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Given that I’m a commerce editor, it may come as no surprise to you that I like to shop—and I’m pretty good at it, too, IMHO. Sleuthing for deals, scoring secret codes, and installing money-saving browser extensions are all part of my personal commerce strategy, but I also apply those tricks to my job. Here at Well+Good, I’m in charge of curating and recommending the very best products, as well as sharing exciting, new discoveries. One of those recent findings is Italic, a members-only marketplace that offers luxury goods for Target prices.
What you need to know about Italic
Italic is an online marketplace that gives members a curated shopping experience in a bunch of different categories (women’s and men’s apparel, home and kitchen goods, fitness equipment, pet supplies, and more), and uses the same manufacturers as brands like Prada, Alo Yoga, Miu Miu, and Tod’s to develop its products. So, you get to pick from hundreds of luxe items (just without the labels) for a deeply discounted rate. For example, these shearling criss-cross slippers (an UGG dupe) are only $30. This Prada-esque tote goes for $160, and this ceramic dinnerware set (that comes from the same factory as Williams Sonoma) is just $70.
The annual membership is $60 (you can’t shop the site without one), and you get free shipping if you spend over $50. I recommend the 30-day free trial as a way to test the waters if you aren’t sure. Plus, you can cancel your membership at any time.
After spending some time exploring the site and testing out a few items, here are my thoughts.
A totally honest review of Italic, product by product
For my first order, I selected the Harper Boot ($140), which comes from the same place that makes footwear for Tod’s and Prada. I got my pair in off-white, and was giddy to start wearing them with all my favorite dresses and jeans. They look gorgeous and the fit is stellar.
Designed with soft (yet sturdy) Napa leather, it didn’t take long to break in these boots. They’ve got a stylish (yet practical) two-inch heel that makes long distances easy and comfortable to walk. I tested these out on a day I had to schlep all the way to downtown, and from there I walked everywhere (about three miles, according to my phone). I didn’t experience any painful rubbing, blisters, or pinched toes. The boots fit perfectly, and the comfort lasted all day.
They’re elegant enough for formal occasions, but still casual enough to wear every day. The site compares these to Everlane (which sells its version for $236) and Saint Laurent ($995). These also come in black.
So far? Big fan.
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Next up: The Relaxed Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater ($85), which I chose in a pretty, autumnal, mustard yellow called saffron. As advertised, it wasn’t form-fitting, yet not too loose or drape-y. The fabric is supremely soft, and after a few wears, I didn’t notice any pilling. (I haven’t had the chance to send it to the dry cleaners yet, so TBD on its durability post-wash).
Small details like the hand-stitched ribbed cuffs and neck give the sweater a little more dimension, but the simplicity of the design and the bold, gorgeous hue is what won me over. Warm and cozy, this is definitely an upgrade to any itchy wool crewnecks you have in the closet. Italic offers seven colorways: saffron, blush, ivory, black, green, midnight, and grey. Compared to similar styles from NAKEDCASHMERE ($225) and Max Mara ($522), this cashmere sweater is a steal.
The last product I tried was theJersey Cotton Duvet Cover ($65). I didn’t expect a lot from this duvet—I’ve had plenty of jersey cotton sheets, and they may be comfortable, but they’re typically nothing to write home about. Well, this duvet cover exceeded all expectations.
In fact, I’m writing this review in bed now because I can’t pull myself away from my cloud-like bedding. It feels like the oldest, highest-quality cotton tee you own—one that’s been washed and washed and still feels smooth and warm against your skin. This cover is made of 100-percent pure jersey cotton, and the fabric is cozy, yet light, so it’s perfect for both summer and winter.
It’s also got stretch, and, get this: It’s wrinkle-resistant. I had to throw it in the wash after one of my dogs hopped on the bed with muddy paws, and when I scooped the duvet cover out of the dryer and inserted the comforter, I noticed there wasn’t a wrinkle in sight. My bed aesthetic has honestly never looked more put together.
Right now, it’s only available in heather grey, just FYI. And I chose a full/queen size for my comforter (which is from Buffy), and it fits perfectly. Possibly the best part (I can’t decide, because I love all the parts) is that this duvet cover has a zipper, which I’ve only seen with one other brand, and it was twice as expensive. This means I don’t have to deal with buttons or ties, which is a big plus in my book. Italic compares this to West Elm, where similar duvet covers go for $170, and Coyuchi, which sells its for $178.
The bottom line
If you like shopping, and you like shopping for nice (aka, expensive) things, Italic’s $60 membership is worth it—especially if you’re already setting aside a significant retail budget anyway. You’re likely to save a lot more than $60 if you’re purchasing several items per month.
As far as quality goes, this is something that Italic clearly keeps top of mind, as well as their continuously diverse selection of products. As someone who’s purchased and tested countless luxury and designer goods, I can confirm that the items I ordered were best in class. And since Italic is always adding new inventory (soon they’ll be dropping skin care that’s manufactured by the same folks who develop La Mer and Chanel), you always have new stuff to choose from—in all categories.
