Barbour-shop tales

a happy little story for a happy friday: i happened to call the Barbour boutique today about some of their new merchandise and the shopgirl told me that for the first time ever, Barbour is now offering their classic Bedale jacket in smaller sizes and more colors...in 32s and 30s! this is fantastic news for me, as i had been swimming in my size 34 Bedale i purchased last fall. but thanks to the fine folks at Orvis and their superb return/exchange policy, i'm going to be able to return the too-big Bedale and get a refund now that i've found the perfect size and color! how wonderful is that? :)

Barbour bedale jacket in navy waxed cotton, antique locket necklace, saint james shirt, j brand skinny jeans, loeffler randall boots...my favorite details are the stand-up corduroy collar + the side vent pockets!

fit review: i generally wear a 0/XS, so the size 30 Bedale still fits generously in the shoulder/arm, true to the classic unisex cut. however, the fit is noticably better throughout the torso and the length hits right at my lower hip. the 34 was really billowy throughout and way too big in the chest area, with a lot of excess fabric. when i zip up my new Bedale now it has a much sharper silhouette overall without being tight - still enough room to wear a bulky sweater underneath or lots of layers.

i'm so glad i found this in the right size and navy color, as i was briefly considering getting the APC quilted parka (a pretty hefty $390 for a thin jacket), but for $379 the Bedale is a much better buy for its versatility, quality and style!