My best and most surprising purchase of 2013...

The wet and windy start to 2014 has prompted me to share with you my best buy of last year;

The Target Dry Georgia Parka.

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When I first moved to Dorset I didn't own a practical coat of any kind but after being drenched once too often on the school run I started to look around for something waterproof yet stylish. This was A LOT harder than I thought. All the coats I liked were fashionable but only shower proof at best and all the proper waterproofs were far too shapeless.

It was while reading the School Gate Style blog last year that I first came across Target Dry. The Georgia parka was featured and I immediately loved the look of it before discovering that it was also windproof and 100% waterproof. There are two great colours to choose from - Indigo Blue or a vibrant Beetroot Red and it has a detachable hood with a faux fur trim. I decided to give it a go, especially as the blogger was offering a 15% discount code off the price of £74.99, making it practically a bargain! The code also still works if you enter SCHOOLGATE15 at the checkout.

The coat arrived the next day and I couldn't believe how perfect it was. The shape is super flattering and the adjustable drawstring waist means you can have the parka as fitted or relaxed as you choose. I ordered the size 10 but there is room for lots of layers underneath so I would say there is no need to size up. Another bonus is that the coat covers your bum! It is incredibly lightweight seeing as it's their winter version but beautifully cosy even on really frosty mornings. The hood stays up and I can confirm that it is fully waterproof, having had multiple opportunities to test this out!

So, if you are looking to buy only one thing in January, I would fully recommend this. Ideal for the school run or country walks where you might get caught in the rain but not out of place worn to the pub with friends.

Now I could really do with the lighterweight Emily version for spring.......

The Georgia parka has had more use than ever over the last few days and here it is being worn in the rain today:

And finishing with yesterday’s outfit on the last day of the school holidays, taking the boys to Grandad’s for lunch and then a last treat to Clip ‘n Climb in Exeter with friends, a fantastic place for children on a wet winter’s day!

Ash Bowie trainers – currently on sale at Isabella Oliver 

Karen Millen boyfriend jeans AW13 – currently in the sale at ASOS  

American Vintage Bakerfield top in blackberry – AW12

Maison Scotch Tank Vest – AW11

Zara camouflage scarf - AW13

Back soon with some more January treats..

Abbi x