What to Wear >> for the Elements

:::EDIT::: Oops. Giant oops. Apparently this week's was "what to wear to a family dinner." Needless to say, this is not what I would wear to a family dinner. But that family dinner thing makes a lot of sense, seeing as how it's Thanksgiving in the states next week and all. This is what happens when you are so sure you remembered something, that you don't even bother checking. Lesson learned. :)
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Ladies and gents, it is time once again…

This week’s prompt is what to wear…for the winter elements! We just got back from our trip to Canada, so I didn’t have time for proper outfit photos. BUT, we DEFINITELY encountered very cold and snowy conditions, and this is what I wore. 

See me? Looking like a ninja? Word. It may not be cute or fashionable, but darn it if I wasn’t warm. I have two ways of dressing for the cold. The first is if you are not actually going to be spending any time outside. If you go from warm house, to car, to work, and don’t spend more than a few minutes at a stretch outside, you can totally wear something impractical. My last few winters in Minnesota I wore a thin wool swing coat from Urban Outfitters, and was totally fine. But if you are planning on actually spending any time outside, like going for longer walks or hitting the slopes or trails, I highly recommend hitting REI and shelling out for some decent gear. I did not used to believe this.  I refused to. But I now know it to be true. See my get-up up there? It’s down, and neoprene, and goretex, and whatnot, but I was able to stay totally warm and dry for a few hours while out snowshoeing while it was around 0F. Oh, and that balaclava is a miracle. This was the first time I ever wore one, and my face stayed warm and comfy the entire time. Brilliant!

rainy warmth by abhaya on Polyvore

That kind of gear is really for your more extreme end of the cold spectrum. Luckily, I get to just visit the very cold, and the rest of the winter is spent mostly just wet here in Seattle. Wet is something you don’t want to mess around with. My first “winter” in Berkeley, I found some gear that is fashionable and functional; I own similar boots and a similar coat from the set above (the models of these from 2 years ago). Both are waterproof, and just warm enough to ward off the damp chill. I HIGHLY recommend both items, from Merrell. I also love wool socks and leggings in the winter. These options from SmartWool would be perfect for wearing out and about, as well as snuggling at home.

So there you have it – my winter recommendations. As always, be sure to check out the other ladies’ participating in this week’s series…I can’t wait to see what they all come up with!

Marcia: Like a Small Fire

Nicole: Gypsy in Jasper

Adriana: Horses of Ares

Dorien: Bodacious Thought

Lisa: notladylike

Sarah: Exploring Woods

Katherine: thinkin' outloud

Amanda: Salvaged Strawberry

Lisa: lala faux bois

I’ll be back tomorrow with a few more wintry pics and a recap of our trip up north.

shanti >> sondra

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