Sweater Weather

I am from sunny Southern California. On average, where I live in Orange County, the average low is in the mid 40s degrees Fahrenheit. That is normally late at night so I never really have to experience the cooler hours. Last year at my college in Tucson, Arizona I experienced a low of 37 degrees Fahrenheit and even a little snow, which was quite the struggle for me. My junior year of high school my family and I spent Thanksgiving in New York City watching the Macy's Day Parade outside. I wore tights under my jeans, several thick jackets, gloves and hand warmers. As one can tell I can count on one hand the number of times I have experienced very cold temperatures. For that I am thankful for.

Current weather in Paris! Très froid! 

In result of being from and going to college in areas were the majority of the months are nice warm weather, I do not own many clothes for lower temperatures. Before coming to Paris I researched the average weather temperatures. I learned that November and December would be the cooler months of my time abroad. Once November started I found myself asking my mom to send more socks, long sleeves and sweaters. One of my main complaints was that my legs were cold!

As you can see the coat I brought does not cover my legs enough! (My friend Lauren and I in Dublin)

As the temperature started to decrease in Paris I noticed more people starting to wear trench coats and longer jackets. I am always trying to find ways to fit into the Paris fashion so I decided I need one of the longer jackets that will cover my legs more.

Over my fall break my Mom and sister, Coral, visited me in Paris. For a couple days we stayed in Nice. While we were there I walked by the store, Mango, and a longer black coat caught my eye in the window. Trying the longer winter coat on was not only a new experience but quite a comical experience for me. Just to help you visualize this moment, I am 5'4'' and I do not have long legs. So when I tried the coat on I felt like I was a four year old year trying on her Grandpa's coat! I looked like I was engulfed in the coat. It also did not help that my sister was laughing at me.

The MANGO coat I purchased.
 Courtesy of http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Mango+Texture+wool-blend+oversize+coat/191687105,default,pd.html

After trying on other coats I kept going back to the black coat I first tried on. I asked one the sales employees if the jacket was meant to be a little bigger and she said yes. So after realizing that, I decided I liked the coat and that I needed to purchase it. I am so glad I did because I wear it all the time and most importantly, besides being a cute coat, it keeps me warm!

Wearing my new black coat in Austria! Pictured left to right: Me and Emily

-Marina