Welcome to EN’s Product Review series! Who doesn’t love shopping, especially when the object of your search is new gear for yourself or your horse? As an enthusiast of all products equine, I LOVE trying out new gear. Please join me as I narrate my personal journey of trying out all of the products featured. While I will make no recommendations, I hope you have fun reading about my many adventures of trying new products, and that hearing about my personal experiences helps you on your own quest for new gear. Go Shopping.
Kastel Denmark on the right sleeve of the Christine Softshell Jacket – Photo by Lorraine Peachey
There’s just something about color coordination. On days that my shoes match my bag, which also happen to perfectly coordinate with my accessories and outfit, I feel like the stars must have aligned. Or something. Because switching my purse in order to be fully color coordinated usually just doesn’t happen.
But on those days that I’ve put together an outfit that is coordinated just-so, I just feel a little extra polished. In my mind, I Iook a little extra put together–and that puts an extra little extra bit of bounce in my step.
The fact of the matter is that I usually pull clothes out of my closet, and pull my hair back in a simple pony in the span of less then 15 minutes before running out of stepping out of the door. So I guess you could say that having a perfectly coordinated day, is truly an accomplishment. For me, anyways
Choosing an outfit isn’t really about how you look though. It’s much more than wanting to have a “put together” appearance though – I like the way that color coordination makes me feel. When I coordinate, I feel together. Organized. Ready for anything the day has to throw at me.
I feel much the same about my riding attire – surprising though it may sound, I’m in a state of perfect happiness to just throw on an old tee or tank, and a pair of comfy riding jeans to head out. One of the best things about a horse is that they accept you for who you are.
There’s no judgment in Ripley’s eyes when I come out to just go out for a nice, relaxing hack in an old tee. It’s all about being comfortable and relaxing on those days. But will I wear said horse-snotted and possibly holey tee if I trailer out to ride somewhere? Or attend a clinic? Ummm….no. Just no.
The same way that a coordinated outfit makes me feel more confident while stepping out of the door, picking out the right top and breeches makes me have more confidence in the saddle. Even ‘swagga’ if you will.
One of the first aspects of the Christine Softshell Jacket that drew me in was the lovely navy coloring, which is coupled with contrasting red stitching and zipper – Photo by: Lorraine Peachey
Recently, I’ve had the chance to outfit myself with the lovely Christine Softshell Jacket from Kastel Denmak‘s outerwear collection. I find that I am drawn to softshell jackets in general, because I find them to be uniquely functional for my lifestyle. Lightweight, but warm enough to layer-check. Water resistant-check. Comfortable-check. And hay doesn’t stick-double check.
When I first pulled out the Christine Softshell Jacket, one of it’s first aspects that drew me in was the lovely navy coloring, which is coupled with contrasting red stitching. And even a red contrasting zipper! I do find myself attracted to pieces that feature contrast stitching, as they create a look that is just visually appealing.
And while it’s true that I love the fact that the Christine Softshell Jacket comes in my own favorite colors–because it does coordinate so nicely with my red, white & blue colored collection of riding gear–the terrific features don’t stop there.
I really find that the Softshell Jacket to be functional with it’s wind and water resistant outer shell. Which also happens to have some stretch to it…which makes it comfortable, and gives me a better range of movement. The Jacket also features two side pockets, which open/close with a contrasting red colored zipper. The right sleeve sports a Kastel Denmark logo, and there is also a Danish flag at the top of the back.
The Christine Softshell Jacket’s appearance is dialed up from a regular variety of stylish, to being just plain snazzy by the contrasting stitching of the seams. I realize that I may sound like a broken record broken cd broken something of other here, but I really feel like the contrasting is part of the Jacket’s style identity.
The interior of the Christine Softshell Jacket is lined with a soft fleece with a gridded pattern. Which also happens to be the same stand-out shade of red – Photo by: Lorraine Peachey
And what’s more…the seams and zippers are not the only part of the Christine Jacket that features a contrast. The interior of the jacket is lined with a soft fleece with a gridded pattern. Which also happens to be the same stand-out shade of red. Which I was more then a little excited over.
Along with providing a little snugly extra amount of warmth (while being super awesome looking contrasting red) – the jacket’s lining also features two interior media security pockets. And I do like that the larger of the two pockets is even large enough to fit my large sized smartphone. In it’s Otterbox case. And zip shut. So the pockets are definitely spacious enough for me!
When I pull on the Christine Softshell Jacket, I definitely feel like it fits me nicely. It drapes nicely on my frame, and I really like the fact that the sleeves are even long enough even for my arms. At 5’9″, I have long arms – so I’m a fan of the fact that the Jacket’s sleeves fit me well.
I also have found that the Christine Jacket is super versatile for my day-to-day life. It is definitely terrific to wear as a light layer while riding–on cool days, it keeps me warm, without causing me to overheat. And on colder days, I’ll even layer a coat over it.
When I pull on the Christine Softshell Jacket, I definitely feel like it fits me nicely. It drapes nicely on my frame, and I really like the fact that the sleeves are even long enough even for my long arms – Photo by: Lorraine Peachey
The Christine Softshell has been one of my go-to pieces on breezy, or wet days. And that is really due to the fact that I’ve found it to do a nice job at blocking the wind, and keeping me dry…even in rain (or snow) showers.
And riding aside, I also find the jacket is quite functional for getting my barn chores done in. One of the great features? The fact that hay just brushes right off. Which I’d say is just ideal for around the barn. Hay may stick to my hair, and get into other unmentionable areas. But it doesn’t stick to my Softshell!
Even though I find the Christine Softshell Jacket’s function to be spot on while I’m in the saddle or around the barn, I find myself wearing it so many other places. To work. Out on errands. To the (feed, grocery, or fill-in-the-blank here) store. Out to lunch. The list goes on (and on). It just offers a terriffic blend of fashion, utility and comfort. Enough said.
The Christine Softshell Jacket from Kastel Denmark is available in six different color combinations–each with contrasting seams that provide the same eye-catching look that the navy blue jacket sports. It has a retail price of $99.00, and you can find it here.
Go Color Coordination AND Function. Go Kastel Denmark. Go Eventing.
