So it's definitely official: it is winter. That means everyone looks like a puffed up marshmallow and you struggle getting settled in class taking off all your layers. This also means there is now an abundance of people wearing Canada goose jackets around campus.** If you're in the Northeast, you've probably become accustomed to seeing the oh-so-famous patch that adorn these jackets (you can purchase one on eBay if you want to look like everyone else). Last year, Boston University took the scandal of stolen jackets at the gym so seriously, it ended up on national news. No joke. Do people not know that you can get a free lock at the gym to keep your things safe?? And, here's a tip: don't bring your $1,000 coat to a frat party. I can't deny that Drake looks good in a Canada goose jacket, but... he's rich and can afford many of them. He's also... from Canada. Whatever, here's some things your money could've gone toward instead of a coat you could probably get somewhere else for $100 (with the same warmth rating).
1. Literally, anything.
I'm talking anything here people!!!! While, yeah, I bought my parka freshman year (on sale, from L.L. Bean) with the intention of wearing it 5+ years or until the feathers start falling out, I wasn't about to splurge on a coat that can cost anywhere between $500-1,700. You could literally buy 10 coats that are perfectly suitable for the winter for the price of one Canada Goose jacket (like this $100 parka for women or this $140 coat for men, both highly reviewed on Amazon).
2. Textbooks
If you're like me, and lucked out this semester, you only had to buy one textbook that cost $20 to rent on Barnes and Noble dot com. However, that is typically not the case. Textbooks (depending on your major) can cost some big bucks. Why purchase a coat so expensive that you can't learn (this is tough, as I'm comparing fashion to education... two passions... head to head..)
3. 100 burritos at Chipotle
The average cost for a men's Canada goose parka is roughly $800. A burrito at Chipotle? Typically averages around $9-10. Think about all the food you could eat.
4. A donation to your favorite PETA fund
Did you know they're made with coyote fur? Do you also know that the Canada goose company defends themselves by calling coyotes, "pests"? Their policy page on their website has in huge letters: "Why we choose fur." Sorry, is this the 1920s? Since when is fur en vogue? The Huffington Posts does a great job at criticizing both the company and those who purchase the coats here. I mean, sure, I bet the fur is warm when you're withstanding -50 degree temperatures, but on campus? In Boston? Typically doesn't get that cold here. Wear a scarf.
5. The new iPhone 8
If you're like me (probably not, I'm too nerdy), you too are (im)patiently waiting for the new iPhone and read every rumor that comes out daily. Right now, they're projecting the cost to be around $1,000 (do you think they'll still have the monthly payment plan?!) and I don't know about you, but I'd rather have a phone I can use all year through whatever weather than a coat I use for 4 months out of a year.
6. An entire new wardrobe at Forever 21
While the quality isn't the best, you could probably redo your entire closet with the extremely cheap prices. Not only that, but the clothes tend to be trendy, which works in your favor.
7. A roundtrip ticket to Paris
A quick Google search leads me to believe that purchasing a flight (and adding in an AirBnb) to Paris sounds more exciting that purchasing a coat.
8. "Hamilton" tickets
The most talked about Broadway show since... honestly I don't know I'm not that huge of a Broadway person, BUT you can definitely get some good seats with the amount of money a coat costs!!
9. Pay back student loans
Nothing warmer than burning money, am I right?? Get ahead of the game and pay back some of that debt!!!
10. $800 worth of cheese
Just... think about it.
11. Jewelry from Tiffany's
What's better than dripping in ice? Nothing. Truly a better investment that can even become a family heirloom!!!
12. A down payment on a Tesla
I'm on the waiting list to purchase one and I think a self-driving car > a coat. Right??
**Please don't take too much offense if you own one of these bougie coats.