It’s day 14 of my 365 day shopping challenge. Not that I’m keeping track, of course. But since I won’t be shopping like a banshee over the next year, I think I’m going to go back and highlight some pieces that have really stood the test of time and travel. Things I’d replace in a heartbeat should they meet an untimely end. Each set of products will have a theme, and all will have been used both at home and on trips. While I do have things I only take on trips (mainly beach gear), it’s really important for things to be multifunctional and fit as well in Washington DC as wherever we are headed next.
Today’s theme is WARMTH. (We got our first snow in DC, and as usual, everyone had a total complete meltdown as the 3.5+ inches we received was more than this poor town of fair-weather birds could cope with). Everyone wants to stay warm in the winter, right? Yea you, over in Asia or the South Pacific, put your hand down and go back to the beach. I know you really do miss snow.
Here are my recommendations for WARMTH in the winter. I’d wear all of them all year round if it wasn’t weird (and awfully hot in DC).
Pictured. I love these so much, I can’t stop talking about them. No really, DH (dear husband) can attest to the annoyingness of my hopping around the house going “it’s Dubarry boot season!” These have gone gorilla trekking and played in DC snow and ice storms. They are warm–but not hot (boot liners are available, but my feet heat themselves), have great traction, and are completely waterproof. Given their steep price tag, I do keep good care of them, cleaning and waterproofing routinely. I have the Galway boot but there are some other styles that look appealing. Yes, I have even worn these out for dinner and to casual Friday at work. I’m not even going to pretend it wasn’t glorious.
Pictured. I have an older version of this link, but it’s still light, fluffy, and crazy warm. 
If you want a packable layer, this is it. It’s been to Uganda, as well as to Wyoming for chilly nights. It’s very much a layer–not a down jacket, so don’t think you can get away with just it in freezing temps, but it does add a ton of heat with a thin baselayer and a shell on top. And it comes in all kinds of pretty colors.
3. Lululemon Fleece Vinyasa Scarf
Unfortunately this was out of stock almost as soon as it appeared online this year, but if you have a chance to snag one, I’d go for it (though the prices people pay for Lululemon gear on ebay makes me cringe…I like their stuff, but not enough to pay 4x retail on a single pair of shorts!). Anyway, their regular vinyasas are also awesome for winter, and super soft. But I find the fleece vinyasa packs so much extra warmth! I’m not going to say it’s the most stylish thing, but for warmth it’s a definite winner. Plus, totally doubles as a non-disgusting clean blanket or wrap in the plane.
4. Mountain Hardwear Monkey Gloves
Pictured. These are currently on sale here. I love these puppies. Granted, my hands are also not inherently cold all the time, but these do the trick in all kinds of weather in DC. I’ve even worn them snowboarding in Jackson Hole. While certainly warm enough–word to the wise–snow sticks to them like velcro, so keep that in mind. They are quite thick and I’ve worn them in the pouring rain. It takes them quite a while to soak through. Yes, I realize that they make you look like Elmo, but my affinity for fuzz makes me not care. I’ve also taken them to Namibia and Southern Africa, where the temps dip at night. It’s great to have a little something for early morning game drives.
5. Burberry Ear Muffs
It appears they may not be making these right now, which is too bad; they are amazing. First, they are actually stylish. You can get away with these to work as well as for a night out. Second, they are super warm and soft (cashmere!). Third, if you care, they don’t mess up your hair (I seriously care about that so rarely…but I’m sure that’s why earmuffs are a selling point for most people). I have a pair from many years ago (like 10) in a beautiful peacock color. I’ve taken these home to Wyoming for a winter trip, as well as to Vienna, Austria in February. Definitely worth the investment.
Of course I haven’t worn these all at the same time. Me? Nope. Definitely not.
Great tips, especially those boots! They sound so practical being warm and waterproof but also managing to still look quite elegant so you could get by wearing them at different times of day for different purposes -it’s actually not that easy to come by boots that tick all those specs so sounds like they may be well worth their price tag!
Thanks Shikha! Good point–for price per wear, they are definitely a good value.