Starting last weekend, there were whispers of a possible snowy weekend coming to Virginia… by mid-week, it’d turned into a full-blown panic about the amount of snow forecasted (some newscasters were saying 12-18 inches of snow, others were saying over two feet!!). Now, on Wednesday, they’re saying that it’s likely to be more freezing rain than snow— boo!— and I’m prepping easy meals like chili and protein-packed chunky monkey muffins so that we can hunker down and avoid the cold as much as possible…
But of course, there’s never really full hunker-down mode on the weekends, right? Maybe a Sunday reset. Maybe it’s an all-day veg fest on Saturday. But for us? It’s always mass on Sunday at 9am, and usually brunch afterwards— be it at home with a pot of coffee or at our local French brasserie and a huge slice of quiche.
Getting out in that frigid weather can be daunting for some people— myself most notably!!! If you’re new here, or have forgotten, I’m originally from Florida and therefore have zero experience with snow and/or any of its weather-related siblings (sleet, slush, etc.); my husband is from Iowa. We have very different mentalities about getting outside when it’s cold. Earlier this week, when the forecast was looking like 12″+ of powdery snow, he said— and I quote— “oh, we should definitely walk to mass then!”
Walk!?
Yes. He said walk. And he meant it!
So if you’re like me, and potentially going to be out walking in a snowstorm or freezing rain and still want to look good doing it, here are some of the winter-friendly finds I found this week on The Real Real! I want to snatch some of these up myself, they’re so good!
A good quality scarf is always something you can count on to help 1) elevate an outfit and 2) keep you warm. I love these oversized versions because they feel extra cozy and, if you’re like me, you’ve probably seen the trick about turning it into a balaclava with clever tying!
I’ve failed you all a little bit— I asked if you’d be interested in how I styled a look featuring a navy blue wool cape about a week ago and didn’t get around to it… mostly because it’s been very cold here in Virginia and I’ve avoided cropped pants like the plague! But having a wool cape to cozy up with during the winter storm is still a great option; I love their versatility, although I haven’t found the perfect one for someone who’s under 5’5.
The Row might be getting some heat right now, but these boots will keep you toasty warm!!! Although… they’re probably not the best option for frolicking through the snow. And that’s not because of the brand, rather, leather boots are something you want to treat with a protector and definitely have resoled every other year at most.
I’d stick to wearing these either in an office, at church, or in another non-salted slush-slick location!
4. Relaxed-Fit Wool Turtleneck
As much as I can fight against these boxy silhouettes, I love them with all my heart. And a cream sweater will always have a chokehold on me— they’re incredibly versatile: a cream like this goes with jeans, black pants, camel suede pants, colored pants, skirts of all textures and prints and colors (think tartan to silk-satin). It’s a great investment color (even if the silhouette isn’t what you’re looking for)!
We walked to dinner last Sunday after on-and-off-again snow and sleet, and I had wished I had something to cover my ears! While I’d made do with my scarf (with the balaclava trick I mentioned earlier!), I’ve always loved ear muffs because they don’t give you hat hair yet still help protect you from the elements! Are you team ear muffs or team hat?
I’m pretty sure I talked about these same moccasins last winter, and I still can’t say enough good things about them! I’ve had a similar pair for going on 6 years, and they’ve held up beautifully. I’d wear them with socks— otherwise the fur lining will get smelly…— but they’re the best house shoes you can ask for when it’s outrageously cold outside! You could even pop a Hot Hands in there if you needed to…
If you’re going to carry a bag around in the snow and sleet, it better not be suede! Leave that for those cool, crisp, and clear autumn days, girl! When it’s wet out, I can’t stress enough that you need something hearty and something that is protectable. Am I saying that your fancy Chanel Double Flap in caviar leather is going to withstand a rainstorm? NO. But I am saying that a well-treated (with this!) leather shoulder bag should do just fine with snow flurries.
If you’re an extra cautious personality, try my favorite bag!
There’s rarely a wool wrap coat I don’t like. If it’s a simple, classic color (think grey, beige, camel, black…) I’m probably going to love it. And Theory makes some incredible options; they’re always showing up as one of the better quality options on the secondhand market. They’re a little more expensive than you might otherwise be able to find, but some of that is paying for the name and some of it is paying for the reliability of the brand. I rarely find wrap coats on the secondhand market that look as good as Theory’s!
9. Cashmere and Wool Striped Sweater
If you’ve been debating grabbing one of La Ligne’s sweaters, this is a great option! Not only is it one of their classic cuts (I believe this is the Mini Marin), but it’s also the cashmere-wool-blend version, so it will keep you extra warm! And who doesn’t love a classic stripe? I’d pair this with a black silk skirt, thick denier tights, the wrap coat from #8, and the boots from #11 for a simple yet elevated look!
10. Leather Gloves
I bought leather gloves for the first time for Christmas and I will NEVER go back! They keep my fingers so warm, and buying a pair that actually fits (versus trying to make one-size-fits-all gloves work…) means my dexterity is much better while wearing them. Mitch loves his too— they’re great gifts, but even greater gifts to yourself and your hands!
11. Tall, Flat Boots
You don’t necessarily need a big, chunky pair of winter boots to get you through a snow day— or snow week— but you do want something that’s water resistant and ideally has a lug sole. Stuart Weitzman has been a go-to in the industry for this type of boot for years and for good reason! You can get pairs that go farther up the leg if you prefer; however, I think that when paired with either thick denier tights or fleece-lined leggings, the knee-high options are perfect. I prefer a flat-heel version for better traction in the snow and with possible ice!
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It feels so good to be back making longer form content again. I really enjoy sharing pieces like this with you all and sharing worthy secondhand finds! Please let me know if you enjoy these kinds of posts!
xx happy hunting!
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