Earlier this week I put up a picture of the inside of my closet after I cleaned it out. And a couple of you commented that I needed to put bottles in my boots to help them keep their shape.
I’ve kind of known that but it’s fallen in the category of things I’m too lazy to do. But then P told me I absolutely needed to do it or my boots would eventually crack around the ankles. And that would be more than my heart could bear.
I happened to have a couple of two-liter bottles of sparkling water in the kitchen so I grabbed them and put one in each boot. And I felt better about life. I felt organized and efficient.
When Caroline got home from school I told her that Gulley and I had plans to go out to dinner later that night. And so after homework, soccer, and dinner, I said she needed to go ahead and get ready for bed before I left. She went in our bathroom to take a shower and came out a few minutes later, still dressed, and said, “Mama, I need to ask you a question.”
“What is it, baby?”
“I noticed you’re hiding bottles of champagne in your boots. Are you trying to sneak champagne out of the house tonight?”
It was like a flashback to 1988.
Except I’m forty-one. I don’t need to sneak champagne out of the house. And, frankly, I don’t even care for champagne.
I went in and showed her (not that it was any of her nosy business) that they were bottles of sparkling water and explained it was too keep my boots in good shape. She shrugged her little shoulders and skeptically said, “Okay. If you really think that’ll work.”
Like the whole thing was the stupidest thing she’d ever heard of. It made much more sense that I was trying to sneak alcohol out of the house.
Anyway, here are a few cute things this week.
1. Marc New York medal down jacket
I desperately need a new coat this winter. I realize it only gets really cold about five or six days total, but on those days I need a coat. Plus, we have a little trip to New York planned for December and that’s going to require something more than a fleece from Old Navy.
Anyway, I’m worried this one would be perfect for South Texas, but not for New York in December. Can anyone who lives up north tell me what kind of coat I need?
2. betsey johnson ruffle trim anorak
Now this is a cute coat. Or anorak. Whatever.
I actually saw this in Nordstrom. It has gorgeous faux fur lining and is water-repellant. What more could you want?
3. peter pan collar wool-blend coat
Do you remember the movie St. Elmo’s Fire? Remember how Ally Sheedy was Judd Nelson’s girlfriend and she wore a great long wool coat?
It influenced my coat style for many a year. I just thought it was so sophisticated. Even though I’m sure it had enormous shoulder pads because it was the 80s.
I guess that’s why I’m still drawn to this style. I adore it in hot pink.
I like this. The color is good. It would look great with skinny jeans or leggings or maybe even tights and boots.
This scarf is cute, cute, cute. In fact, they have a bunch of great scarfs right now. It’s hard to choose just one.
I really like this leopard print dress. You could wear it with a denim jacket and tall boots. Or you could wear it with a black blazer and heels. It’s very versatile. And I appreciate that in a garment.
7. sailor button sleeveless dress
This dress is so pretty. And it’s a little more interesting than just a basic black dress.
8. john wind madison ave infinity hoop earrings
I’m a big fan of the tortoiseshell jewelry right now. Love these earrings.
Oh this necklace. I need it in my life. If I can ever decide on a color, then I’m totally buying one.
I don’t do well with tops with an empire waist. It’s just not the best look on me. But if I could wear them I’d absolutely buy this top. It would be great with jeans and cowboy boots. Or dressed up with black pants.
And I’d wear it with turquoise earrings because, OF COURSE.
That’s it for today.
Y’all have a great Friday.
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your girl is a hoot!!! saw on pinterest to cut pool noodles to fit length of boots to prevent bending/cracking. might save you from being accused of smuggling champagne!
I just did the pool noodle thing after reading your comment. My boots are thanking you!
I live in Boston and if that coat is true down it will work for New York. You definitely want something long to keep the wind off.
I grew up in Arizona and have lived up north off and on for most of my adult life. I can say with certainty that NO COAT EXISTS THAT WILL KEEP YOU WARM IN NEW YORK.
I live just outside NYC now. December is unpredictable: two years ago, we had about three feet of snow in a week. Or it could be clear and really cold. Or it could be cold and rainy, ugh. If you plan to be out and about and enjoy it, you will need:
Length: coat should at least cover your butt. Preferrably your knees.
Head protection: not only might it be cold, it will likely rain. You can do a hat and umbrella but a hood comes in handy for the quick flip up, keeps your head warm and does less damage to your hairstyle.