The only constructive feedback I’d give is that certain bestsellers seem to sell out quickly. For instance, Italic had a tough time keeping their Kinetic Mesh Desk Chair in stock, and it likely won’t be available again for a couple months. Hopefully, as Italic grows larger, so will their inventory capacity.
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When you either live in a really cold place, or are vacationing in a really cold place, the best women’s winter coats for extreme cold are essential. There’s cold places and then there’s really cold places. I, for one, live in a really cold place. Lake Placid, New York is a small tourist town tucked away in upstate New York. Not, like, the Castkills upstate. Like, Canadian border upstate. Come winter, temps regularly hit below freezing. The icy, snowy weather mixed with the access to mountains (hello, skiing!) have landed it not one, but two winter Olympic games. Simply put, the place is freakin’ cold and having the right cold winter gear is pretty much mandatory.
Living in what is effectively the tundra, I have learned to dress for such volatile weather. And while things like snow boots and fleece-lined leggings are very much needed, the one essential I recommend for keeping out the chill is a winter coat for the extreme cold. It’s a non-negotiable. And not just any old winter coat but the right winter coat—these are the pieces that keep you warm when the temps hit the negatives or keep you dry when a snow squall blows through during your casual evening stroll.
If you’re gearing up for a long, chilly winter and are in the market for a new coat, you’ve come to the right place. Take it from someone who lives in a cold place—these are the best women’s winter coats for the extreme cold.
Shop the best women’s winter coats for extreme cold
Sizes: XS-XXL | Colors: 6 | Materials: Recycled polyester shell, recycled down fill
This is my go-to parka that I’ll toss on for running errands, walking the dog, weekend getaways—just about anything. It comes down to your knees, which, IMO, is perfect parka length. As for the specs: It’s filled with a recycled 600-fill down that’s warm without being stuffy or chunky, so you can layer in comfort. It also has a water-repellent finish on the recycled polyester exterior, which helps keep snowy moisture at bay. If you’re looking for a solid overall pick, this is a solid bet.
Columbia’s Suttle Mountain Long Insulated Jacket has a heat-reflective lining and a synthetic down lining. For light snow, rain, and wind, this toasty coat is a no-brainer. Plus, it’s feature-friendly, with extras like a sherpa-lined hood (to keep your ears snug) and a 2-way zipper that can allow for better mobility.
Sizes: XXS-M | Colors: 2 | Materials: Down insulation, recycled nylon lining, polyester and cotton outer
This water-resistant Canada Goose parka may be pricey, but is loaded with features to keep you warm. It has a 625-fill-power down insulation, a removable extended hood trim, and snap closures on the cuffs and the back to lock in heat. It has interior and exterior pockets, as well as handy backpack straps inside that let you carry your jacket hands-free.
Sizes: XXS-XL (with petite, regular, and plus options) | Colors: 5 | Materials: Recycled polyester shell, DownTek insulation
You can’t beat L.L.Bean for affordable, high-quality winter coats. The Mountain Classic Down Parka is filled with 650-fill DownTek down insulation (which is coated to stay dry and prevent clumping) and is rated for temps down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The recycled shell repels moisture and stops the wind chill, too, without clumping the down or getting it wet. It also has a detachable hood. For under $200, this jacket is a winner.
This jacket has a snuggly fill, thigh-length design, and added fur-trim parka. It’s crafted to be totally sealed against cold temps and has a thick layer of insulation for protection and warmth, plus a double enclosure and windproof ribbed cuffs to keep the chill out. It’s also waterproof.
This jacket, nicknamed “the Amazon coat,” has been the star of many an Instagram feed. It’s affordable, stylish, and warm. It has a fleece-lined hood, side zippers to let you wear it looser, and so many roomy pockets (six) that you’ll almost never need to carry a bag again. Better yet, it comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes. You can also find styles with a fur-lined hood if that’s your jam.
If you do live in a place where temps frequent below zero, I would recommend investing in an Woolrich jacket. The brand is beloved for all things cold-weather, and while expensive, its products are worth it. The Aurora is a full-length parka with an insulated hood, made to withstand temperatures down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit. It has a water-resistant nylon exterior, too.
Pros:
Withstands temperatures down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit
This jacket has everything you want out of a resort or backcountry jacket—lightweight, yet reliable insulation that doesn’t compromise movement, an exterior that actually stops moisture in its tracks, a helmet-compatible hood, underarm vents, pockets for hands-free storage, and more.
Waterproof and breathable, the Stio Environ jacket is made with recycled fabric that will keep you dry and warm on the mountain. It has a removable hood, underarm vents, pockets inside and out, and a snow skirt for those long days on the slopes or tubing hills. Plus, Stio is Carbon Neutral Certified, making this one of the more sustainable picks on our list.
Sizes: XXS-3XL (with standard and plus options) | Colors: 6 | Materials: Recycled nylon outer, 700-fill goose down insulation
Throw it back to the ’90s (or 1996, to be exact), which is when the original version of this puffer was introduced. This version still has that retro look, but with modern touches. It’s made of recycled fabrics, and has 700-fill down, a water-repellent exterior, and a stowable hood. The jacket also packs itself into the right hand pocket, which is super handy for travel.
