As the temperatures drop precipitously, I must adjust my wardrobe and habits accordingly.
In urban areas like New York, you can’t beat the cold by hopping from the heated seats of a car to the heated office where you work. You can’t even guarantee a heated home. You have to brave the cold, head on.
Here are my strategies...
It’s actually less expensive and more efficient to heat your rooms with one of these than use standard-issue old electrical heating systems. One nice feature of many new models is a temperature control setting that turns the unit on and off to maintain a set temp. I own a couple of these, and I use them instead of my apartment’s old, expensive system. Of course, if you have central heat, bully for you, and skip on down.
Not just for lumberjacks. Rock the faux fur this winter. Ear flaps are not an affectation in below-freezing temperatures. Especially if you’re chopping wood.
3. Hand cream
Can I tell you how many tubs of lotion I go through each winter? Chapped hands, chapped cheeks, chapped lips, chapped chappé. Cold air saps skin of its moisture. If I could afford it, I would slather myself in pure shea butter, but instead I just look for neutral, paraben-free, natural brands for my sensitive skin. I found this Ultra Repair Cream at Sephora, and it keeps me silky smooth, without irritating my eyes or skin.
4. Down coat
I used to think that these were unsightly pillow sacks that made every woman look like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. I still think that, but now I realize that they are insanely warm, surprisingly light unsightly pillow sacks. Every woman in my neighborhood owns a Brooklyn Industries coat, but also check out Cole Haan for more elegant down - on sale!
5. Stylish throw
Looks great on your couch year-round, feels great wrapped around you. Snuggle with your loved one – human or animal – under the warmth of a cashmere or soft woolly throw. My indulgent designer purchase last winter was a Jonathan Adler blanket, and it’s keeping me warm as I type this on my sofa.
6. Hot toddy
The oldest known defense against a chill – alcohol. Heat yours up for a doubly warming treat. Try Bitchbuzz’s Nomtastic Hot Buttered Rum, or try a classic whiskey hot toddy.
Image via edenpictures' Flickr