Wind proof: all that wind coming off all that water surrounding Manhattan gets funneled down the streets – they make nice wind tunnels, those streets do. Wool is cute (loved Ally Sheedy in St. Elmo’s Fire) but this Arizona girl wants some good wind stoppage, and wool or even the faux fur just says, “welcome, wind, blow right through me and freeze my wearer.” Note, hood also helpful.
Ample pockets: to hold the gloves or mittens you will constantly be taking on and off.
Purse test: need to figure out what and how you will carry your purse. It is a big city, so security first – cute purse is worth nothing if you no longer have it. Also, make sure it zips closed (open topped purses or just open purses are a pickpocket’s dream)
I would check some of the winter sport clothing sites: l.l. Bean has some sort of cute stuff, prana maybe, north face. The ski sites will have short jackets but they might make some cute après ski stuff.
Can’t wait to see what you end up with!
I agree with Jane. I live in CA now but grew up in Ohio and we visited NY a few years ago in December. I bought a gorgeous, heavy coat that I’ll most likely never wear again and it still didn’t keep me warm enough (I’m a bit of a cold weather wimp now
)! My suggestion, buy a coat you love and you can wear in TX and see if you can borrow something warmer for NY. You can buy the scarves, mittens, hat, etc. to accessorize but I’d spend my money on something you’re going to wear more than just your time in NY. Also, it sounds crazy, but if I were going back east again, I’d invest in some silk long undewear (at least the bottom half). Hope you have a fabulous time!!!
Ditto on what Jane says – you need to stop the wind. It goes right through you. I am a hearty New Englander but there is something about the wind that drives me bonkers. It also matters when in December, beginning of the month is usually better than end. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.
Most of all Have a great time.
Oh, to go someone that requires a coat! I’d give just about anything these days for weather that cold!
Love Caroline’s question about your boots. She’s too funny! Don’t think you’ll ever be able to get anything past her!!
That coat should work-it’s long enough for the wind(like all my fellow “northerners” stated), make sure you get a great hat, scarf, and gloves as well. You can always layer underneath with a sweater if its exceptionally cold when you visit. Have fun!!
Oooooooooooooooooh! I LOVE that necklace. LOVE.
I agree with the other Northerners… it should cover the butt at least – rears get cold, too!
And you’ll need hats, scarves, and gloves…. that should do you!!! We love our North Face here in MI… but, for some added style I do like the down coats or the wool longer coats.
Hey, I’m from the North too and I think that coat might work. It is really cute. I love the collar. My recent motto for people who freeze around here is that, “they need to get the right coat” Lands End has serious warm options. http://www.landsend.com/pp/womens-cire-down-coat~244015_59.html
Agree with above PPers– it took me two years after moving to Boston to invest in a great down coat but once I did, I never looked back. There are definitely cute options at Lands End, North Face, One thing that always kills me about NYC in the winter is THE WIND. Once it gets to blowing it whips through the buildings and is just to-the-bone cold. Considering that, longer is always best (you wouldn’t think length but matter but your thighs will be wishing for some warmth, believe me sister!). Layer up with a good scarf, hat, and gloves and you’ll be good to go.
When it’s that cold, it’s all about cute outfits under the coat and pure survival on the outside. Can’t wait to see what you decide on!
Hilarious!!
I moved from College Station to the east coast afive years ago. I never even owned a winter coat prior to the big move. You are going to want to go with a North Face down jacket that comes all the way to the knee. If you go any shorter than that you will freeze. Block the wind! And bring your boots. They will help insulate what is exposed from the knee down.
It is so great that you have this blog to document Carolines cuteness. I wonder how long she stood looking at your boots wondering what the heck you were up to…Too funny!
It’s all about layering. December is a mixed bag in the northeast. Mornings will be incredibly cold, but by lunchtime, it will be warmer, so you will want to shed a layer. Walking around warms you up. A good scarf & mittens (and maybe a hat/headband) are crucial.
I love the silk thermals if the weather dips below 30, because it gives warmth without bulk (also light to pack). The coats that cover your backside are great at stopping the wind.
Have fun!
