The North Face Mia Triclimate Parka - Women's - 2009 BCS

I really like this jacket. It's very flattering because of the shape and the belt. The belt is an issue and is really meant to be buckled when you are wearing the jacket. When I don't buckle the belt, the metal buckle clanks around and makes a sound as I walk. The jacket is very warm. I currently live in Germany and it's been below 30 since Dec 1. I have not taken the shell off of the lining and don't plan to because I don't think it will look right. The wind does not go through the outer shell at all which is really nice. And the outer shell is completely water/snow proof. It is a really good quality jacket. When it arrived I thought for sure it weighed too little to be warm, but it is really warm(I've warn it in temps as low as 5 degree ferenheit).

Whenever you have a garment that you love and it needs to be replaced, expectations are high and difficult to live up to. That may have been the problem in this case. I had a Burton 3-in-1 coat that I loved. Unfortunately, its fabric started to deteriorate and I need to replace it. Michigan winters can be long and dreary so I usually like to keep one bright colored coat on hand but made an exception for this black coat because the photo made it look so cute. I was very disappointed. The style holds no pizzazz for me, no spark, and it just wasn't warm enough for me. In addition, the lining/jacket mearly feels and looks like a lining. I can't imagine wearing it as a jacket like it is supposed to be designed to wear. One of the other reviewers mentioned the buckle as being too heavy for the belt. I totally agree. In order for it to really clamp down on the belt fabric and hold it in place, I had to double over the belt fabric. The belt fabric should be lined with some heavier, more sturdy interfacing as it is so light that the belt wants to fold along the center and be constantly wrinkled. I gave this coat three stars because much of my disappointment may be in the weighing this coat against one I was very happy with and it pales by comparison. For someone else, it may be perfect.

Passed the ultimate warmth test in a ancient, freezing Ice Rink in Wisconsin...stayed toasty warm for a 1 hour hockey game! Fit is great, and best of all no bulk!!!! I live in the Windy City (Chicago) and the wind doesn't not go through it either.

It is overall a good jacket. The hood is not detachable. The belt makes the jacket more feminine, but the belt would be better as a tie rather than a buckle that sometimes gets in the way if you are on the go. I had some trouble with the zippers, and it is not as warm as the The North Face Milletan Triclimate Jacket for the same price. But it is light weight and good for the spring and fall.

Just got my Parka and I love how it cinches in the waist. Some Parkas look big and sloppy but this one makes you look like you have a cute girlish figure, not to mention it's sooo warm.