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Winter Weather Survival Guide

by habituallychic

01 . 04 . 18


We’re having a snow day here in New York, as is most of the entire Eastern seaboard. I specifically didn’t make my bed today because I definitely picture myself cozied up watching Netflix and reading books like Cameron Diaz in The Holiday above. But if you need to brave the elements, I’ve put together some of my tips for surviving the cold weather this winter.

First, I have to admit that I still haven’t found the right new coat for this winter. The recent arctic temperatures have me thinking about just getting a parka from Canada Goose and calling it a day. If you have one and can recommend which style to get, please let me know. Until then, I’ll continue wearing shearling.

New Yorkers love to walk, even if it’s cold. I don’t go out in temperatures under 45 degrees without a thermal layer under my sweater. I prefer Hot Chillys which has lot of different styles for men, women and kids. I’ve tried all their tops and my favorite is the Micro-Elite Crewneck Base Layer Top. Just to warn you, the photo above is deceiving. The sleeves and hem are very long. If you are tall, you will love this shirt. I actually love the long hem because it stays tucked in unlike some of their other styles. The sleeves are another story so I have my tailor shorten them. This style is very warm and doesn’t cause static electricity. Some people also swear by Uniqlo Heattech products but Extra Warm and Ultra Warm are the best options or men and women. 
I mentioned Athleta Polatec Sculptek Tights but they are sold out. They are very warm but I didn’t love the pockets on the sides so I’m going to get the Atheta Polartec Power Stretch Tights next.

For days I need to dress up, I always wear Spanx Tight End Reversible Tights in charcoal/black. Because they are reversible, I find them to be warmer and because they are Spanx, they suck you in and stay up. There is nothing worse than tights that don’t stay up and these don’t slide down during the day.

As you know, I love Heidi Wynne Cashmere Scarves. She has two different weights. I love the lighter Bella Scarves for year round wear but the heavier Isabella weight is really warm in the winter.

I love my Sorel Boots for snowy days but they are a bit clunky. That’s why I ended up buying these Sperry for J.Crew Shearwater Buckle Boots. They are fully shearling lined which is key for warmth and they are waterproof. Unfortunately, these are excluded from promos on J.Crew but they are offering 40% off on other final sale and cozy styles with the code NEWYEAR.


For my leather riding boots, I use these Pedag Pascha Genuine Sheepskin Shearling Insoles with Natural Cork Insulation. They make them a little warmer for cold days.

It was actually my friend Dina who suggested I share all my cold weather survival tips after I turned her on to HotHands Hand Warmers. They are great if you don’t like wearing gloves or want to take photos for use your phone without freezing. You just keep them in your pockets and warm your hands as needed. They would be great for little kids waiting for the school bus too. HotHands also makes boot warmers and body warmers.

After you’ve come in from the cold or while you’re staying home on a snow day, you also need things to keep you cozy. I was gifted this cashmere robe this fall and it’s become a lifesaver this winter. I love wearing it while getting ready each morning but it’s also great thrown over pajamas. It also comes in other colors.

I’m currently writing this post wearing the grey version of this Everlane Waffle Knit Cashmere Square Crewneck. Grey is sold out but Everlane has ivory and black left and lots of other sweater options available for men and women.


You definitely need a comfy lounge pant for hanging out at home. Unfortunately, the Everlane Cashmere Sweatpants are backordered until April but I like these Best Boyfriend Brushed Lounge Pants.


I finally got fed up of the laces on my slippers coming undone so I upgraded to these UGG Slippers. Problem solved and they are so warm and cozy.

If you don’t have a cashmere throw blanket to keep you warm on the sofa this winter, you are missing out. I feel like a Netflix subscription should automatically come with one.

I love percale and sateen sheets in the summer because they feel smooth and cool but for winter you need flannel sheets to stay warm.

When you’re tired of binge watching, it’s time to pick up a book. I bought The Last Mrs. Parrish per a recommendation from Reese Witherspoon but would love to know what you’re reading this winter.

Stay warm and safe today!

XOXO,

HC

12 Comments
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  1. Lindsay January 4, 2018 | 2:05 pm

    Hi Heather, I recently purchased the Canada Goose Shelburne in Navy for an upcoming trip to Big Sky, Montana and would highly recommend that style (I tried on many). It has a slimmer silhouette so you don’t feel like an Arctic explorer. xx

  2. Stacey January 4, 2018 | 3:34 pm

    These are all so perfect for the winter weather. I hate when it gets this cold because all I want to do is curl up in my bed and do nothing.

    xoxo
    Stacey
    http://staceylyynn.wixsite.com/stylingsofstacey

  3. ygriega January 4, 2018 | 8:21 pm

    Love the post! I agree with every single item! P.S. Uniqlo has some Heattech on sale online (Not sure about the stores).
    Canada Goose – unless you get the slim cut one as the glorious reader below said – you can’t look #kewt
    I went balls to the wall and ordered a navy men’s XS (I am 5’9 and ‘athletic’) and rock it proudly with Ugg snowboots (Adirondack – also amazing) and a scarf up to my eyeballs. At least people will know you have the bux to likely look very stylish underneath and in other seasons. Cheers! 😉

  4. Julie Novarese Pierotti January 5, 2018 | 10:30 am

    I will be curious to see what you think of the Last Mrs. Parrish. I read it last month and still can’t decide how I felt about it!

    • habituallychic January 5, 2018 | 12:23 pm

      I’ll let you know. I wasn’t that impressed with what I’ve read so far so we’ll see how much farther I get.

  5. BL January 5, 2018 | 11:10 am

    Love this post but I am desperately looking for an attractive, rear-covering, down/feather-free parka (I’m seriously allergic) that will actually keep me warm in Michigan! My daughter has a flattering, down Marmot parka, but the only down-free one they sell has hip-broadening pockets. Does anyone out there have suggestions?

    • habituallychic January 5, 2018 | 12:22 pm

      Definitely try Everlane. Their puffers are filled with PrimaLoft. I just bought the long one to see if it will get me through until I buy something else.

  6. Kelli January 5, 2018 | 12:46 pm

    Love this post. Wish you would post more book recommendations. I always love to see what the other readers are reading as well.

  7. Anne Fayssoux-Leaf January 6, 2018 | 8:45 am

    I love your blog! You have such a wonderful style so your recommendation are very appreciated. Thanks!