I’m with Alison. I’m from St. Paul, MN where school is cancelled not b/c of the roads but because your firstborn could freeze to death while waiting for the bus. Silk thermals are key. Cuddl duds (if you can get past the name) will be your new best friend. Super soft and thin but unbelievably warm. I’ve been known to change once inside and toss them in my purse as they will seriously wrap up to the size of your wallet. You won’t want them on inside but can easily pop them back on to walk to your next venue. NYC is fantastic and well worth the wind chill. How fun that you’ll be there in December. Dreamy~
I also agree with Alison. Layers and layers of clothes. If the venue is to warm you can take off a layer. But if you only have “the outfit” on, you could be rather uncomfortable. Silk “long johns” work well in NYC and San Antonio.
I love that Caroline called you out on your mischief. Make a note to self to check her closet in a few years for the same antics.
I am a little concerned though. Most of the garments featured this week looked a little burnt orange in color.
Waiting semi:calmly by the computer for your next entry.
Texas lady here who has little use for winter coats either. Our family has been to NYC in December and last time I ordered long dark brown wool coat from Overstock and was finally warm for once. As stated above, finally had my legs covered and made a difference – at least for me. Although advancing age has “warmed” me up naturally – wink, wink!! My girls though, had to have the cuteness factor. They had brighter coats and did get lots of compliments, so they were happy.
We live in Alabama, but our son lives in NY, so we’ve been there in Dec. The down coat will be perfect, but the key to staying warm while you’re there is layers. Get yourself some Cuddleduds, both the undershirts and long pants. They are thin, wonderfully soft, and will keep you oh so comfy! They fit well under pants, jean, etc., and the undershirts come in crew neck and v neck. You also have a choice in ech syle of long sleeve or sleeveless. Also, have a scarf, hat, gloves, and warm socks. Oh, and you want the coat to be able to block the wind, which that one should. What a fun time to go to NYC – it’s magical in December!
You mention wearing something with a denim jacket. I have been looking for one, but my word – the differences! What should I be looking for in a denim jacket? (I’m in Dallas so using it to actually keep warm is not a requirement)
It is SO cold in NYC in the winter–because of the skyscrapers the sun doesn’t shine the same way it does in Texas and the building lined streets create a wind tunnel. The first time I went to NYC was for New Years several years ago, bring gloves, hat scarves and layer up!
Also, I saw a similar Betsey Johnson jacket at Nordstrom Rack in September however this was in Austin.
Caroline is a riot. She obviously gets it from her mama! Love the pink wool coat!
This made me laugh – she really keeps you on your toes
Happy Friday!
Silly Caroline…you use tupperware to hide alcohol in your closet because no one suspects tupperware. In your clothes closet.
I’ve lived in the Northeast my entire life and finally found a warm coat last year that is perfect! My sister lives in Texas and lord knows your blood is thinner when you live in a warm state. So take it from me, you will need a down coat that goes to your knees! NYC in winter is cold all the time. The wind blows between the buildings with such force that when you reach an intersection, its a good idea to brace yourself. I bought the Northface Womens Metropolis Parka. It reaches to your knees and will keep you toasty warm without having to layer. You’ll still need a scarf and gloves (the coat comes with a removable zipper hood to keep your head warm). Its down filled without being too bulky and very fashionable (I know you’d appreciate that fact). Its definitely pricey but worth every penny! Oh, and don’t forget boots – your feet with thank you.
hey my family will be in NYC in December too…
i’m going to try the bottle in my boots also…thanks for the tip
Amen to Cuddle duds or the Target equivalent. Great lightweight layering piece w/o the bulk. Get long gloves that cover your wrists.
Agree with what others said about a hood, works wonders with the wind.
That scarf is some kind of cute and so are many others on their site!
Instead of bottles I just roll up a good thick magazine and drop it in my boots. That way it will expand to just the right size inside my boots and keep them nice and straight. Plus I keep all my boots on an upper shelf …just my luck the bottle would fall on me when I went to take them down.
Love Caroline’s comments! And I have a wonderful down coat from Land’s End that keeps me warm over my wool pea coat. I live in Boston and it’s the same as NY. Try to get one that covers your bum, it’ll help. And whatcha doing in NY in December? It’s wonderful in the city in December. The lights, just magical.
I don’t mean over as in on top of. I mean more than.
There is a special place in heaven for the designers of Eddie Bauer. All of their products come with a lifetime warranty, and they make tons of fabulous coats. Check out the First Ascent line, coats that are SUPER THIN so you don’t feel like the Michelin Man, but you’ll still be super warm. Lots of Mount Everest hikers swear by First Ascent.
