Sorel Boots (Also available here. My version is old, but I love the newer pink style! Also available here and here!) / Vineyard Vines Navy Puffer Jacket (Old, similar here) / Asos Blanket Scarf (c/o, Old, but super similar here and here… and I love this one!) / Madewell Tote / J.Brand Jeans (Old, similar here) and Anthropologie Fleece-Lined Leggings underneath! / J.Crew Factory Hat (Old, but love this one!) / Lands’ End Monogrammed Gloves
It’s no secret that it’s quite (quite!) cold here right now. To be fair, though, this winter is apparently a lot better than last year’s. I mean, yes–the Chicago Public Schools system closed its doors last Wednesday and Thursday due to the frigid temps, but we’ve really only had several weeks of torture so far. Last year, everything started much earlier. So I’m thankful!
That said, I’d be lying if I said I’m enjoying this. I’m not, haha. It really stinks, Especially when you have a puppy, and need to be outside constantly. (Friends and family, I’d like to publicly thank you for regularly calling and texting to make sure I’m alive. ;) Love you.)
There are, however, a few things I’ve found to be extremely helpful in my quest to survive my first Chicago winter:
1. Hardcore winter boots. My favorite is the Sorel Joan of Arctic boot. I actually got mine a few years ago when New York City was experiencing a particularly rough winter. (Dad was the one who recommended them to me! Too cute. My father is anything but “into fashion,” but the man loves rugged, outdoorsy gear! Single-handedly keeping Orvis in business?)
Anyway, I really couldn’t live without them. I do a lot of walking, and these have never once rubbed me the wrong way. (Hehe.) They’ve never leaked, and they’re the first pair of boots I’ve ever owned that truly keep my toes toasty. I also love the Sorel Caribou boots, though I don’t own a pair.
Having trouble finding Sorels in stock this “late” in the season? Try Amazon, Zappos and eBay. For reference, I normally wear a 7.5 in flats, and took a size 7 in my Joan of Arctics.
2. A really, really warm puffer coat. Wool coats are beautiful, and I wish I could get by with one. But I can’t. I wear mine once in a while, when we have a “warm” day… but for the most part, wool coats are for October, the beginning of November, the end of March, and April. For Chicagoans, at least. And that’s okay.
Puffer coats all the way for the chillier months. Are they gorgeous? No. But listen: they’re necessary. Warmth > Style, in my opinion. No need to put yourself through unnecessary torture! Besides, no one’s looking at you on the street. Everyone’s hunched over, trying to keep warm.
My favorite is my Vineyard Vines Harvest Puffer Jacket, which is ridiculously warm. (Just as warm as my North Face, but cuter.) It’s sadly sold out, but below are some of my favorite navy puffer coats out there right now. My best advice is to go with a darker color so you aren’t constantly washing it, make sure it’s filled with actual down as long as you aren’t allergic, and go long for extra warmth. (Though how cute is that last one?!)
3. A tote. That way you’re hands-free and can keep ’em in your pockets! If you haven’t noticed already, I’m obsessed with my Madewell Transport Tote. It never goes on sale at Madewell, but it’s also available on ShopBop. So wait! You can’t monogram it through ShopBop, but you can bring it into Madewell during one of the company’s free monogramming events and get it done that way. The events happen every once in a while, so sign up for e-mails and keep your eyes peeled. And below are some other adorable totes. :)
4. Mittens. I’m wearing a pair of gloves here, but I highly recommend ski mittens. Haha, I know. Not the prettiest look, but they do the job. Throw some hand warmers in there and you’ll be really happy. These are actually pretty cute!
5. A fur-lined “trapper” hat. Again, I’m not wearing this in these photos–still trying to acquire all the crap I need in order to get by. ;) But Mitch has one, and it’s seriously the best. I “borrow” it all the time. How cute is this C.Wonder one in buffalo check?! It’s 75 percent off, too. (Whimper. Goodbye, C.Wonder!)
6. A huge scarf. Mine, which is from Asos, is unfortunately sold out… but this blanket scarf, which is super similar, is still in stock (and on sale). I also love this one from Lands’ End!
7. Jeans with stretch in them. Or cords! Of course, I’d done zero research about this, but I swear that jeans and cords with poly in them don’t get as cold when outside. I love J.Crew’s Toothpick Jean and Toothpick Cord, and I also love BlankNYC’s Spray-On Jean. (Sizing advice: I go down one size in J.Crew jeans and cords.)
8. Fleece-lined leggings or long underwear. This Anthropologie pair is my favorite. I’m sure you guys are sick of hearing me say this, but goodness. They’re fabulous. Wear them under your looser-fitting jeans, and you’ll be one happy girl.
Just make sure not to sleep in them, because they attract lint like crazy. Also note the price. They won’t last forever. So buy a few pairs! So worth it. Uniqlo’s “Heattech” line is pretty fab, too. (And affordable!)
