#12: winter accessory thoughts (for when a toque just won't cut it)
Hi! Happy freezing! Merry snow! Truly ‘tis the season where we regret our furless state, heading out into the winter chill like bald, blinking babies. Sure, a quick toque/mitt/scarf combo could solve it, but a long winter of the same combo can get old & quick. Below are a few thoughts for alt winter accessories to spice up your winter ‘fits. (Did I funnel a deep, reckless desire to spend my life savings on Boxing Day into putting together this list for you? Perhaps. And I thank you for it.)
For your noggin
*This twist on a ushanka, a traditional Russian fur hat, gives great structure & a bit of jazz to your winter coat. Plus: the Russians know how to do warmth! Grasser no. 879 seems like a great pattern.
*The babushka scarf warms the head surprisingly efficiently, cuts the wind well and can be layered into a scarf or turtleneck for extra protection (as seen here!). Any ol’ silk or vintage polyester version should do. Photographed by Acielle / Style du Monde
*As per my IG feed, this seems to be the Season of the Balaclava, and I’m all the way on board! I’m partial to this Petite Knit pattern, but also love this Grasser version if you prefer to sew. (And please! For the love of Father Christmas! Someone needs to knit up one of these ‘head huggers’ immediately. )
*A beret instantly turns a grey grocery store trek into a casual jaunt to the Christmas Market for baguettes and soft cheese. Gagging for this vintage pattern, but I always have excellent luck finding vintage berets in great condition at the thrift.
*Nothing is more practical than a quilted hood, especially if you live in a climate where winter brings snow + rain or snow + wind. This Grasser pattern is high on my list, and would be great sewn up in a waterproof fabric.
*On the flipside, if you are (one of the lucky ones!) who gets snow + blinding sun, this wool pith helmet is ideal. This one is from Eugene Choo in Vancouver.
For your mitts
*Wildly impractical and endlessly chic, a faux fur muff will keep your hands surprisingly warm (skin to skin contact!) and have you in a constant panic every time you accidentally leave it in a washroom or under your table. Sewing one would be as simple as assembling a big lined tube (or keep an eye out for them at vintage stores!). Photo via wwd.com
*This is a great opportunity for a pop of texture, especially if the rest of your outfit is unitextural (as wool-on-wool-on-wool winter outfits tend to be!). I’m a big fan of brightly coloured, oven-mit-sized gloves, a shearling pair with big fluffy cuffs, or a sultry, slouchy leather pair from the thrift.
Protect your neck
*Another surprisingly warm pick, a pleather (or other glossy fabric) kerchief brings that nice sleek texture to your wools and cottons, and cuts the wind well. The top photo is an older one from Tibi that I did a take on by tracing off a triangle scarf and adding two ties & two D-rings to.
*Excellent for incognito mode, I’m ever a fan of an oversized quilted keyhole scarf for playing with outsized proportions. Been dying to make this Purl Soho version (or try the same in a shaggy faux fur remnant!).
*While this is an old Poshmark save (originally from COS), a dress + unloseable scarf would be a super-easy sewing hack – just grow the scarf on via your neckline band!
Toasty toes (& upper thighs)
*More of a styling suggestion, I love a super tall boot with jeans tucked in or a long skirt over top. No way for wind to whisper its way up there, and allows you to hide a great pair of warm-but-grungy long underwear or wool leggings. Photos via Acielle/Style du Monde and Gisele Magazine.
*If you have the luck to live in a dry winter climate sans precipitation, a slipper-as-shoe never fails to zhush up a casual outfit and add a bit of warmth (especially if worn with socks/tights). These are Tibi Alfies, but I’ve had good luck with my “fur mules” saved search on eBay as well.
*Unexpected texture at your toes is always a treat. A metallic sock, lacy sock or one with an unexpected pattern gives a little visual frisson to those who put in the effort to really check you out from head to toe! These are the Patchwork Chunky Crew from Hansel from Basel, but I am VERY into this pattern and this one for a similar effect.
Thank you so much for sticking around for a whole 12 months! I know inbox space is at a high premium, so I don't take your eyeballs and your attention lightly. This newsletter is and will remain free, but if you'd like to show your support you can buy me a coffee, hit ‘membership’ for a standing coffee date or share on social (with infinite & celestial thanks from me!).