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A Few of My Favorite Things: Winter Edition

by habituallychic

12 . 13 . 07

There was such a great response to my Favorite Things post from the Fall that I would create a new one for Winter. It also seems like perfect timing considering the ice storms in the Midwest and the snow we are supposed to receive tomorrow in New York. I thought it could also serve as a mini gift guide since I never had the time to write a full one. Maybe some of my favorite things will become some of yours!


I tried for a long time to not jump on the Creme de la Mer bandwagon but I guarantee once you’ve tried it, you will become I convert too! It really is the most fabulous skin cream ever created. I’ve always had great skin but now I have gorgeous skin! I’m going to buy the eye cream next. Wrinkles be damned!

If there is one product that is pure indulgence, it’s Laura Mercier‘s line of bath and body products. I love using the ladies lounge on the beauty floor of Bergdorf’s because they stock it with all of her products. The Creme Brulee scent is my all time favorite. It’s almost good enough to eat! I will warn you that I didn’t love the Chocolate scent so much. Funny considering how much I love to eat it. There are also some great gift sets available now if you want to indulge someone else this holiday!

There is nothing worse than dry flaky skin in the winter but moisturizing it alone is not the answer. You must exfoliate and Kiehl’s has one that will appeal to men and woman. Their Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish smells amazing but it also leaves your skin silky smooth. Kiehl’s never tests on animals so your PETA friends will love it too!


After you exfoliate, you should always moisturize and Kiehl’s Creme de Corps is the Rolls Royce of body cremes. I love it so much, I buy the large pump size but it’s worth it since I have never had dry skin. Treat yourself. You’re worth it!
I hate winter. There I said it. I feel like I’m allowed to hate it since I lived in Boston for many years. I’m honestly not quite sure how I survived. I might have enjoyed it more had I known about Hot Chillys. In order to wear my cute little outfits and walk around without getting hypothermia, I will add a base layer from their Peppers Collection. But they make products for all levels of warmth and performance. It’s perfect for fashionistas and hard-core athletes. Now there’s two types of people you’d ever suspect of having anything in common. Who knew?!

I don’t care if you’re a size 2 or a 12, everyone wants to look thinner. There is also nothing worse than saggy tights. Spanx has solved both of these problems. Gotta love that! They stay put, they create a smooth line and keep you warm. And we know how much I hate to be cold! Buying Spanx also let’s you support a woman owned business. Beth Blake‘s success story should be an inspiration to any woman with a dream. Carpe Diem!

Anyone who’s ever lived in a New York apartment with steam heat knows how toasty warm they can get but I’m not complaining. There is nothing I love more than free heat! But for those rare occassions when the heat’s not on, I wear my Banana Republic Cashmere Chalet Slippers. They are soft and warm and actually quite chic. They are also on sale now! Woo hoo! Buy a pair for yourself and as a gift. Your feet will thank you!

If none of those other things are enough to warm you up, why not check out Town and Country Travel Magazine and pick out a tropical destination and book yourself a trip, ’cause baby it’s cold outside!

14 Comments
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  1. Suzy December 13, 2007 | 3:13 am

    Those slippesr are very chic indeed! I am starting to feel the need for that, but everytime I feel that way in HK it starts to warm up. So hence I’ve not bought a heater, dressing gown, or slippers since we arrived. I actually kind of miss winter!

  2. Habitually Chic December 13, 2007 | 3:19 am

    Suzy, I’d switch with you but I’m not sure my hair could survive the humidity. Since you have no need for the cold weather products, I have the perfect suggestion for you…Vera Wang Lingerie. I am obsessed and have amassed quite a collection of nightgowns. They are simple and elegant and never trashy. Check them out online, http://www.verawang.com/lingerie.

  3. decorno.blogspot.com December 13, 2007 | 5:20 am

    Totally agree with your la Mer comment. Considering the smallish jar lasts me at least 7 months, it’s a true bargain. People need to get over the $120 hump and just realize it’s a small price to pay for perfect skin.

    Plus, it smells other-worldly. I love it. I’ve gone full-bore on it now, using it as cuticle creme when Santa Maria Novella starts to seem too waxy. I am addicted to the stuff.

  4. Hill Country House Girl December 13, 2007 | 12:47 pm

    My first read of the day and you have made me smile! Thanks for all the tips and the old rendition of “Baby it’s cold outside” just made my day!!! It’s even cold in Texas right now……okay, maybe not AS cold! Thank you!!

  5. Habitually Chic December 13, 2007 | 4:28 pm

    Decorno, La Mer is actually a bargain when you start to look at the prices of all the luxury skin creams on the market. I’m not sure I’ll use it as a cuticle cream, I’m addicted to Solar Oil but I can’t wait to try the eye cream!

  6. Habitually Chic December 13, 2007 | 4:30 pm

    Hi Hill Country House Girl, So glad I could help start your day with a smile! I was actually cracking myself up while writing it. And now I’m watching it snow outside so I better go get out my Hot Chillys thermal top!

  7. Mrs. Blandings December 13, 2007 | 5:17 pm

    ok, ok, ok. I’m getting la mer this weekend. I’d always scoffed at you girls, but it you and decorno are fans, that I have to trust.

  8. Habitually Chic December 13, 2007 | 5:23 pm

    Mrs. Blandings, Believe me, I used to scoff at a friend who used the whole line but when I tried La Mer again, I really saw a difference in my skin. Make sure they show you how to apply it. You only need a little but you have to warm it up with your fingers and then press it onto your skin. Not sure why but it works. Let me know what you think!

  9. Brilliant Asylum December 14, 2007 | 1:46 am

    Creme de La Mer is magic. Worth every penny, even if it is not getting any less expensive. It was $85/oz. when I started using it 6 years ago. Apply it at night and you will wake up with invisible pores. I am curious to know what you think of the eye creme. It feels great, but I am not sure it works as well as the original.

    Love your other picks. I need to try that Laura Mercier line.

  10. Habitually Chic December 14, 2007 | 5:06 am

    BA, I am still amazed at how great my skin looks using La Mer. I was thinking of buying the new eye cream you apply with the metal wand thing. I’ll let you know what happens.

    And you must check out the Laura Mercier line. The fragrances smel amazing!

  11. Style Saves the World December 14, 2007 | 7:57 pm

    I finally put Creme de la Mer on Xmas list this year and now I really, really can’t wait to try it. If it’s not under the tree on 12/25 I might have to fight back tears.

  12. decorno.blogspot.com December 14, 2007 | 9:21 pm

    I don’t think the eye cream is very effective. Maybe it’s just me. I think it’s too diluted/soapy in texture. You know, those La Mer saleswomen run fast and loose with their samples, so I would ask for a sample of the face cream and eye cream. I use the sample sized face cream as my travel container and just keep refilling it, and, well, the eye creme you just need to try and see if you like, I suppose. ‘

    Oh – and I am so glad you mentioned Solar Oil. I haven’t used it in forever and I don’t know why I stopped. It’s great. Time to stock up again.

  13. Habitually Chic December 15, 2007 | 2:48 pm

    Style Saves the World, You’re too funny! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!

  14. Habitually Chic December 15, 2007 | 2:49 pm

    Decorno, My facialist yesterday told me that La Mer is too heavy for my skin and that after Estee Lauder bought the company they changed the formula. What’s a girl to do?! I still think my skin looks great using it so I guess I will continue.

    P.S. I’m addicted to Solar Oil!