Convert Sweety Jacket (by Columbia Sportswear) : Cool, Cotton Comfort

I was looking for the perfect little black jacket: something lightweight enough for cool summer nights, stylish enough for the street, with big pockets for all my essentials. I found it in Columbia's Convert Board Wear line : the Sweety.

I LOVE this jacket. Design-wise, it's somewhere between a jeans jacket and a motorcycle jacket, semi-fitted but not tight. I usually can't wear women's jackets because I'm too tall - the curves hit me in all the wrong places. But the Sweety jacket is just the right length and trim enough to provide a slim fit. I like that it has snap tabs to loosen or tighten the waistband (and sleeves), so I can adjust the fit. I've been wearing it over t-shirts on cool nights; the textured cotton is very comfortable and has the appearance of a much heavier material.

I also like the front zipper--so much easier than buttons or snaps--and the generous zippered pockets. But most of all, I like this jacket because I feel like I look cool in it. Shameless, I know, but I'm always workin' on my street look. (Available in tan and black.)

Bottom Line: Columbia's Convert line is all about functional fashion and board wear. Check out their fall line at www.convertboardwear.com.-- E.D. (July '05)

Price: $53

Manufacturer's Site: www.columbia.com/convert

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