Patagonia Morning Glory Dress
May 5, 2012
It’s a pretty good bet for Patagonia to get their money’s worth when they send me dresses to review. Chances are I will love the dress and buy three more for myself, and the Morning Glory dress is no exception to that rule. I asked Patagonia for a teal colored dress (teal is a lovely and flattering color that somehow has been bumped off the color charts for the last few years – damn color consultants – so I was excited to see teal make an appearance in the line this year) and, after trying it, I now own this same dress in coral, dark blue, and black. I would have even more but I decided to stop there because four, while not enough, is bordering on excessive considering the many other Patagonia dress styles I own in many colors.
The Morning Glory is a pretty standard-looking backless A-line dress with a plunging neckline and a simple tie at the back of the neck to adjust for fit. Some might shy away from this style because it’s not bra-friendly and the deep neckline might be intimidating. This dress compensates nicely for those concerns, though, with a fairly stout fabric doubled up along the bustline for coverage and support. A quick adjustment with the tie and I never had one slippage or gapping issue. The fabric is thankfully not sheer so it doesn’t cling or lend itself to accidental exposures via camera flash. This is the same fabric that the Bandha dress USED to be made of; hopefully Patagonia will just stay with this for the Morning Glory because sheer is just too hard to deal with. I admit that’s why I buy so many when I find a dress I like; what if they change it later to something that doesn’t work for me?
Because of the neckline, this dress is perfect to use for a beach cover-up. It’s easy to get your bikini top on while sitting in the front seat of the car still wearing this dress, which tends to impress particularly in mixed company. Apres-beach, it’s just as easy to toss the Morning Glory over your bikini and perform your own little Point Break quick-change moment without the high difficulty level of towel and jean shorts (that’s for pros like Tyler). Go ahead and put it on over your wet swim suit; the dress will dry almost immediately. Best of all, once you’re done with that, you look absolutely amazing because the Morning Glory is super flattering.
Note to brides (why? I don’t know, this just came to mind, go with it); you can make your bridesmaids like you again by putting them in a simple, elegant, inexpensive, and useful dress like this for your wedding instead of subjecting them to a boutique horror they’ll never wear again. Just about everyone looks good in it and they’ll get years of use out of it.
Product submitted for review by Patagonia.
Patagonia Simple Guide Pants and Hoody
April 14, 2012
Patagonia does “simple” just about as well as it can be done. I keep looking for anything not practically perfect about their stuff and I can usually not find it. I keep trying all their fancy new stuff and I like it all. The Simple Guide Pants and Hoody just seemed like a bit of a throwaway request as I looked for things to feature this spring; they’re not flashy or new or shiny or groundbreaking; just a basic set of very light softshell pants and jacket. I didn’t think I’d have much use for them and I didn’t know what I’d have to say about the set, which just goes to show how wrong I can be about what it is I’ll use or like. Since the package arrived from Patagonia, I’ve hardly gone a day without wearing them.
I loved the way the pants fit; nice and slim without being tight, with a perfect rise hitting just over the tops of my hipbones. Plenty comfortable walking, climbing, or just sitting around. See, a lot of people wouldn’t really “get” how important that is, but I think most women have had a pair of pants that felt comfortable for walking but had that “dig-in” feeling when the wearer sits down. Not these – they are awesome. They feel like pajamas (okay, they ALMOST feel like pajamas); you forget about them no matter what you’re doing when you have them on.
The hoody is Patagonia’s “regular” fit (as opposed to “slim” fit, meaning that it’s a bit relaxed to give the wearer plenty of options for underlayers. I was able to layer the Patagonia Ultralight Down Jacket under this hoody to great effect and without any restriction in movement. It’s just a “relaxed” fit, not baggy, so order your regular size and you’ll be happy.
Both the jacket and pants have been my go-to for everything from walking the dog to climbing a ridge, to a five day camping/ice climbing venture. Actually that last part was super stressful as I usually don’t wear gaiters when ice climbing and as a result a lot of my pants are riddled with holes at crampon level. I loved these pants so much that I had some anxiety about cutting them up so I borrowed gaiters from a camping partner. Coincidentally enough this was the first ice climbing trip I’ve been on that I didn’t end up ruining a pair of pants. Hmmm. Those two things can’t be related…can they?