(and that totally sounds like a PR email, but I swear I don’t work for them!)
Hey! It’s really hard actually for people from the North to judge how a coat will work for you, because a lot of us get a little desensitized to the cold. For us, during winter months if it gets to 45, you’ll see a lot of people without coats on.
That being said though, I’ve found layers are best. Like don’t have the heaviest coat possible, because it will annoy you while in buildings and you have to carry it about. You can wear the silk thermals, which will feel cooler than flannel thermals. Then wear a shirt (buttondown, long sleeved tee, short sleeved tee, doesn’t matter). Then a cardigan over it. Wear a decorative scarf so you don’t have to take it off when inside, as that’s annoying to carry around as well. I’ll wear warmer ones in the winter that I can keep wrapped around my face outside. For a Texan I’d recommend either a pair of mittens that fold down with half fingered gloves underneath (P can probably find you some at the stores he frequents haha). You can also use arm warmers with gloves over.
The thing to remember is a lot of places overcompensate with heat and others undercompensate, so you’ll be changing temps everywhere you go.
I’m in Nebraska and one winter where I was working they kept really hot. So it’d be like 10 degrees outside and I’d be inside in short sleeves sweating.
However, the other day I was at a place (I temp now) where it was freezing, but was 50 degrees outside.
LAYERS. At least one shirt, with a sweater, cardigan or hoodie that’s easy to remove under. Scarf. Gloves (you can also put a pair of gloves under mittens when really cold). Have a hood on your coat. The problem with hats is what they do to your hair. You can get the silk thermals for under your pants, but I’ve found I prefer tights under pants. or leggings.
Heavens, that child is a trip!!!
I love everything you featured on here today.
Have a wonderful weekend!
I love the Marc New York Medal Down Jacket. That will keep you warm for fall. Your kid is awesome! What’s she already thinking about?!?! Keep an eye on that one! Ha!
The hot-pink jacket is spectacular, too. Wool=warmth
Can I say that I think it’s great that you didn’t apologize for not posting anything yesterday? Cuz it’s fine…if you don’t post everyday. Tho, we do miss ya–but we live.
Lived in Upstate NY for 6 years. That coat would be fine (as long as down or down blend). The real key like others have said is layers. Do not leave the hotel without gloves, scarf and either hat or earmuffs. I go for earmuffs as my hair does not recover from hats, but if it is very cold or snowing (and YES, you want snow!!!), a hat is a must. Long johns or cuddleduds are great. Or just borrow some ski wear from a friend. If very cold, I would wear my thermasilk as a base layer, sweater, jeans and then coat. And boots!! Uggs are fantastic. And there are great comfy warm socks out there now. Do not forget chapstick!! Your lips will not be used to the wind or the temp change. Also, lots of lotion. Being in the heat (the artificial kind) your skin will dry up like a molten rattlesnake skin. Let me know when you are going! I can give you some good tips!!
You can get a good last season version of Columbia or North Face jacket on sale right now at places like Dick’s. I have a Columbia jacket that keeps me really warm. Add a scarf, gloves, hat, and tights under your jeans and you’ll stay warm.
From a southern girl living in Kansas City.
Love that last blouse. Love everything, but I really need that blouse.
she is so funny!
A down coat is the way to go. I was in New York 5 years ago in winter (been back since in summer) and the wind chill was below zero. We rode around in the top of a tour bus. Just delightful. My husband and I took a picture of ourselves — all you can see are my eyes. Scarf, hat, gloves, thick socks, down coat — nothing will keep you warm when it feels like its below zero. May you have better luck than me:)
I know next to nothing about NYC, but I will pass on the piece of fashion advice I gleaned from our 10th anniversary trip to the city one December.
EVERY SINGLE NEW YORKER wears a black coat. Never have I felt so naive as when my husband and I rode on the subway, two little spots of color in our blue/yellow Columbia jackets. It was like we wore flashing neon signs, “Hello! We live in a place that doesn’t even have buses, let alone a subway! We wouldn’t recognize fashion if it came up to us with a name tag and a formal introduction!”
I live in Indiana and it can get pretty cold here in the winter. I jsut bought one of the long swing coats from LL Bean/Sears. It is a dark purple and I think that I am going to be really happy with it.