The vest is very warm, the hood is functional and keeps your head heated :) The item in light brown is exactly as pictured. I am 5'6 and hits mid thigh. Order your usual size if you want a good fit - one size up will work on jackets of medium thickness underneath. It sheds a bit, but nothing extraordinary.
And yes, if you are curvy, it probably won't work for you - the band is quite tight, while the faux fur part is straight cut (generally it has more of a sporty feel), so no slimming effect. It looks better on junior type figures.