9. Warm drinks. Whether it’s coffee, hot chocolate or tea, drink up. Even simply holding a warm drink is helpful! I adore the Kate Spade travel mug shown above!
10. Blankets and space heaters. My wonderful Auntie-M recently gave us a faux fur throw from Restoration Hardware, and it’s been a nighttime game-changer. I fall asleep nearly instantly when I’m under it (which I’m sure is a little annoying for Mitch on movie nights), but… sigh. It’s the warmest blanket I’ve ever owned, and makes such a difference in our chilly apartment!
And the space heater that my amazing brother-in-law, Charlie, gave us for Christmas is… well, one of the best things to have ever happened to me. Dare I say it’s the best Christmas gift I’ve ever received?! I can function again. I set it up in my office, and basically turn it into a sauna. Before, the temperature was unbearable. Now, though, it’s lovely! Almost tropical, haha. Noods and I are so happy.
(Of course, it goes without saying that space heaters can be extremely dangerous, and it’s important to use them safely!)
If you have additional tips for staying warm, please share! I’m open to all ideas! :)
Great post! I live in Ohio and I’m always freezing too! I actually wrote a post about how I survive winter on Monday! http://theglitterthings.com/
OH man! I am going to have to check that out. Thank you!! xoxo
I couldn’t agree more with these tips! I really want to look into investing in a pair of Sorel boots because they are so cute and perfect for the winter weather!
Hunter
Prep on a Budget
Hunter, I couldn’t recommend them more! The one thing I would say is that my specific pair is a bit bit and clunky. I might go with the Caribou instead. So much smaller! :)
The Caribou boots my mom has are surprisingly clunky too! My sister has a pair of Tivoli Highs, and they’re smaller and much narrower in an appealing way in comparison to the Joan of Arctic and Caribou.
I have a pair of Sorel Tofino boots, and I bought them because they were slimmer in the foot than the Joan of Arctics. I would definitely recommend those also if you’re looking for a slimmer look. :)
xo Kimi
…aaand I just realized you weren’t the original commenter and looking for boot suggestions. Sorry about that!
Space heaters are seriously the best thing ever!!! When I lived in Chicago, I totally broke the rules and had one in my apartment, haha. Not that I’m condoning it, but how else was I supposed to survive?!
Megan, I AGREE. Mine’s on full blast right now, and I’m as happy as a clam. Honestly not sure how one could survive here without a space heater! They’re amazing. So much happier. Can’t believe I did December without one, haha!
Toronto has gone through a bit of a cold stretch lately, but it’s nothing that really bothers me. I think the key is psyching yourself out before you start the day/week. I always watch the weather network, so I know exactly what the week will bring. If it’s going to be super cold, then I’ll start my day off with some hot oatmeal, wear my thermal spa-socks (super thick, these are my absolute favourite: http://www.marks.com/shop/en/marks-marksdefaultsalescatalog/ladies/womens-socks—hosiery/t-max-boxed-2pk-34890), and my thickest sweaters. I find the J. Crew stadium cloth coats to actually be warmer than any puffer coat I’ve owned; I feel like they retain and distribute the heat better, if that makes sense. And yes, I have a little personal heater in my room, but I’m a firm believer in hot water bottles. I literally cuddle into one every day (and night) for some added warmth. Enjoy the winter, Kelly!
-Katherine
http://thegreenbows.blogspot.ca
Oh my gosh! You’re a trooper!
-Meg
http://www.smalltownsisters.blogspot.com
You nailed it! I have the Joan of Arctic boots and got my mom the Caribou boots for Christmas. My sister has a pair too – we’re a Sorel family up here in Wisconsin! Absolutely the best boots I’ve had for cold weather.
Lands End is my lifeline here in England when it comes to Winter outerwear. I was SO happy when they started selling online in the U.K. Outside of ski clothing, Brits don’t “do” Winter clothing. At least not the way you need it in Canada (I’m from New Brunswick) and the northern U.S. We don’t get harsh Winters here, temps seldom get much below freezing, but it is very damp and windy and that can feel very cold in January and February. I love your whole outfit, especially the oversized scarf and tote bag.
Ali x
Probably the most obnoxious thing I do in Chicago to stay warm on windy days is to put on a hat, then a hood, and then wrap a scarf around the whole thing/most of my face. Looks crazy but it definitely does the trick! I also use uber when I need a cab so that it comes right to my front door ;)
Kristina does the Internets
I love layering heat tech tights under my fleece-lined tights. That’s what I did most days in Chicago! I also love my thinsulate coat from Jcrew! It was the only coat I brought with me.
walking a dog during the winter is brutal! especially when they are tiny and can get lost in the snow!
This was such an awesome post! Maybe you could do the same thing but an updated version now that you’ve lived in Chicago for a little while. I would love the suggestions.