My Top 10 Winter Fashion Steals & Splurges
By: Danielle DeSantis
Winter is generally a rough season for us ladies. Our legs and armpits are hairy, a shower is often daunting because getting out means freezing for a few minutes (someone get me a towel heater for Christmas next year, thx), and we're eating so many cookies and carbs that wearing anything other than sweatpants seems difficult and unnatural. NYC girls, I know you feel me more than ever since we’ve been living the single-digits life for what feels like an eternity. But don’t worry. I’m here to help you be warm and still feel cute, despite the overwhelming temptation to hibernate and just be one with your extra layer of winter fluff.
STEALS (UNDER $100)
Forever 21 Diamond Mesh Tights $4.83
Tights are everything to me in the winter. You can literally throw anything over them (a tunic, a long sweater, a sweater dress, a garbage bag) and still look put together and chic. Black sheers slim your legs, (especially in photos) and patterned ones are an affordable way to make it seem like you own lots of cool different bottoms. Booties, boots, and heels all slip on your feet nicely when you have tights down there. I usually buy them in bulk when I see them for a good price at Forever 21, Nordstrom Rack, Century 21, Urban Outfitters, etc. But more often than not, (and especially if I'm in a hurry) they come from Duane Reade or Walgreens. Shoutout to pharmacies for always having size smalls in stock.
Free People Apres Ski Faux Fur Earmuffs $19.95
Just bought these in the dandelion color and now I'm mad at myself for not buying them in EVERY color. They are adorable and they make me happy.
Zara Pompom Sweater $39.99
One of my new favorite sweaters. Pair with jeans, your favorite scarf, some booties, and you're good to go. It's so warm, adorable, quirky and goes great with literally every scarf in my collection because of all the fun colors throughout.
Urban Outfitters Faux Fur Pocket Scarf $44
My brother, Bryan got me this scarf as a Christmas gift. Not only is it gorgeous and vibrant af but it's SO WARM and fluffy. It will help on those days where the air hurts your face.
Steve Madden Editor Boots $79.95
I usually put all my flats away in the winter (aside from my Ugg slippers) because walking around the city streets dodging all the dirty snow is just easier that way. Plus my winter body is chubbier than my summer body so it needs heels for the "slimming effect." I love these so much that I now have them in all three colors, black, white, and red. They're practical, stylish, flattering on the foot, and extremely comfortable. Now on sale, too!
SPLURGES (over $100)
ASOS Miss Selfridge Faux Fur Coat in Pink $125
If you couldn't tell, this year my motto is "faux fur everything." Why? Because it looks cute and not everyone has a grandma to pass down her 1940's vintage leaks with fox trim fur (sorry, @peta). In my defense, I'm never going to buy a real fur in my lifetime because I don't want to support the future killing of animals. But if my grandma (bless her heart) wants to give me her fur, that animal is already long gone and so might my granny be one day so I'm going to cherish that shit. But back to the faux stuff. It's generally affordable, and no one's going to throw paint on you when you wear it. Great. This pink one from ASOS.com is one of my favorite purchases this year. I wore it on my birthday and felt like a fluffy princess.
Ted Baker Jullian Round Faux Fur Gloves in Gray $159
These gloves are so gorgeous. They're leather with faux fur trim and they make me feel chic and elegant. In the winter, you hardly see anyone's outfits so in my opinion, when splurging, it pays to focus on accessories.
Sorel Women's Tofino Boot in Curry, Fawn $170
My feet are toasty and warm for the long haul in these waterproof boots topped with faux fur. They're my favorite thing to put on before I go outside to make snow angels or if I have to trudge through a fresh 6 inches of powder to get to the store. I've tried many snow boots. These have never let my toes go frozen and they look cute paired with almost any casual outfit.
Canada Goose Shelburne Parka $925.00
This. Jacket. Is. Everything. People on Instagram get mad at me all the time when I tag my Canada Goose in photos because apparently the company has been cruel to animals :( so I would just like to say as a disclaimer that I was not aware of that when I bought my jacket and I can’t stop wearing it now because it’s the warmest jacket I’ve ever owned. For my next jacket, I’ll do some research and look into an animal friendly situation and be all PC about it but for now I’m very sorry again, @peta and to whoever sacrificed their life for my warmth and the warmth of others.
christian louboutin belle embellished red sole bootie $995
Louis got me these stunners for Christmas and they have quickly become my staple dressy shoe of the season. They look perfect with a dress and tights, a velvet jumpsuit, and even under jeans. Louboutins are infamous for being uncomfortable, but these are the most comfortable ones (and arguably prettiest) I've ever owned.
There you have it. A list of my current favorite winter purchases from steal-iest to splurge-iest. Yes, I made those words up.
Let me know if you need more information on any of these items! They all have my seal of approval.
Stay Warm!
With Love,
Dani