Cold weather necessities

This time of year, I don’t leave the house without slathering on a rich, creamy moisturizer and swathing myself in as many layers of shearling and wool as humanly possible. Here are a few of my essentials:

1. American Apparel knit thigh high socks

I used to wear long john bottoms in the winter, but was always put off that they encouraged excessive, um, perspiration in certain areas. You know what I mean. These long knit socks provide all the warmth without the crotch sweat.

2. Miss Jessie’s Baby Buttercreme

The lack of moisture in the air this time of year means I need something to put the water back in my already-dry hair. I use this creamy, minty-smelling moisturizer on my ends every night before bed.

3. Wool jamawar shawl

There are three things that prevent me from getting sick more often: orange juice, vitamins, and covering my neck. If it’s cold and my neck is uncovered for more than 10 minutes, I’m sick, no questions asked. I bought this Indian jamawar shawl a few years ago, and it is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. It’s beautiful, it’s warm, it functions as a blanket on plane trips, a pillow on long car rides, and a fabulous scarf/wrap/blanket all in one.

Me and my jama through the years *cue montage music*

I got mine from Pashmina Golden, but I noticed a lot of pretty options at Arte Nouvelle when i stopped by during Style Tour.

4. Diorshow Blackout waterproof mascara

Trudging through knee-high snow drifts bundled up in 237 layers of clothing is not exactly the height of glamour. A touch of dramatic mascara means at least your eyes sparkle.

5. Voluspa Burmese Rosewood candle

I like to come in from the cold to a fragrant home. This is a warm, woody scent with a hint of sweetness–perfect for cold nights.

6. Ugg Earmuffs

Even with the ‘fro, my ears need to be covered or they get so cold they hurt. Weirdly enough, it’s usually one ear or the other, but shearling keeps them both warm and protects my iPod earbuds from coming out when I’m walking.

7. Shearling-lined mittens

Fingers and toes are the first to get cold, and mittens are infinitely warmer than gloves. Yes, it’s impossible to Tweet while wearing mittens, but if that’s your main concern, there’s a larger issue at stake here.

8. Shearling insoles

Have you noticed a theme with the shearling? I walk a lot, so frozen toes = transportation fail. I decided not to buy a pair of Ugg(lies) and instead got several pairs of insoles (much cheaper) that can be transferred from shoe to shoe as needed.

9. Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 and Creme de Corps

Both are simple, non-smelly, and extremely effective at keeping the ashies away. Brilliant.

Do you have any cold-weather secret weapons? I could always be warmer…