Originally I had this post attached to my Fall in Review, but it became such a behemoth that my husband suggested I break it up into two posts.
Looking Forward to Winter
Heading into winter, I think I am prepared a lot better than I was last year to stay warm. Stylistically, winter isn’t much different from late fall. It’s cold, ankles only pop out now and then, and leaving the house with at least a sweater underneath your jacket is a must. In the effort of staying warm, I don’t feel there is a TON of wiggle room to experiment. When I am layering for warmth, I truly do like to keep it simple.
What I Bought
With that in mind I kept my purchases simple and practical.
(1) Surprise! I added a third Everlane cashmere sweater to my closet, this time a black v-neck. Classic and timeless, showing just enough skin to be more dressy than a crewneck but not too chilly. I ordered this is my usual medium, and the fit is perfect!
(2) I bought a pair of black chelsea boots from Everlane. The sizing on these came as a big surprise to me. After trying three different sizes of boots I think I found my size, only to realize the pair I had in hand was pretty flawed. For some reason the shaft was noticeably taller on the right boot than the left boot, I’d never seen anything like it! I now have a fourth pair on the way, and I’m crossing my fingers that these will be the ones. If not, I’m back to the drawing board. I think chelsea boots will work well with my beloved wide leg pants, and will serve as a way to lend a casual vibe to dresses and tights.
(3) This is probably the most surprising addition of the three, and maybe the least practical. I had been hoping to add a winter dress to my closet, but after trying one and finding it too clingly for my comfort, I decided to go with a shift option. I took advantage of Hackwith Design House’s Black Friday sale and ordered the Shift Dress from their Basics line (size medium). It was something I had been eyeing in the summer, and after enjoying my chambray shift in the fall, I thought this black one could be used year-round as well. However, I bought it before I had my ‘ah-ha’ moment about black dresses in the winter (they’re often tricky to style because all the accompaniments in my closet tend to be black too, like tights, sweaters, etc). Potentially, it might not have been the best winter purchase. Only time will tell, but I look forward to experimenting with layers – like turtlenecks and sweaters – underneath it.
There are a few more items making their way to my closet via trades and credit, but the above are what I spent my cold, hard cash on.
Goals for Winter
>> Work on identifying my uniform, in 2-3 versions. Over the fall I noticed a pretty solid uniform that I was repeating: straight, cropped(ish) denim + shirt with volume + low ankle boots. In winter I’d like to get a better grasp on defining what a uniform is, what it means for me, and identify a few variations.
>> Continue to keep my dresses and skirt game strong. I am really enjoying the variety from my steady stream of winter jeans. It’s nice to break it up, plus wearing dresses is almost always fun.
>> Avoid making clothing purchases until spring. This is always a hard one, but I am going to do my best to stick to it. I really don’t have a need for anymore winter clothing. I have plenty of items in my closet to pull from and style over these next few cold months.
I’d love to hear what your sartorial goals are for winter.
xo,
Andrea
PS – I’m signing off till after Christmas, but I’ll be hanging around in the comments. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
I ordered my first everlane cashmere sweater recently and it’s so lovely – but unfortunately I’ll need to return it. I ordered my usual size, but I want it to fit a little looser. The plan was to exchange for the next size up, but right now, I just can’t justify the $100 purchase, so I’ll be returning and purchasing the next size up some other time. They are so soft though – how do you care for yours?
Hey Stacy! I always wear a thin t-shirt under mine, and then drape them over a chair at night to air out. I have yet to actually wash or dry clean one because they just haven’t needed it (even with all the wear!). Now if I wore tank underneath, it would be a different story. But I intend to try a gentle cleanser (probably something from The Laundress) and hand wash. I worry dry cleaning would be to harsh on them!
The shift dress is so cool! Maybe you could lighten it up by pairing with cognac shoes/accessories, or layering with a light-colored turtleneck or a chambray shirt underneath?
Yes! That’s a great idea! I love the chambray shirt option. Thanks Erin. Happy travels! xo
I need to buy a suit. I managed to get through 7+ years of professional life sans suit, but now I am finally attending a “business professional” event, in Washington DC no less, so that’s my winter goal. Plus boots that will keep me warm schlepping around MI and DC, but also look good with a suit. Ugh. I haven’t bought anything from Brass yet, but when a few of their pieces that are part of the Edit are released for individual sale, I hope to scoop up some of those as well. Maybe I can wear them with the suit ;)
That is a big order! A suit definitely sounds intimidating to me! I wonder if you could find something on the RealReal or somewhere like that? But it would be hard to not be able to try it on. Yes, Brass’s pieces seem like they would work perfect with suits! You got this. Keep us posted.
I’d look for other Chelsea boots or try the Brixton (go up a half size). Even once I got my sizing right in the Chelsea they had wearing on the inside ankles (like the leather color was worn off), and seem cheaply made for the price and usual quality of Everlane.
I am a huge fan of Everlane (even though their customer service has gotten bad since the summer compared to what is used to be).
Their cashmere is wonderful. Also the open wool cardigan is a really nice piece (mine is in gray, but you have the grana sweater now).
Excited to see what the Brixton striped dresses look like in the upcoming months.
I am with you about not shopping anymore for winter.
Do your kids have any of their mini collection?
Happy Holidays!
Jodie (instagram: jodieeebeth)
Hi Jodie!! :) Happy holidays to you too. :)
I know, I am sort of mixed on the Everlane chelsea boots. I finally got a pair in the right size, and I love the function, and feel of them, but the leather is an odd texture. Seems so thick and waxy. I hope it will look better as it creases and gets more wear. I like the style of the Brixton boots a lot, but on my already big feet, that crepe sole would just make them look bigger. :/
I saw the Brixton striped dresses too! Those look so cute! And I am in need of a good striped top, as I sold my boxy fit one (because I just didn’t love it). Hoping to get a good black and white stripe for spring.
I did not spring for any of the mini collection for my kids, though it is seriously cute. I think it’s a little too androgynous for my girls’ taste (even though I really like it!), but maybe when my son gets older (he’s two now) I might consider some of it for him.
I found a lovely cashmere sweater for $15 at the consignment store last month which has been awesome for the holiday season with my new plaid skirt. I am pretty set for the winter as well, having found some great deals at Poshmark and other consignment stores throughout the fall. I even hit the jackpot on American made wool socks at TJ Maxx. Although I feel I have enough to get me through winter, I wouldn’t pass up a few more high quality sweaters if I find them at the consignment store. :-)
Consignment sweaters are a great way to go! That’s awesome. I hope you guys had a good Christmas Rebecca!