Urban Winter Survival Gear

It just so happens that I have finally discovered my winter all stars before one of the worst winters the northeast has ever experienced. After testing them out, I'm very pleased to say that I am warm and toasty no matter what Mother Nature throws at me.

1. Canada Goose Mystique Parka (http://www.canada-goose.com/): I have gone through nearly 10 full-length down coats from Land's End through Patagonia. They were only warm when sitting in a car - heaven forbid there was any wind. It was the Patagonia Down With It Parka that pushed me over the edge. For all the good reviews and the price, I was sure this coat would be the one. Not even close. I returned it the next day. M and I went to Hudson Trail Outfitters and had an amazing salesperson that agreed that down coats were pretty much just for fashion and that the key to staying warm is a windproof shell. Canada Goose combines a down layer (with a second layer to make sure you aren't covered in feathers like the Land's End Commuter coat) with a completely wind and rain proof outer shell. The deep outer pockets are at the perfect position and lined with snuggly fleece. The sleeves are ribbed at the wrist so there is no chance any wind comes up the arms. The other great thing is that the hood is perfectly constructed and stays on your head regardless of the winds whipping around you. Canada Goose is renown for creating outerware to survive the Arctic. Rebecca Romjin Stamos requested a coat be made for her during the filming of X-men. The Mystique Parka is what they created and it will keep me warm and snuggly for years to come.

2. UGGs/ La Canadienne/ Merrell: There is nothing worse than cold, wet feet and shoes ruined by salt and puddles. UGGs saved my life during my long commutes from NJ to midtown (I would change into flats that I kept in my cube). They are so warm and comfortable and if you treat them with a water-resistant spray and you don't go puddle jumping, they'll keep your feet dry as well. For those of you who just can't succumb to wearing UGGs, I adore my La Canadienne and Merrell boots. My rule for precipitation is skirt and La Canadienne boots because pants always get wet. Again, the Canadians know how to survive winters. La Canadiennes are waterproof, insulated, comfortable and pretty cute. Another plus for me is that they are the right shaft height and circumference for my bird legs (they come in a wide range of heights and circumferences). For days that I wear pants, I really like my new Merrell Tetra Catch waterproof booties. They are as comfortable as sneakers and insulated.

3. Northface gloves and hat: To me, Northface creates more "fashion" wear than clothes to actually survive a winter but their accessories are not bad. My Northface knit cap is perfectly shaped and has a layer of fleece around the edge. My gloves are fleece and yet surprisingly windproof.

4. Hot Chilly's/ Plush Tights/ Silk Baselayers: I didn't know about baselayers until I decided to learn how to snowboard. For snowboarding and staying warm on the weekends, I rely on Hot Chilly's baselayers (http://www.hotchillys.com/). They come in a range of warmth levels and are cut really well for women (I find most baselayer pants come up past my belly). Silk baselayers work very well under work clothes and aren't too hot when you are working inside (http://www.wintersilks.com/). And for those skirt days, I LOVE the fleece lined tights by Plush!

System: Shoes

This will sound like heresy but truthfully, you only really need 6 pairs of shoes. I've come to this realization because despite a closet and attic full of shoes, I really only wear a few. I made a decision early on to: (1) wear flats (so all pants are hemmed for flats), (2) no brown in my wardrobe (so no brown shoes, belts, bags, etc.), (3) comfort AND cuteness.

I keep 2 pairs of shoes at work: a black and a bronze (metallics are great neutrals) pair of pointy toe JCrew flats with skinny buckles. They are simple enough to go with everything and have a little bit of detail to be interesting. Black pair for black outfits and bronze pair for lighter/ white outfits.

In the summers I wear Fit Flops everywhere (see Fit Flop) and in the fall/winter, my UGGs. I know, I know, L started it! We went to Short Hills and she got a pair and I HAD to have a pair that very day. I went home and started feverishly looking for a tall black pair - impossible to find! Then, at 9:45 PM, I found them at Campmor, called to reserve them, threw my sister in the car (D: A, you are crazy! you are so crazy!), and drove like Nascar to pick them up before the store closed at 10 PM. They changed my life. Never again will I have cold feet. I got the spray so they are also water resistant. And I think they are cute. I wear them all the time. D: It is spring, it is hot, you cannot wear your UGGs anymore. I admit, I wore them once to a party and nearly overheated to death.

For those of you who just cannot stand UGGs, I highly recommend any boots by La Canadienne or Aquatalia. Cute, comfortable (memory foam sole!), and waterproof. If I have to go without my UGGs, my Canadienne Lilis are hot enough to commute through a snowstorm, wear all day at work, and go out for drinks. And they won't get all messed up from salt and yuckiness. I like wearing them with fancy tights/ fishnets. Boots are a fall/ winter must but fit is really important. I can't stand pirate boots! Gar! I'm short with skinny legs so I have a very hard time. La Canadienne Lili has a shorter shaft at 13 inches (yes, SHAFT, there I said it). I like boots to hit right at the fattest, roundest, part of the calf and not over. Most boots are 15-16 inches which is practically over my knees (which is a good look for class but not everyday).

Sneakers, of course (I got fitted at Jack Rabbit Sports - not pronated baby!), and evening shoes. I have a "wedding dress" that I wear to all weddings and fancy occasions. I didn't know it when I bought it from a little boutique on Bleeker St. but it's the pink dress that was in "Mean Girls." I got these adorable patent leather peep toe flats with grosgrain bow from Barneys. Fantastic for all fancy events.

I will say, activity shoes throw a big wrench into this system. I have rock climbing shoes, snowboarding boots, water shoes (my very lesbian Tevas), stripping shoes, travel shoes...