Lost in a Spotless Mind

Yesterday I got this text from Maja: “Polyvore challenge for you! Help, help, it’s hellishly cold outside and all I want to do is to wear my duvet and cinch it in with a belt and go about my business! How do I keep my toes warm while retaining my fashion cred? ” Challenge accepted. Darlings, this is for all of you who have to survive in less than -10 C, but want to do it stylishly.

All collages were made by me using Polyvore, and are clickable

First, you will need a good coat or jacket. For such rather extreme cold weather, I prefer coats – and the longer the better. Checking the tag to see what the garment is made of is essential. We want wool, and anything less than 70% of it simply won’t do. The bad news are that wool outerwear tends to be pricey. The good news are that vintage and thrift stores usually have plenty, and usually at a more affordable price than ordinary shops. When I was in Harstad this Christmas I found a fantastic floor length coat, 70% wool, for 20,- NOK (that’s about $ 3,5!).

To avoid looking like Hufsa, a belt is the easiest quick fix for a more human silhouette. It also means you can change belts to achieve different looks. If you prefer a looser silhouette, something relatively slim-fitting will sort out your proportions. Still, try to avoid combining a huge, round jacket with leggings or super-skinny jeans – nobody wants to look like this. Adding chunky boots is a nice way to avoid that! I know most magazines advise you to choose a coat in a basic colour, but if you find one in a bright colour that suits you perfectly, I say go for it. These winter days need all the brightening up they can get.

Next up, scarves. Again, wool is our hero, and synthetic fibres the bad guys. In super cold weather, we need clothes that breathe, keep us warm, and transport sweat away from our bodies. Synthetics won’t do any of this, especially if wet. I actually invested in a navy wool and cashmere scarf just before Christmas. I had to close my eyes when I swiped my credit card, but I’ve been grateful for the decision every day since. If you’re extra clever, you’ll also pay close attention to the colour. Remember, a scarf is the garment that’s closest to your face, so it can either make you look sick and tired, or do the exact opposite.

You’ve probably gotten the point by now, but I’ll repeat it once more: wool. Leather gloves need to be lined for weather as cold as this, and doubling up – gloves inside mittens, for instance – can be a good idea. A hat or cap of some sorts is a must, especially if you absolutely must leave the house with damp hair (more on winter hair a bit further down). Double your tights as well, and add a pair of wool socks, too. Lace-up boots are a good idea, as they can be adjusted to fit all those layers.

I won’t say much about what you wear underneath your outerwear, as most everyday clothes can work well. Just remember that layering is key, and that an extra cardigan (or even that extra pair of tights) can be removed and put in your bag when you get inside. Still, what you choose to wear closest to your body is probably even more important than your outerwear. Wool, or a combination of wool and silk, will keep you warm, transport any moisture away from your body, and also feel soft and nice against your skin.

Wool tops and hotpants/tights can be found quite easily (if you can find them, I love the ones from Pierre Robert), but wool dresses are still pretty much non-existent. The one in the picture is from Vera & William, and that was the only one I could find. Nothing on etsy, ebay, or in all the webshops I checked out. If anyone knows where these mysterious creatures are hiding, please share in the comments! If you absolutely need a slip, know that silk and cotton will be better than polyester and other synthetics.

One of the things I like the least about winter, is how it makes good hair days pretty much impossible. The wind destroys any carefully created curls or updos, rain and snow flattens curls and volume, and the necessity of hats or caps means bad hair once you get inside (unless you can “do” caps inside – I cannot). After lots of experimentation, I’ve discovered that the solution for me is braids. If you don’t have time to dry your hair properly, you can braid it quickly and put it in a hat/scarf so it won’t freeze and break. Personally, I think braids look much better when they’re messy, so everything won’t be ruined by you putting on a cap four times a day either.

My personal favourite routine goes like this: after showering in the evening, I’ll add a styling product and a tiiiny bit of coconut oil to damp hair. I then braid it in two french braids, rather like the bottom picture to the right, and let them dry while I sleep. In the morning the braids fit snugly underneath my white faux fur trapper hat, and I’ll stay warm as a bunny while walking to work. Once I’m there I can remove the braids and have lovely waves. Sometimes, if I’m doing something special in the evening, I’ll keep the braids in at work, and merely pin the ends up in the neck so I don’t feel like a little girl. When evening comes, I let it all loose and brush through it for a softer look.

Finally, some small things that make everything a little bit more bearable. A belt and lipstick makes me feel like myself, even if I’m wrapped in fifteen layers and stumbling through the slush. Umbrellas are surprisingly underestimated for wintertime, but I don’t leave the house without one if it snows. It definitely helps with keeping hair and makeup in order, and also enables you to see where you’re going. Hand cream and lip balm are important. Remember to protect the rest of your skin as well. Water-based moisturizers can do more harm than good when it’s this cold. I always use the Oil Cleansing Method (Maja wrote a wonderful post on it here) during winter months, as it helps protect my skin.

Music will make everything five times better, as long as the headphones can fit underneath your cap/hat. In the worst winter months, I invest in a travel card, so I can jump on a tram or a bus if it’s really bad out there. Finally, the knowledge of a cup of hot chocolate at the end of the day can make all the difference.