Good afternoon, Thursday. Today is just too cold for words and one has to have a ninja like attitude of mind over matter to survive it. That and a coat that weights several hundred pounds, a hat to cover the ears, some warm socks and boots, and a scarf. It's insane. The layers, the chapped skin, the dryness of going from cold outside to hot inside. I'm cool with cold weather, but this is some intense vortexy bullshit. I knew we were f'ed when Pat Kiernan referred to Monday's heatwave as a "balmy 33 degrees". Merde.
So I received a question for some style advice from none other than my sister who was packing for a ski vacation and needed some tips on what to pack. She's on her way back home but perhaps I can help a few of you facing the same dilemna. Let's discuss.
She said:
Dear Maven,
Asking me what to pack to ski is like asking my mom to send a text message- I don't know how. Though I surely have a fantasy view of an ideal ski trip, one spent indoors admiring all the action, warm, and stylish. And dry.
Reason being is I don't ski- never have. But what I do very, very well is sit by a fire, curled up with a book or a stack of magazines, and a bevy of beverages, ranging from hot cocoa to hot tea to a hot toddy. I can very much picture myself doing the whole apres moment, though for me, the term apres does not apply because there would simply be no "after", because I would probably not even make it outside. The thought of speeding down an ice mountain in freezing cold temperatures and risking a head injury or a broken something is just not my trip . So I've taken the question and answered it to the best of my ability, to interpret a ski vacation as something less active and more reclined. Here are my picks for a packing list for sitting by the fire and keeping it cool by staying very warm- maybe more than you need, but these are just some ideas for basics that will take you everywhere, or nowhere at all. I suspect there'd be much sleeping in on my ski trip, in a lovely bed like the pic above. See I know nothing about an active type vacation. I'm such the slug. Anyway, here's some thoughts on how to look stylish on a ski vacay:
1. The fisherman sweater- a classic. I love the idea of all white and ivory to accompany a snowy afternoon. Do it oversized but not too baggy. I love this modern version with the fuzziness by Stella McCartney. Great.
2. Dos vests. One fringed. One faux fur. I super love the idea of boho apres vibes. Bear with me- think of the suede vest with a black skinny turtleneck and flared jeans. Fabulous. And the fur vest thing is a staple and that's that. I don't go anywhere in winter without one or three. Next.
3. Black turtleneck. I always love the simple versions from Three Dots, or Michael Stars,and bonus points for wearing a ribbed version like the one on the gorgeous Jackie O. Layer this under everything on the trip and wear it with the fur vest or the suede fringed one. Perfect. Michael Stars makes a great one as does everyone from American Apparel to Ralph Lauren.
4. A wide leg dark jean. A skinny jean. A white jean. A leather legging. Yes, that's a lot. I know. But a girl needs options. Oh, and it's a given a good heavyweight legging in cotton or cashmere is a must for days when you need a little more room to breath. Plus, they are somewhat sporty and ski like, so if you are a poseur like me, you can fit right in.
5. A flannel button down and a denim shirt. Must haves. Perfect with all the pant options and great layering pieces under a cardigan.
6. A great sweatshirt in black or grey. (Or both)- I love the Rag and Bone more dressed up version- it's great.
7. Gold jewelry and/or some good bold costume pieces- always love a good costume bit by C. Wonder- so good.
8. A classic motorcycle boot and a moccasin. The motorcycle boots are Rag and Bone classics, the moc is from an assortment found on Free People.
9. A vintage looking tee. Come on. You know I always bring one wherever I go. This one is from Zoe Karssen, a favorite of mine.
10. A cashmere beanie. Go for a bright hot pink one if you're feelin' it.
11. A great casual tote for carrying stacks of books, an I Pad and mags from your room to the lodge. Commuting's tough.
12. A Fair Isle sweater. Gotta have. Love it. Make it more contemporary and less Christmas card by going bright. These lovelies come from J. Crew.
13. Silk pajamas. Just because. I'm on vacation, I like something a little bit luxe. Shoot me. Love these from Sleepy Jones.
14. A cape. Just to throw on. Love this one from Wayne.
15. A long draped cardigan. Like the ones from Vince. Cozy city. Bonus points if you incorporate the pajama top underneath.
That's probably what I'd bring on a ski adventure that involves very little ski time. You'll notice I omitted heavy coats and scarves- you will no doubt need those but on my fantasy ski trip, we merely admire the outdoors and perhaps take a sled ride or two, but nothing too intense. I'm on vacation, remember? And that's what's up this ask the maven (about something she knows very little) kind of Thursday in the slopes of midtown Manhattan. Yours, in apres ski all day long. XO