Finally it’s cold outside. We went through most of December with barely a reason to pop on a bobble hat, at least in the South, sorry to the Northern readers, I’m sure you’ve been bundled up nicely by the fireside for quite some time now. I was going to do post about New Years Eve, but it’s never been a night I’m massively keen on. I quite like to be in bed well before midnight, so staying up and having enforced joviality past that time does not come naturally. Anyway, I don’t need to give you any ideas as to what to wear for that, just wear what you wore to your works Christmas Do, no-one will know.
Luckily this New Years Eve I will be at a football match (come on you Bees!) because my youngest son, a.k.a ‘Jogger Boy’ (currently he will only wear jogging bottoms, he is the embodiment of ‘sports casual’) is doing the ‘guard of honour’ on the pitch that night. It’s not as exciting as it sounds, he just stands there and waves a flag around for a bit with a bunch of other small boys, but it is super exciting for him and it means I will have to seriously dress up WARM as opposed to a spangly dress.
I’ve banged on about Uniqlo Heat-Tech Thermals many times in the past, I will say again, get them. Get them now. I’ve also come up with a few other essentials to keep you from freezing your arse off over the coming weeks. I have tried to pick mostly items that are on sale, I know, I am the gift that just keeps on giving…
THE CARDIGAN
Let’s start with the much maligned cardigan. We all need a cardi, it’s an easy extra layer of warmth to any outfit, it’s helpful over dresses and super toasty when layered over polo necks. If you are going to get one, don’t just get any old cardi, get an Isabel Marant Cardi, the height of Granny-chic…
1. Etoile Isabel Marant Cardigan — Was £320, now £224
2. Warehouse Turtle Neck — Was £42, now £20
3. Mango Wool Blend Trouser — Were £59.99, now £39.99
4. Warehouse Boucle Coat — Was £175, now £95
5. Dune Gold Brogues — were £115, now £80
THE CHUNKY KNIT JUMPER
A chunky jumper can be tricky as it bulks you up somewhat, but still a winter essential. Try it with a less chunky jacket and some flappy trousers. If it’s super cold wear your 100 deniers under the culottes for extra warmth…
1. & Other Stories Chunky Knit Jumper — was £69, now £48
2. Warehouse Shearling Collar Denim Jacket — Was £99, now £50
3. & Other Strories Wool Culottes — £65
4. Ted Baker Faux Fur Scarf — Was £99, now £59
5. Claudie Pierlot Brogues — Were £260, now £182
THE PARKA
I did an entire post a while about about the joys of Parka. If, like me you have to spend time outside on the sidelines of a pitch, or if, unlike me, you have an animal that needs walking outside on a daily basis, then you definitely need a parka, ideally one with a hood that is vaguely waterproof. Add some colour with a jazzy scarf and hat and some loud jeans (these Marc Jacobs ones are an extra 30% off sale price right now on the Outnet)
1. Mango Faux Fur Padded Parka — was £89.99, now £59.99
2. Miss Pom Pom Bobble Hat — £24
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Jeans — Were £370, now £129 (plus extra 30% off)
4. Miss Pom Pom Revesible Scarf — £35
5. Sandro Flatform Trainers — Were £229, now £160
THE SENSIBLE CHUNKY BOOT
This is also a must for outdoor wear. Ideally lined in some kind of soft furry fabric, but if not, then big enough to accommodate a nice thermal sock. Also a sole that gives a bit of grip so you don’t go arse over tit on the ice (should there be any), Sorry, these Ganni ones are are not on sale but I heart them! Best worn with Skinny Jeans…
1. Iris and Ink Chunky Jumper — was £185, now £92.50
2. Top Shop Pom Pom Hat — £14
3. Stradivarius Parka Bomber Jacket, was £49.99, now £39.99
4. J Brand Skinny Jeans — were £170, now £85
5. Ganni Mira Quilted Leather Boots — £245
THE OVERCOAT
When I say overcoat, I mean it in the traditional sense, a coat that is meant to be worn over another jacket. Buy a roomy coat, and buy it in a size larger than normal, then you can sling your denim jacket or khaki ‘shacket’ on underneath to give you that most-needed extra layer of warmth. If you don’t own a denim jacket then shame on you, get one from Mango they do really good ones and they are all on sale…
1. Mango Medium Denim Jacket — Was £35.99, now £19.99
2. M&S Archive by Alexa Ellerby Coat — Was £125, now £86
3. M&S Archive by Alexa Wellington Sweater — was £35, now £22
4. Top Shop Mensy Trousers — Were £42, now £28
5. Nike Blazer Hi Tops — Were £69.99, now £36
That’s all for now. To combat the cold weather, I shall be dreaming of a summer holiday. Any good suggestions as to where a family of 4 can go, in Europe, that’s hot, has interesting things to see, good food, and doesn’t cost the earth. Please let me know!
K x
