Boulder Gear  Mesmerize Insulated Jacket - Women's

My ski jacket is 25 years old and too hot for modern warmer climate skiing. So off to the REI store I went because I prefer to try on my clothes. The store selection was very limited, with 99.9% being pink, lavender, or white colored - I do not ever wear pink. In addition to a non-princess color, I wanted a detachable hood because I loathe hoods, and a curved cut to allow for my hips. No luck on the detachable hood, but I tried on a few anyhow. Every single one was just a man's jacket sized down and turned into a 'girl color'. Meaning - the cut was straight down on the sides with no room for hips. Plus,they all came to mid-thigh. Too long for leg movement (I am a skiier not a snowboarder). Women have hips, REI, and not all of us want to look like 'slope-side Barbie'. I tried other stores with no luck. So then I tried REI.com and found this jacket that was a non-girly color, and appeard to have a curved side cut that allows for hips. And the description said detachable hood. The jacket arrived and it is indeed a good cut for a curvier figure. But the hood is permanently sewn-in. If you want a detachable hood - this is not your jacket. If you are curvier and need some room at the hips/thighs, then this is a good jacket for you. It is warm, but not stifling. I am 5'4" and normally wear size 14/L/XL for tops. I have a large chest (38 DD) and wide hips/thighs. I bought the XL and it fits nicely with room to spare for layers underneath. It zips nicely and is not tight across the chest. Sleeves have plenty of motion. The pockets are conveniently placed. And it is not too long - stops at mid-hip for me allowing for movement of my legs. I will keep it, with the intention to rip open the collar seam to remove the hood myself. I bought the Rust color and it is a muted rust, which is fine. See you on the slopes!