I did go with microfiber. I got my coat at LL Bean, and it has been really one of the best purchases of my life, but it was not inexpensive. The coat has a zip-in lining, and a detachable drawstring hood. The lining must be dry-cleaned, but the coat itself can go into the washing machine, and then hung up to air-dry. It washes and dries beautifully. Where I live, I wear this coat in spring and autumn, but it's a little too cool in winter for me to wear it throughout the entire season.

Book Chick,<BR>Whereabouts do you live? In the northwest it doesn't get that cold, so microfiber is often sufficient. Also we wear fleece and wool a lot. We get plenty wet, too. Only when we venture to higher elevations, do we need to pull out the toasty clothes. Not to ramble, here, but today I saw Mt. Rainier looming above the hills. It is an awesome sight.<BR>G'night!

Michigan. We have snow on the ground, usually starting around Thanksgiving (we have it now) &amp; it does not disappear until March or April. The lining of the microfiber coat I bought is simply a bit too &quot;cold&quot; or &quot;light&quot; or &quot;inadequate&quot;, in the sleeves especially, to get me through an entire winter here.<BR><BR>BC

Scarlett: I have had a pair of basic, black, lined Santana boots for about 15 years. They are incredibly comfortable and warm, and still look almost new. Good choice!

Topping for Holly. (There are several more!)

I HATE having my feet &quot;trapped&quot; in boots. I live in Southern California where it is over 80 degrees at this moment, and any form of sandels, is heaven.<BR><BR>However, I bought a pair of AEROSOLES, ankle high just because they were really on sale thinking I would not need them EVER. Within the next month, I took the train from California to Santa Fe, NM and wore them 8 days in a row, and did lots, and lots, and lots of walking!!! I even wore them with long wool, denim, and cordoroy dresses with matching tights and felt pretty terrific. Who knows, maybe I even slept in them!<BR>Anyway, my vote is for AEROSOLES.<BR><BR>A can of waterproofing spray, applied several times. letting them dry inbetween, will keep those tootsies dry.<BR><BR>Ciao

try Born Brand shoes, boots and clogs. Bought a pair on my honeymoon so we could hike the gorge in upstate NY (forget name of town) and they were super. Go to www.born-brand.net or try jjill.com, they carry the brand as well. Good luck/LGoussard

Ciao? No - that's been reserved.