My favorite Los Gatos Fleece Vest was ripped to pieces by my pup. Even Patagonia’s promise of lifetime repairs couldn’t save it. The snuggly fabric, cozy collar, and handwarmer pockets had me saying, ‘bring on a noreaster’! Luckily I spotted it back this season, and double whammy; in the window of Patagonia’s brand-spanking-new digs on Broadway! Go Elm City!

The store is chock-a-block with warm and fuzzy – from socks to sweaters, to pullovers and jackets like their Micro Puff Hoody. It’s a water-resistant, ultra-light-as-a-feather windbreaker with the warmth of a down blanket. I’m eying the brilliant hot orange they call Paintbrush Red. (Note to self: write Santa). And kiddos are not forgotten; everything for adults is made in mini.

Being cold-averse; my outdoorsyness had mostly amounted to hailing a cab to the station but Patagonia has changed all that. The science behind their clothes – shielding the wind, cold and wet has brought out my inner hiker. And it started with my vest, which, by the way, I got in birch white. To top it all off, Patagonia employs sustainable manufacturing methods, fair trade practices, and these are the folks who started 1% For The Planet and have given over 74 million dollars to grass roots environmental programs.  They’re a customer-centric, environmentally and socially responsible company.  And that just warms my heart.

patagonianewhaven.com       1 Broadway, New Haven