Sizes: XXS-3XL (with regular and tall options) | Colors: 1 | Materials: Recycled nylon, 3M Thinsulate down alternative insulation
Not everyone likes the Jet Puff fluffernutter look of a down jacket. That’s okay—you can get something slim that still stays warm, like this parka from Athleta. Instead of down, it’s filled with a lightweight alternative to traditional feather fluff. The exterior is made of recycled, water-repellent nylon, leaving you with a featherlight coat that is quietly cozy—without overdoing it.
This award-winning jacket is built for the slopes but can be worn just well off them, too. It’s made with three sturdy layers of waterproof protection that keep you dry and warm (but never sweaty or sticky). Just note, It’s technically a shell which means it’s made for layering and keeping your clothes dry from wind, rain, and snow (aka, layer up).
Like its name suggests, the Ghost Whisperer Hoody from Mountain Hardwear packs down in a pinch, so you’ll forget anything’s there. It’s perfect for indoor and outdoor adventures alike. Still, this coat packs a lot of heat: with 800-fill RDS-certified goose down insulation and an elastic draw-cord hem, you’ll have no problem fending off the cold winter air.
Pros:
Super lightweight and easy to stow
Recycled, water-resistant nylon ripstop shell
Cons:
Only standard sizes available (no plus or petites)
The outside of this jacket is a weather-resistant material that sloughs off rain, sleet, and snow. But the inside features a wool insulator designed to keep you snug as a bug whether you’re running up a mountain or down the road. It’s airy and durable, built to stay to warm stride after stride.
Noize is a one-stop shop for all things cruelty free, eco-friendly, and sustainably-made. This mid-length heavyweight parka does a darn good job keeping the cold out when the temps drop. In true Noize fashion, there’s no bird feathers or animal fur—everything is vegan, so you can look good and feel good, too.
Cotopaxi is a certified B Corp, which means ethical sustainability is built into all of their products. This jacket is not only warm, water-resistant, and lightweight, but it’s also made with responsibly-sourced down. It has elastic binding at the hood and cuffs to keep heat inside, and it comes in a ton of colorful patterns. One percent of company revenues also goes to the Cotopaxi Foundation to help alleviate poverty.
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colors: 3 | Materials: Organic cotton and recycled nylon lining, recycled down
This long puffer is versatile and casual enough to pair of jeans or joggers, so you’ll want to wear it all season long. It has a drawstring hood and drawstring waist, and oversized front pockets for convenience. Bonus: It’s also made of recycled fabric and filled with recycled down insulation.
Pros:
Casual design makes this pick easier to dress up (or down)
Sizes: 0-14 | Colors: 2 | Materials: Polyester (recycled and new), 600-fill goose down insulation
This puffer has a cinchable waist so you can pull it in tight, or leave extra room to layer underneath. The 600-fill goose down insulation will help keep your torso toasty, while the recycled polyester exterior helps keep wind and water at bay. Plus, it has a removable hood and it comes in classic colors so you’re sure to find something to match your wardrobe.
A classic wool coat is a closet essential. This one from Quince is made with Italian wool to wrap you in cozy warmth. It’s lined, has a standing collar, and inconspicuous side pockets for a sleek, stylish look.
When it comes to insulated winter coats, you’ll want to take stock of the “fill power,” which indicates how warm the jacket will be. If you’re hoping to stay toasty with a down or down-alternative jacket, look for insulation that’s 600-fill or higher. Additionally, think about how you’ll be using your coat: if you’re looking to stay warm while skiing or snowboarding, prioritize water-resistant or waterproof materials.
How much coverage do you need?
Coverage is a matter of personal preference (and your personal style), but keeping your legs and bum warm with a long puffer coat can be extremely helpful when the temperature plummets. Still, there are plenty of warm waist-length jackets on this list if a longer fit isn’t for you.
What features are important to you in a winter coat?
The coats on our list have a variety of added bells and whistles. Whether you’re looking for a winter coat with deep pockets, a removable hood, interior shoulder straps, or built-in hand cuffs, you’ll find a coat with your desired features on this list. Just note that they sometimes come at a higher price (as with the Canada Goose pick, above).
What’s your budget?
As our list proves, you can certainly find a quality winter coat at a wide variety of prices. There are plenty of lower-priced coats on our list (as far as winter coats go, that is), but some of the more reputable brands above come with a higher price tag—they also may be more durable and even help out with repairs (as with Patagonia) down the line.
Frequently asked questions about winter coats for extreme cold
What coats are as warm as Canada Goose?
Canada Goose coats are revered for being some of the warmest jackets around, thanks to their higher fill count. Still, there are a handful of other coats on our list that have the same 600-and-up fill count, if not higher. Look for brands that offer 600- to 800-fill warmth and wind-resistant outers for maximum toastiness. The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and Cotopaxi coats we reviewed all meet that criteria.
What is a warm winter coat that is not bulky?
Puffer coats tend to be on the bulky side (all that insulation has to go somewhere!), but you can find plenty of warm jackets that keep a low profile. As mentioned above, the Athleta Whisper Featherless Parka and the Quince Italian Wool Cocoon Coat both offer a slimmer profile without compromising too much in the warmth department.
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