Winter Essentials

There is no question that Winter has finally descended upon us. Record low temperatures, gusty winds, snow already in some parts of the country, no matter which avenue you use to get your weather, the forecast is usually the same. Baby it’s cold outside!!! But if you’re anything like me, a weather forecast, no matter how gloomy, will never find a way to tamper with your style. ‘Tis the season to accessorize and layer! I’m talking faux fur, luxurious cashmere knits, elegant hats, the choices are plentiful.

My style has always followed the motto quality over quantity. I am the type who will spend months and even years lusting after an item. I research it extensively, learn everything I can about the item from where and how it is made to reading every existing review I can find. I start saving for it and dream with anticipation about the day I will finally be able to bring that item home. Yes I am that girl! I think over the years I have developed these habits mainly in order to avoid having buyer’s remorse. I hate returning items and receiving the 3^rd degree from a sales associate: Is there something wrong with the item? Is there a particular reason why it didn’t work out? Did you wear the item? Did you not read the fine print on the back of the receipt? I get anxiety just thinking about it.

It doesn’t take long for me to get overly excited about an item and decide that I need it in my life. But I think it is the “cool off” period as I like to call it, when I take a step back and reassess if I truly need the item, if I love it and if I can get multiple wear out of it over the next few years, that eventually allows me to justify paying the money and to feel satisfied with the purchase I made. Having given you some insight into my shopping habits, we can now dive into a few select winter essentials that I simply cannot live without.

Faux Fur Vest – this is the kind of purchase that will keep on giving. Holiday party for your boyfriend’s job? Throw on a faux fur vest over a little black dress. Accessorize with a statement necklace and a red lip. Brunch with friends coming up this Sunday? Wear your faux fur vest, a bohemian silk shirt, dark skinny jeans, thigh high flat boots and a cute fedora hat. Going to the grocery store? Faux fur vest, cashmere sweater, skinny jeans rolled at the ankle and booties. I purchased my faux fur vest about 6 years ago from Zara. I don’t recall the exact price I paid, but I do remember paying a little more than say had I purchased it from Forever 21. Being that every year, faux fur makes a comeback in the fall and winter time, I do suggest investing in a more expensive piece that you can have for years to come. And do dry clean it every season!

A faux fur vest is in my opinion more versatile than a faux fur coat, as it can be worn in the Fall as well as in the Winter, in warmer climates such as Florida and California, as well as in the Northeast and the Midwest where the winters are harsh. So whether you’re staying at home or enjoying some travelling this season, you can always find a way to show off your faux fur vest. Zara, Topshop, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus or Rue La La online are all excellent places to hunt for good quality faux fur.

Cashmere Sweater – this is truly an investment worth the money. It is one of those luxuries that will eventually become a necessity. The fabric is warm, soft, extremely light-weight and it really feels like second skin. It might also seem incredibly expensive considering today’s economic climate, but if you take into consideration the cost per wear, a little terminology I picked up from Stacy London while watching TLC’s What Not To Wear back in the day, cashmere really becomes the ultimate winner. While a heavy, bulky sweater might initially sound like a better bargain, the fabric will stretch over time and will pretty much always leave you feeling itchy. A 2-ply cashmere sweater, when cared for properly, will always hold its shape and stand the test of time. A few tips when buying cashmere: make sure to always check the label (it should read 100% 2-ply cashmere and not a blend), feel the fabric (it should feel incredibly soft against your cheek) and administer the hand test. Place your hand inside the sweater and make sure you can’t see it. If your hand is visible, the sweater is too thin it will probably not hold up over time. It is most likely a single-ply cashmere. In terms of caring for cashmere, I have taken my sweaters to the dry-cleaners (which is the preferred and recommended way), hand-washed them using cold water and a mild detergent such as Woolite, and also washed them in the washing machine using the Delicates setting , cold water and a mild detergent (Woolite). I usually hand-wash my cashmere sweaters if they have an embellishment that I’m afraid might get ruined in the washing machine and I don’t have time to deal with the dry cleaners. If you decide to care for your cashmere at home, make sure to always press out the water with a towel and lay them flat to dry. I purchase my cashmere sweaters on sale from Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom or Rue La La online, but have also purchased some at TJ Maxx and Kohl’s (again, make sure you read the labels).

Booties – so it doesn’t seem that booties will ever go out of style. And for some people, booties are an all season kind of item. In my opinion, booties that hit at the ankle are way more comfortable than boots that hit under the knee. It is because I’m able to move more freely and I feel lighter. My preferred pair is from Rebecca Minkoff and I purchased it two years ago at Nordstrom during their semi-annual sale. I love wearing my booties in the Spring, Fall and Winter, and could probably get away with pairing them with a sundress and a cardigan even on a cool Summer day. I would suggest opting for neutral colors like a taupe, beige, grey or olive which will ensure more wearibility regardless of the season, and a mid-heel, which is more comfortable while still giving a little height.

Hats – this is one area that has seen a wide range of diversification over the last few years. And for a good reason: not only are hats perfect for a bad hair day, but they also make any outfit appear so effortlessly chic. Hats now come in a variety of shapes, styles and colors to suit just about everyone. There really is no excuse not to wear a hat this winter. You have your choice of elegant fedoras, fun colorful berets, casual beanies and luxurious faux fur earmuffs. With price points varying across the board, hats are now easily accessible at big department stores. If you opt for a fedora, keep in mind that fit is everything. They are NOT one size fits all. I would strongly recommend going with a brand that offers different sizes depending on head circumference. Rag & Bone, one of my favorite brands, makes a floppy brim fedora (see here) that comes in 3 different sizes and seems perfect not just for the cool season, but all year round. I don’t currently own this item, but I’m highly lusting over it. Henri Bendel, another one of my favorites, makes faux fur wireless earphones (see here) that will keep your ears warm and never quiet, while looking incredibly stylish.

What are some of your winter key pieces that you cannot live without? Please share in the comments down below, I’d love to hear your recommendations.