Like I said, features are basic. Pants have two hip pockets and one leg pocket. Jacket has one inner pocket and two zippered handwarmer pockets. No pit zips, no vents. You don’t really need them as the fabric is quite lightweight. Not heavy on the features but just what you need – like the name says, they are simple but effective. I can’t imagine going anywhere without these for all but the bitterest of the winter months (too light for that); they’re so versatile, comfortable, and useful. The temperature range is truly incredible. On my camping trip I wore these pants with a base layer in low-teen temps and on their own into the high 40s and they were reasonably comfortable at both extreme ends of that temperature range. During spring, summer, and fall in Alaska they’re going to get a TON of wear, I can already tell.
It’s hard to find anything to complain about with Patagonia stuff but I will say that the pants could be a tad bit longer. Tall ladies will want to look for the longer-inseam length. Other than that I don’t think you could do any better if you need a nice light jacket and pants for variable conditions. I beat them up and they still look brand new. They wash well (and I should know, since I’ve worn them so much already they’ve been washed several times) and pack down pretty nicely. A wonderful surprise from a company I already held in high esteem. At $99 for the pants and $149 for the hoody, it’s top-quality gear at a reasonable price point.
Patagonia Ultralight Down Jacket
March 27, 2012
This is officially the piece of gear I’ve used the most this year. There’s no reason to leave it at home when it packs down so small. Due to extended cold snaps I had a lot of need to use it since, despite its lack of bulk, it’s super warm. The design itself is minimalist – two hand pockets, one interior pocket, one chest pocket; stows in a stuff sack (not it’s own pocket, which is kind of surprising) – but it’s really all you need. I don’t leave home without it. Shortest review ever because there’s just no need to keep rambling on. Great piece!
Warning: not cheap at $279, but probably worth it.
Product submitted for review by Patagonia.
Spring Breakup Boots
March 22, 2012
It’s almost spring! Not really. In Alaska, it’s almost breakup – that’s what we call the time other places call “spring”. Ours isn’t heralded by sprouting flowers, little baby bunnies, and greening shrubbery. Nope, ours is marked by rivers of meltwater wending their ways down the tire-worn ice ruts on the roads, shattered windshields from the rocks loosening from their icy perches and flung from speeding tires, yards full of muddy dog-poo soup, and a chronic case of low wiper fluid due to the hundreds of times a day one must clean one’s windshield to see out of it. The snow and ice are breaking up and it’s not a amiable parting.
Other people might get to wear flip flops and cute little Mary Janes in spring; in Alaska we need boots. It gets a little old wearing clunky snow boots all winter so I was very stoked to get a shipment of fashionable, presentable, WATERPROOF boots to try out this season. I’m now addicted to tall boots and I see no reason to ever do a pedicure again if I can continue to just cover up my nail-polish failings with tall boots.
Patagonia Addie Rider Boots
These Patagonia boots bring me back to my youth spent riding horses. We teenage riders couldn’t get our boots tall enough. We’d order them two inches above our knees and endure months and months of painful back-of-knee blisters as we fought to break them in, all to avoid that dreaded dorky gap between the knee and the top of the boot. The Addie Rider is nice and tall and has a convenient gap to allow your knee to bend so you don’t have to suffer like we did. This is a great, trim, nice looking boot for dressing up. I love it in the two tone “Chimney” color shown above; it’s very versatile and flattering with knee-length dresses.
Merrell Vera Peak Boots
You can’t go wrong with these, either – they’re a nice, classy boot with a versatile appearance and a stable platform that will help you stay safe as you traverse still-icy parking lots. I like the lengthening detail in the front and the grippy sole. I was also pretty impressed with the waterproofing and the ice-grippiness (a technical term). The detailing on this one makes it look much more expensive than it is. This boot is a little wider at the top so if you want to tuck in your pants or have super-buff calves, look at these first.
Merrell Martina Boots
And then we have the Martina. This one has a special place in my heart because it’s just so cute! I love the knit detail on top. I wear them with my favorite grey dress and it’s just the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen (unless you’ve seen puppies, kittens, baby deer, or ridiculously adorable calico bunnies). Anyway, I like the boots. I’ve worn these enough that I can tell you that the antimicrobial treatment really works.
Go forth and stomp puddles! Your feet will be dry and happy in all these lovely, waterproof boots – and you won’t bust yourself on the ice like you would in slick-sole boots. Be safe and fashionable – everyone’s a winner.
