The weather changed over night. On Halloween, it was cool but dry as it has been for a couple of weeks.

Then as soon as we got to November 2nd, it turned to snow.

Out of nowhere, the mountain passes and the local ski hills were coated in a blanket of the good stuff.

I love everything about a white winter, especially preparing for it (lame, I know.) However, the one thing I forgot to get was a new winter jacket.

At the end of summer, I donated a few coats and scarves to a local shelter but never got around to replacing them.

Dropping off some winter jackets to my local Covenant House, thanks to my awesome workmates for their kind donations.

Guess what that means! That’s right, it’s time to head back to my favourite store – Mark’s. *Queue changing room montage music.*

First up is the Helly Hansen Berg Quilted Jacket. It was super warm, solidly built and I really liked that it had reflective details for walking around in the long, dark nights. The jacket will keep you dry and has a detachable hood, drawcord hem and storm flap with zipper to lock out the wind, rain and snow.

Jacket features:

• 100% Polyester Insulation
• 100% Nylon lining
• Shoulder seam-free designed
• Detachable hood with adjustments, storm flap
• Extended back and chin guard for extra warmth
• Lots of pockets
• Reflective details
• ID card holder, zipper inside jacket for logo application

I just had to try on the 3-Pack Light Industrial Rain Suit, just in case I was pulled away to a last-minute fishing trip or had to be outside for a long time. This would be really useful if I had a dog and needed to take it for walks in the rain.

For now, I only need a jacket to keep me warm and dry while I drink coffee and take photos of the snow. It was hard to keep a straight face for this one.

What do you think? It’s a bargain at $24.99, even if it’s just for keeping in the car in case of emergencies.

This is my serious face

Features:

• .30mm PVC/Polyester
• Made with non-conductive ESR Nylon snaps
• Jacket with cotton coduroy collar for comfort.
• Zips closed with large storm flap
• Bib pants to stop the wildest of weather
• Easy care – machine wash cold

Then the last one is the Columbia Ridgestone Jacket. I really like the quilted design on the shoulders as it reminded me of a wax jacket or a typically English quilted jacket, without all the puffiness.

Like the Helly Hansen jacket, it’s warm and is sturdy enough to last me the winter.

After lots of deliberation and making silly faces in the changing room’s mirror, I chose this one because the green looked cool with jeans but is nice enough to wear to work.

Here are the features:

• Outer: 59% Polyester and 41% Tactel Nylon
• Water resistant
• Drop tail
• Hidden interior pocket. Zippered pockets. Snap-close chest pockets
• Adjustable cuffs
• Snap button storm placket over zippered placket
• Machine wash and dry

Where am I walking? I’m not even on the path.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Marks. All words, opinions, and faces are my own.