STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

this is what i meant to add on bex's question, so i'll just put it here instead. 

i haven't seen many bib type pants lately (that bex was asking for)--i'm not sure if they even make them anymore.  the thing now with pants is to have the looser snowboarding-style ones (even for skiing).  they are actually way more versatile, too, because you can adjust what you wear underneath for warmth or coolness.  the pants will be a thinner, waterproof nylon or something, and then you can wear fleece leggings or long underwear or whatever you want under.  and i have seen a lot of belts lately, too--instead of the suspenders that they used to do, now a lot of the lines have pants with built-in belts. 

for jackets, the latest is the "soft-shell" jacket (which i am hoping to get for xmas!)--it's a cross between a parka and a fleece.  they kind of look almost like a neoprene wetsuit (i.e. waterproof) on the outside, and then the inside is soft and sort of fleecy.  they are very fitted--you buy them to wear with just one layer (like a long-underwear shirt) underneath.  they aren't made for really cold days, though--they are only medium warmth and keep the wind out.  i suppose you could wear a shell over one though and make the soft-shell more of an underlayer.  anyway, i like them because they aren't bulky. 

my favorite new development in ski-wear technology is the ipod pocket!  lots of lines are making them in the jackets now so you can take your ipod on the slopes.  i am also a huge fan of zippers in strategic places--like armpits and thighs--they help you cool down while sitting on the lift if you've worked up a sweat! 

bumblebee wrote:

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this is what i meant to add on bex's question, so i'll just put it here instead.  i haven't seen many bib type pants lately (that bex was asking for)--i'm not sure if they even make them anymore.  the thing now with pants is to have the looser snowboarding-style ones (even for skiing).  they are actually way more versatile, too, because you can adjust what you wear underneath for warmth or coolness.  the pants will be a thinner, waterproof nylon or something, and then you can wear fleece leggings or long underwear or whatever you want under.  and i have seen a lot of belts lately, too--instead of the suspenders that they used to do, now a lot of the lines have pants with built-in belts.  for jackets, the latest is the "soft-shell" jacket (which i am hoping to get for xmas!)--it's a cross between a parka and a fleece.  they kind of look almost like a neoprene wetsuit (i.e. waterproof) on the outside, and then the inside is soft and sort of fleecy.  they are very fitted--you buy them to wear with just one layer (like a long-underwear shirt) underneath.  they aren't made for really cold days, though--they are only medium warmth and keep the wind out.  i suppose you could wear a shell over one though and make the soft-shell more of an underlayer.  anyway, i like them because they aren't bulky.  my favorite new development in ski-wear technology is the ipod pocket!  lots of lines are making them in the jackets now so you can take your ipod on the slopes.  i am also a huge fan of zippers in strategic places--like armpits and thighs--they help you cool down while sitting on the lift if you've worked up a sweat! 

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ooo! thanks for the tip on the IPod pockets... my ski jacket doesn't have that and now i may want one that does!

bummer about the ski bibs.  i really really prefer those over reg. pants... but- maybe i'll try some reg. pants to see if i like those better...

thanks again!  you are full of good tips!