Featured Brand: Patagonia Ultralight Down Shirt
September 7, 2011
Damn, damn, damn, damn! I have lost my Ultralight Down Shirt on one of the many trips I’ve taken it on. I suspect this is because it packs down so tiny in its little stuff sack that it was somehow easily overlooked and left somewhere. I can’t imagine where I would have left it, as it was such a vital piece of kit for so many of my endeavors this year. It’s the perfect extra layer to throw into your pack even when you think you won’t need it – it takes up almost no room and weighs almost nothing, but can probably save your life if you get caught out in an unexpected cold snap or you get injured and need to bivvy. It’s the lightest-weight insulated layer Patagonia offers, meant to fill that tiny gap between “no insulation” and “down sweater” (which is also a good piece of gear, by the way).
I find that insulated (down or synthetic) layers are the best thing for me to bring along to stay warm. As a smaller person I generate less heat and need insulation to keep it in when I’m not exerting myself. When I get all heated up on a climb and then stop, I get cold within minutes if I don’t throw on an insulated layer. On summer climbs, a full down jacket is overkill, but the down shirt has been great. I’ve even used it on mountain bike descents, which are guaranteed to have me shivering by the end. The down shirt fits in even my smallest mountain bike pack and is thin enough to fit under even my trim-cut bike jackets. It’s even a good layer to sleep in if it’s really cold. Yes, I loved the Ultralight Down Shirt.
How could I lose such a great piece of gear? I’ve torn my house apart several times looking for this thing. I’ve gone through every pack I own (and that’s a lot) multiple times. My other half is sick of me moaning and complaining about my lost down shirt. I figure if I complain loudly enough, the little stuff sack might hear me and come rolling back, like the rocks came to Ludo when he called them. Here’s hoping.
In the meantime you can buy one at patagonia.com – make sure to keep an eye on the web specials!
Patagonia Smackdown: Bandha vs. Bandha
August 23, 2011
If you are shopping the Patagonia 50% off sale, you will see the Bandha dress on sale for a respectable $37.50. I’ve reviewed this dress before and I own at least four in different colors, which didn’t stop me from ordering a few more for the road since they are on sale.
But lo! This is not the same Bandha dress I know and love. A little research revealed there is a difference between this iteration and the last one. Some love the new style, some don’t. I didn’t love it, but I can see why some would, so I thought I’d stop in to tell you about the differences. The old Bandha had heavier fabric and a longer length; the new Bandha is much shorter, has capped sleeves rather than the more tank-style of the old Bandha, and is made of a MUCH lighter fabric. This last is what I didn’t like about it; the fabric is so much thinner and clingier that I decided to return the dresses. Every single bra and underwear seam showed through even when wearing a size up. It’s so thin it’s really almost see through (you know that black dress + camera flash phenomenon that has you looking like you’re wearing transparent dresses in those pictures you don’t show anyone? Well you might not need the camera flash for that with this dress, and you’d definitely get some show-through with a camera flash in ANY color with the new dress).The old Bandha was way better for me, so I’m sticking to that. But many customer reviews deliver raves about this version. I can see that if someone didn’t fill the dress out, allowing it to be looser and therefore not as bra-strap-revealing, they might really like the floatier fabric. It would probably be a great swimsuit cover-up so beach dwellers might really dig this version.
So there you have it. The Bandhas are different. Be aware as you order!
Featured Brand: Patagonia Margot Dress
August 22, 2011
Oh, Patagonia. I have enough dresses! Why are you doing this to me?
Look, I’m going to just cut to the chase and tell you that if you go hurry the heck up, you can grab this dress at Patagonia.com for NINETEEN DOLLARS at the 50% off sale, like right now. I got one of these in this season’s Patagonia sample shipment and I STILL bought three more at that price. I have a soft spot for this dress because it’s the one I was wearing when I met my dear boyfriend, whom I desperately hope is not reading this review because gushing makes me embarrassed. But when I had to turn on the charm to win him over, this dress really did give me that extra edge and for that it will always be a favorite.
It’s flattering, with a plunging yet not revealing neckline, and an echoing v-back. It falls to about my knees (and I’m 5’5″). The wide waistband promises to flatter a variety of figures, and the fabric doesn’t wrinkle, making it great for travel. It’s totally bra friendly which is a major plus. Sizing is a little slim, I think. I find that, despite wearing a size small in most clothes, I usually prefer a medium in clingy dresses, but I tried the small in the Margot and at first thought it was perfect. Then I washed it – well, someone else washed it and put it in the drier, and it shrank just enough for me to think it’s now too tight. So I went with the medium when I bought the new ones.
