Isn't the weather just crazy at the moment? Yesterday we had rain, snow and sunshine all in one day! The boys and I have been enjoying being outdoors after a winter of being cooped up from the cold. To protect us from the April showers we've got some lovely outerwear from new Belfast-based clothing brand, Lighthouse. With a gorgeous coat for me, jacket for Little N and puddlesuit for J, there is no stopping us having lots of fun outdoors this spring!
Lighthouse is a small Belfast based brand by Target Dry, and they create men’s, women’s and children’s outerwear and casuals with a nautical feel. Their range combines the practical waterproof features that Target Dry are known for with stylish designs, so you can look great whatever the weather. Lighthouse have designed their outerwear specifically with the outdoors in mind, combining practical, waterproof and breathable qualities with vibrant colours and hand-drawn prints that are perfectly on-trend. Their clothing has been made to encourage and inspire you to explore and seek adventure in the great outdoors.
I have the beautiful Isla Short Waterproof Coat in French Navy (£74.95) which has been inspired by the wild Irish sea and scenic shore. It also comes in vibrant Watermelon and Marine. The signature textured fabric is highly waterproof (5000mm) and highly breathable (5000gsm), and also has fully taped seams, so it's perfect for drizzly walks and will stand up to getting caught in sudden downpours. The coat has a high neck to protect against the elements and a hood that can be hidden away. I particularly love the smaller details like the nautical style cords which adjust the fit of the hood and the waist, and the brass buttons and toggles which have an antique tone.
As I'm not very tall, I was worried that the coat might end up swamping me but it fits beautifully. I got a size 10 and it's just right. The mid-hip length is great and the drawcords allow me to get a good fit around my waist. It is really protective against the wind and the rain, perfect for when I'm waiting to collect Little N from preschool or on one of our days out, and the cotton lining makes it really comfortable and warm. It's also very lightweight, so I always fold it up and take it out with me. You just can't trust the weather at the moment!
Little N has the ultra cute hooded Skipper Nautical Jacket (£24.95) in Pea Green Stripe; it also comes in a Bright Blue Boat print. Like my coat, his Lighthouse jacket is highly waterproof (2000mm) and breathable (2000gsm) and has fully taped seams to stop wind and water leaking through. His coat has a soft jersey lining and a peach-finished outer fabric. It's so cosy and comfortable, he stays warm and dry even when we get caught in the rain. It even has little zipped pockets, perfect for keeping his treasure safe while he's busy running, jumping and climbing.
I had thought about getting J a matching Lighthouse jacket like his big brother, but I decided that a Puddlesuit (£24.95) in Indigo was a much better option for him, as he's a lot more likely to fall over or run straight through a puddle than Little N is! It's a full-length hooded puddlesuit made from 100% waterproof (2000mm) and breathable (2000gsm) microfibre. It's not lined like Little N's coat, but he's kept dry from head to toe thanks to the elasticated cuffs on the sleeves and legs and the fully taped seams. All he needs is his wellies and then he's ready to tackle the biggest of puddles without me having to worry about him getting soaked. The puddlesuit has a reinforced double seat for extra durability and has practical little touches like the reflective strips on the hood and arms and long-line zips to make it easy to put on and take off.
As well as their gorgeous coats, jackets and puddlesuits Lighthouse also have a selection of stylish sweaters and tops, all perfect for wearing on their own or layering up on cooler days. I love the classic nautical vibe and effortlessly casual style and could have quite easily ordered myself another of their coats: The Beachcomber coat in Sunbeam is also very cool and I adore the Haven Sweater in Night Sky Stripe! Head over to Lighthouse to see more of the range and let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
