the maxi down coat

parka: Mackage // boots: Stuart Weitzman similar // shades: Prada

The Polar Vortex is back with extra frigid temperatures in most of the Midwest. In Chicago, we had a low of -21°F/-49°F wind chill Wednesday morning. As mentioned here and here, owning a down parka is an absolute must to survive the winter! I recently added this maxi-length down parka from Mackage into my winter wardrobe. I am always cold in general, so winter tends to feel extra extreme for me. I was happy with the Canada Goose Kensington parka (comfort zone down to -10°C/14°F) I got a few years ago, though I just needed something warmer and longer to cover my legs and to reduce the wind. The Canada Good Mystique was certainly an option.  I needed something that had a comfort zone down to -30°C/-22°F; which both the Mackage Jada and Canada Goose Mystique provide. Overall, I liked the fit, hood, sheepskin shearling collar, length, aesthetic, and walkability in the Jada. What is your favorite and warmest winter staple? Stay warm!

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The Puffer Coat

1: Moncler // 2: Armani Exchange // 3. Moncler // 4: H&M // 5: Mackage // 6: Zara // 7: Canada Goose // 8: Mackage // 9: Canada Goose 

If you live in Chicago, you must own a down parka to survive the winter. Here are a few options that will keep you warm and chic throughout the season. A few things to consider when making your decision: length, function v. aesthetic, hood with fur, fill, fit, and price. There are so many great looking puffer coats available now – it’s beyond that puffy sleeping bag look! The warmest option will include real down, a hood with real fur trim (to reduce the wind), and mid-length keeping that bum covered. From the above, I have the Canada Goose – Kensington, #7. It’s incredibly warm and functional.  I currently have my eye on the the Mackage – Jada Maxi, #8. I feel I need something just a bit longer for those harsh windy days, which he have frequently in Chicago. Stay warm!

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the black sweater

1: 3.1 Phillip Lim // 2: Madewell // 3: Everlane // 4: J.Crew // 5: Gucci // 6: COS // 7: Zara

You can never go wrong with a black sweater, or have too many of them. Because they all look so different! Seriously, every above sweater is unique from the next. Whether it be the knit, cut, fabric, etc. I also love the option of wearing a sweater with jeans and sneakers, and then easily dressing up the same with a pair of heels and leather pants. Boom, completely versatile and an entirely different look. I’ve selected a few sweaters that I have my eye on and would love to add into my fall/winter wardrobe!

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beating the cold with Sperry

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shades: Céline // coat: United Colors of Benetton // sweater: 3.1 Phillip Lim // boots: c/o Sperry // gloves: Barneys New York // bag: Gucci

With the long winters in Chicago, it’s so important to have great winter boots. First and foremost, they must be warm. We have sub-zero temps, bone chilling wind and we can get a lot of snow. These White Water Duck Boots from Sperry are perfect for such conditions. They are warm and extra soft with a faux fur lining. The rubber outsole provides good traction – especially important when the city is glazed with ice and snow.

This post was a collaboration with Sperry. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting collaborations with Taffeta and Cedar!

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snow days

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hat: Marc by Marc Jacobs // coat: Old Navy // scarf: Yves Saint Laurent // bag: Barneys New York // boots: TOMS

Snow boots are a wardrobe must if you live in Chicago. The salt, snow and slush will ruin those gorgeous designer boots, so don’t risk it! I recently added these suede booties with faux shearing lining from TOMS to my winter routine. They’re warm and great for light snow days in the city, and stylish enough to wear around the office.

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striped foulard

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foulard: Massimo Dutti // leather jacket: ASOS // overalls: Zara // shoes: Danielle // bag: Gucci 

Adding an oversized scarf is the easiest way to make a look come together. It adds texture, color and movement. I picked up this striped foulard in Florence last December and it’s been the prefect addition to so many outfits. Oh, and you can never have too many scarves during the winter. They’re a lifesaver for both inside and outside!

 

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the cropped wide-leg

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turtleneck: UNIQLO // pants: COS // bag: Barneys New York // shoes: Danielle // shades: Céline

Switching from my usual fitted skinny pant to a more relaxed silhouette, the cropped wide-leg. It’s chic, yet comfortable and sophisticated. I noticed everyone was wearing variations of the cropped wide-leg in Italy while visiting over the holidays. You know what they say, when in Rome…  So, I picked up this wool-blend jersey knit from COS and love the fit!

 

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January – it’s cold!

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1: lea black – Acne Studios // 2: abstract fair isle cardigan – J.Crew // 3: aura – CHANEL // 4: long leather gloves – COS // 5: mongolian fur scarf – Barneys New York // 6: smoothing body polish – Diptyque

Winter has really arrived in Chicago, as I write this post it’s a only 9°F/-13°C outside. Hence my inspiration for heavy knitwear and extra-warm accessories. I’m really loving that Mongolian fur scarf! Cold weather always calls for a moody lip, and what better than a deep plum from Chanel.

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