There, that’s enough, because time is of the essence. Great dress, totally incredible, insanely good price, go forth and buy by clicking here!
Patagonia Bly Shoes
December 4, 2010
[We are supposed to be all sorry for poor climber Melissa, with a broken finger preventing her from indulging her climbing habit. In true Geargals fashion, Melissa broke her finger walking her dogs. -Head Geargal]
I must admit that I was excited about these shoes at first look. The lacing structure reminds me of climbing approach shoes and I love and miss climbing. But that has nothing to do with the shoe, that’s a broken finger problem. I love the lacing style as I find it the best for really fitting the shoe to the unique vertical contours of my foot [Don't ask. -Ed]. I wore these shoes home as soon as I got them and they are now my shoe of choice for almost anything outside. I have to watch myself or I would wear them to the office every day, they look and feel that good.
The test drive: I have used these shoes for several different kinds of activities, including sailing, waiting tables, trail running, off and on trail hiking, biking, casual (office), dog training, and walking around the art museum with my nephew. After a few days I became curious about what the intended purpose of this shoe was, so I looked them up on Patagonia’s website and they said: a rugged, backcountry hiking and trekking shoe with features designed specifically for women. I think the description of ‘backcountry’ may be a little generous as I found I had little traction off trail, but I was side hilling a lot and it was reasonably loose material. I also don’t think I would ever consider a low cut shoe appropriate for true backcountry as to me that implies off trail or at least some kind of distance from assistance and I would prefer more ankle support for those kind of situations. Though I would bet these would feel great for walking around on tundra and alpine gravels, they likely wouldn’t comfortably get you there. I’m not sure what exactly the women specific features were, but I didn’t ask my boyfriend to try them on and tell me how they didn’t work for him. My feet are relatively square, not long and thin, but not requiring extra width in my shoe size normally and these fit me well.
Overall I found these shoes to have good support, good grip on slippery surfaces, no blisters or rub spots from breaking in, and a pretty sturdy sole. Good performance for a low cut shoe. And they look cute as an added bonus. If you can’t resist wearing them for activities where you know your feet will get muddy they have proven to be challenging to clean, but to be fair, I think I knew that before I stepped in the mud puddle. Also, the laces are round and I historically have a difficult time keeping round laces tied, but a double knot seems to do the trick and the laces are long enough to easily tie in a double knot. The traction on outdoor loose material surfaces isn’t the greatest, but I think the lack of a beefy lug sole is one of the traits I like about this shoe, so I guess I’ll take the compromise.
[And now for the Official Government Business test. Irene's take on the Bly, below. -Head Geargal]
I was so pleased to receive the sporty looking, comfortable Patagonia Women’s Bly shoe in the mail. The website describes this as a boot (really a shoe); here is what they have to say:
This low-profile boot was named for Nelly Bly, a journalist who made a 72-day trek around the world in 1889, at the time a world record. Women on the move will appreciate the durable suede leather upper that fends off tough scrapes, and polyester mesh lining that breathes through sticky (I thought this said stinky, because they certainly stink after a few days of wear) situations. The 3DM triple-density EVA midsole is compression-molded, providing cushioning and support specifically for women. A shock-distribution plate and injection-molded arch shank lend protection underfoot without sacrificing flexibility. A multi-tread Vibram® Ecostep outsole (30% recycled rubber content) provides excellent traction in a multitude of conditions.
From the moment I put these shoes on they felt great due to the cushioning, soft knobby sole, and light as air feel. I’m not a runner but I was tempted to go for a run, that’s how wonderful this shoe feels. Instead I wore them on a mountain bike ride and short 5-mile hike. As I set out the temperature was 24 degrees. My tootsies got so cold I couldn’t wait to ditch the bike and start hiking. I know, I could plan better before wearing new gear on an outing, I can just see Head Geargal shaking her head at me. But I was so excited and had to try these shoes out right now, so I rode 6 miles to where I would begin my hike. It wasn’t like I could have wimped out either, I was working and had a trail survey to complete, wouldn’t look too good to say I had to come home because my toes were cold. By the time I got to my destination for hiking my toes were hurting big time. My regular hiking (heavier, leather) boots would have been a better choice on this freezing, gorgeous fall day. But, these shoes out performed in the icy conditions and were actually better than what my hiking boots would have offered for traction. I was amazed that I did not slip even a smidgen on icy sections of the trail.
