I know what you’re thinking: How could I possibly need “winter” clothes when I live in Southern California? The answer is simple: I’m cold pretty much all the time. So when the temperature drops below about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, I’m not heading outside unless I’m armed with some seriously warm clothing.
In choosing my key pieces, I’ve heeded the advice shared by my friend Kari last year in her guest post about gearing up for snow play. What’s good for the kids is good for the parents. To that end, I dress in layers and invest money in the items I’ll use the most.
I thought it only right to share some of my favorite finds of the season with all of you.
Hat
This little ditty by pistil is perfect for the cool, blustery Los Angeles winters. The clover’s exterior is made of acrylic and the interior of the hat has a microfleece lining that eliminates that horrid itching problem I always seem to have with hats. Plus, it’s kind of adorable, no? I’ve had more compliments wearing this hat that any other in the past.
Where to buy: Check pistil’s store locator for a retailer near you
Cost: Less than $30
Jacket
The folks from Columbia Sportswear Company recently asked me to field test the Mighty Lite Jacket, which features the latest in Omni-Heat technology. I had no idea it would turn out to be my go-to jacket for the season (and probably longer).
First, the features. The Omni-Heat thermal insulation works. For reals, people! Even I’m warm when I wear this thing (remember, me – the one who’s always cold?)! It kept me comfy in temperatures as low as the mid-40s, when a fleece middle layer was definitely in order.
The jacket is lightweight but still manages to supply big heat. Less bulk means you’re comfortable enough to play with your kids – on the beach, on the bike and on the trail! I’m also a fan of the zip-closed pockets, which the big explorer is always filling with his treasures from nature. Bonus points for a very flattering, baffled design that just fits right. This is one of the first pieces of outwear that I have truly felt looked as great as it performs.
The one bummer is that this jacket is intended for use in light rain but comes sans hood. Hmmm.
Where to buy: Columbia.com
Cost: Retails for $85
Shoes
I’ve tried wearing traditional rubber rain boots and just don’t like them. And since it doesn’t rain that many days out of the year, I found I just wasn’t using the pair I purchased last spring enough.
This fall, I opted to go for a shoe I thought might be useful for activities other than just the rain. Enter the Snow Trekker Shoe from Lands’ End. This water-resistant shoe turned out to be all I was looking for and more. (It also comes in a boot for those of you who prefer more coverage.)
Not only do the shoes keep my feet plenty warm and dry in wet weather, they also worked wonders when we ventured into the snow last fall in Yosemite. Bonus? The shoes are super comfortable. I kinda like the girlie quilting, too. (If you’ve got wide feet beware. The pull-on style of this shoe may require use of a shoehorn.)
The Snow Trekker shoe currently has limited availability (certain sizes and colors only), but the lovely people at Lands’ End assure me that another similar snow shoe is available at the beginning of every snow season.
Where to buy: Landsend.com or call (800) 800-5800
Cost: On sale for $24.99; boot is $28.99
4 More Winter Faves
There are a few more key items in my winter wardrobe worth mentioning:
- Scarf: Pistil (the folks that make my new fave hat) also makes a fantastic scarf. It’s the warmest & softest I’ve ever had.
- Sunglasses: I wear mine most days, even in the winter. (I buy them cheap, though, because I’m also prone to losing them …)
- Socks: I truly cannot get through the season without my favorite warm socks from smartwool. Not cheap, but worth every penny. Trust me on this one.
- Sunscreen: Yes, even in the winter, people.
Note: I received a free jacket for review from Columbia, but you can be sure I’ve shared my honest opinion of the product here. Everything else described above was purchased by yours truly. I encourage you to read my full disclosure policy for more information.
Debi says
@Nicole: I'm pretty convinced Land's End is the place to start for reasonably priced cool/wet weather footwear.<br /><br />@Abbie: I know, I know, I'm a total wimp when it comes to cold weather. I could never live anywhere else, huh?<br /><br />@Bridget: Lands End is a great place to browse, even if this shoe's not the one for you …<br /><br />@Alison: I would love to read your
Alison Kerr says
Great idea for a post Debi. I should write about gardening clothes. I do think your hat is cute!
Bridget Smith says
Wonder if those boots come in narrow…very tempting 🙂
Abbie says
LOVE your choices. But you are adorable that you need those clothes for 60 degree weather! <br />I suppose it is all about perspective and what your body is use to though. <br />Those shoes are great!
Arrows Sent Forth says
I have snow boots from Lands End (they come up a little higher than your boots, and they're about $50) and they are the only reason I leave the house in the winter… I love them! My feet are always warm and dry, despite the 6 inches of snow outside my house right now.<br /><br />Super cute hat. That's totally going on my "gift" list!