Pick Six: Polar Vortex Edition

Are you cold?  I’m cold.  Despite growing up in the great state of Montana, I have never adjusted to the cold.  My Mother’s Southern genes created a weakness within my DNA that makes me unsuited to snowy weather and sub-freezing temperatures.  But alas, there is no escaping it.  No other choice but to drape myself in wool and hunker down until the spring.

The worst part about December is that all of the quality television shows have retired until the New Year, so you’re forced to watch shows you would never, ever consider watching before, like Designated Survivor.  (K hates watching it with me.  I can’t help it, the show is full of some really ridiculous plot holes, and don’t get me started on the D.C. basics it gets wrong.)  But while it may be a terrible show, the outerwear choices are utterly sublime.

This Ted Baker Knee-Length Aurore Coat in Camel comes in at $549. Or you can do what I did and pick it up from Selfridge’s in the UK for $315 (not including import duties and shipping).  And if you’re good on full-length coats, do check out the shorter hot pink Elethea coat ($449) in the same style.  It’s got so much sass.

I need a new pair of dress gloves.  I have no idea what became of mine, and my fingers are freezing.  This faux-fur pom-adorned Banana Republic pair ($88) caught my eye.  But I think I need a pair that allow me to use my smartphone, so maybe these Ralph Lauren two-tone gloves ($52) or these Charter Club cashmere-lined gloves ($53) are a better choice.

I love hot cocoa, not because of the chocolate, but because of the marshmallows.  I like to lightly char the edges with my brûlée torch (great gift idea) to enhance the flavor, but cocoa with marshmallows, for me, is the flavor of the holidays.  These Snowflake Marshmallows ($10) caught my eye.   But if you want to do something really special, or you can make your own and cut them into any shape you like.

How hot is this fringe-tweed jacket from Ann Taylor ($179)?  I love, love the trim.  I’d pair it with their Devin wool trousers in ivory and coordinating ivory blouse for a monochromatic look ala Olivia Pope.  And remember, when wearing ivory, a pair of pearl earrings and an updo brings an ethereal, elegant quality to the look.

K travels a lot for work, and when he’s gone, the snow shoveling duties fall upon yours truly.  It’s a great workout, but halfway through the driveway, my toes turn into ice cubes even with my Sorel boots on.  Which is the perfect reason to treat myself to a bath (or at least a de-frosting foot soak) using Laura Mercier’s Creme Brûlée Honey Bath ($45).

For many of us, traveling for the holidays means long plane and train rides.  I stay cozy on the plane with a warm wrap, and this year, my favorite travel item is on-trend for winter.  This Rag & Bone Double Faced Wrap ($425) is a classic.   For something more affordable, this Echo Boucle Cape ($59) is a nice option.  I also like this Madewell Cape Scarf ($80) in tonal stripe with pockets.  Just want a simple scarf?  This Ann Taylor Blanket Scarf ($59) is a great option.