After my toes warmed I was comfortable hiking, even with the numerous brown bear prints covering the entire trail. I love these shoes and the springy feel, it’s like bouncing effortlessly along, I think they will work well for an around town shoe. The sizing for my foot and what I would have ordered is right on. The only bummer I have with these shoes after wearing them a few days I notice a stinky odor (think stinky feet odor) wafting from them. I’ll need to wash them, then maybe wear cotton socks, or look for odor eater stuff for shoes? I never, well rarely, have a problem with stinky feet/shoes, darned it, I was almost able to give this shoe a perfect review based on sort of sensible use.
Patagonia LIMITED EDITION (ooooh!) Down Sweater
November 1, 2010
OK, at the risk of sounding like a damn fool, this is the MUST HAVE item of the year. In part because it says it’s a “limited edition” and I don’t know about you, but that makes me want it MORE, but also because it’s a fine piece of kit.
Usually I let the sizing chips fall where they may, but I begged Patagonia for a sample of this jacket in my size so that I was assured of not having to give it away to another tester. I saw it at OR and the uber-cool translucent grey color struck a chord in my heart, which beats for all things grey. It’s true! I love grey. And this grey is beautiful; shimmery, light, and gorgeous. The jacket itself is even lighter – by half the weight – than the ordinary Down Sweater and the shell is allegedly “twice as strong” as the regular iteration. I don’t know about that because I think it will be a while before I expose this beauty to any danger. I wouldn’t even wear it until my broken wrist healed enough so that I could remove the brace, because I didn’t want to catch the velcro on any part of this jacket.
The extra luxe exterior is really just candy, though; the rest is pure Patagonia quality. Super warm and light, stuffs in its own pocket, yadda yadda yadda, it’s everything you’d expect from a Patagonia mid layer. My regular size fits just great as usual, form fitting through the body with sleeves made for a girl with muscles and the sports to use them with. I’m looking forward to winter because this jacket is so warm. I can’t wait to be kicking back laughing at the poor jokers with inferior midlayers. And because this is a LIMITED EDITION I can count on not having the same jacket as everyone else. Right? *runs off to break above link to purchase*
Patagonia Vitaliti Dress
July 15, 2010
The dress obsession continues – and leads to the inevitable letdown. I thought dresses could do no wrong! They are the answer to everything! Buy thousands of them! Well, buy one more, anyway. I saw a picture of this dress in a catalog and fell victim to the siren song of the Catalog Model. She looks so great in it! It’s perfect! How can it NOT look equally great on me?
Well, er, it doesn’t. This dress doesn’t seem to know what body type it wants. It’s kind of A-line, kind of empire waist, kind of small on top and big in the middle…I don’t know. Maybe it wants a much skinnier, taller person, I thought. Then I read a consumer review from a tall woman who thought this year’s Vitaliti was too short for her; she didn’t like it either. Maybe it wants a curvier person. Who knows. All I know is that it didn’t flatter me. I’m sure there are some body types for which this dress will work well. They’re just not mine. The product info says this has a “slim fit” but on my body type it was only slim on top and on bottom. The middle was kind of boufy and pouchy (not a good look, and not a slim look either), which kind of leaves me thinking “buh?” Because of my experience with the Patagonia Bandha dress, I bought a medium instead of my usual small, but had I bought the small, I would have been mortified by the uber clinginess. Also not a good look. Well, maybe for the meatpacking district, but not for my ‘hood.
Other than that, it’s a nice, pretty dress with good features. The wrinkle-free fabric would be nice for travel and the simplicity is appealing. It’s got a helpful built in shelf bra, which, in fact, was another eye opener for me. In this review I made fun of padded bras, and the manufacturers of the item replied, letting the readers know that the padding is for concealment as much as for enhancement. Well, I never quite understood their point until now. Needless to say, the Vitaliti dress did not have enough concealment for my comfort level. And it is not a bra-friendly dress (spaghetti straps are just kind of like that, eh) so if you are the modest type, maybe this one isn’t for you either.
I’m sure there’s some lucky model girl out there who looks great in this. I look great in a lot of things, but not this. I’m disappointed, but not discouraged. Bloody, but not bowed? Whatever. Tomorrow: yet another dress review.
