pink in the straps like they look in the pictures, but they don't, they're all shades of brown and beige. The fit is very true to size, and my narrow feet fit very well. The leather footbed seems a bit slippery but I haven't worn them enough to mold them to my feet yet. Arch support is great. The service is fabulous and shipping is super fast. Can't wait for summer!!

I wanted a cozy hoody with thumb holes, and I was so excited to find this. Well, it's very short, if I raise my arms, it'll bare half my belly. The thumb holes aren't holes, but little loops on the inside of the sleeve - I can make them myself! The hood's quite small and the liner is like scratchy and hardly cozy. Can't find anything I like about it, even the price stinks!