It’s winter, and in Chicago that means frigid temps, salt-covered streets, and just enough excess to feel good. This winter I’m digging through my closet and finding what inspires me most, and it’s looking pretty 80s, but with enough modern practicality. I’m also spending time sifting through eBay, and these are some themes I noticed in my recent browsing history. I’ve also put together a bonus of all of my favorite winter products and some products I’m currently trying out. Let’s have some fun, dress hot, and keep things interesting.
*This list includes affiliate links for some products, I may earn a commission from them.
Snow Shoes, But Make Them Chic
Again, I’m a Chicago girl, so that means I need some practical winter shoes. I so often find that snowshoes are boring and uninteresting, which means I never want to wear them. To combat that, a few years ago I finally found some pairs I love: these Converse and these Sorel. The Converse pair is really nice for casual days; they’re lightweight with a nice bouncy sole. The Sorels are great for days I want to feel a little more put together or like a deranged housewife. I’m hoping next year brings me some moon boots, but we’ll see.
Chain Reaction
I’ve been eyeing a ton of really tacky 80s items lately (see my clip-ons and red blazers), and I’ve found some gems on eBay. I like chain prints because they’re kind of neutral in a very camp way. Think of a mix of 80s with some 90s elements—Hermès and Versace—so there are some horsebit and baroque details in there. I especially love it when it’s layered with another print, like plaid or houndstooth. There’s just something camp about it but still elevated enough. I’m planning to carry this trend into spring by taking the print to scarf form and tying it around my head, Sofia Loren-style.
The Soft Touch: Brushed Cashmere
I’m always in the mood for cashmere; it really doesn’t matter the season. Lately, I find myself really drawn to the beautiful texture of brushed cashmere. I love how it has just enough volume without being overwhelming. I’ve seen a lot of people styling it with belts, and I’m particularly drawn to that. Also, yes I’m referencing a Bloodhound gang song.
Golden Gaudiness
All that glitters is gold. I’ve been super into really big, tacky costume gold jewelry. The bigger, the better. While clip-on earrings have had my heart recently, I’m also really into Tubogas-style jewelry, especially after Bulgari’s relaunch of the collection last fall. I love getting jewelry inspo from Angel, the Dripped Out Bag Lady, on TikTok. She even has her own line called Worship Gaud, and I’m eyeing one of her pieces (6) as a little birthday treat to myself—because a little is never enough.
Red Hot Blazers
This is the most intimate thing I’ll ever admit to you: I liked The Weeknd’s character in his Blinding Lights video. A washed-up, coked-out Vegas singer? Sign me TF up. His character wears a cherry red blazer, all-black pants and shirt, and white-and-black loafers. I hadn’t really thought about pairing a blazer with my current pair of Playboy loafers from Duke + Dexter—but it’s happening, and I can’t wait. I’ll probably take a cherry red blazer to my tailor to have it cropped at the waist for a fun spin.
Long Lines, Tailored to Perfection
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with sleek, ultra-tailored double-breasted wool coats. They’re so elevated and sophisticated. You can dress them down with jeans, a T-shirt, and a baseball cap, or dress them up with heeled boots and a nice sweater dress. Good tailoring is always versatile. I have one from a couple of years ago from Mango, but I wish I had done more research before buying it. For the price point I paid, I could’ve gotten a higher-quality used option. Live and learn. I’m planning on upgrading with one from Max Mara next year.
Bonus Beauty Board
It’s winter, and my skin is going through it. Specifically, my lips—they always need some extra TLC. I recently added the Clarins lip oil and the Jack Black lip treatment to my rotation. So far, I’m seeing some promising results from the Jack Black treatment, but will report back. For the rest of my face, I am trying the Clarins Multi-Active Day Moisturizer. It’s fine, nothing special, and not particularly worth the price IMO. Last fall, I fell in love with the Augustinus Bader Rich Cream and fell head over heels in love. I’m personally having a hard time justifying the price, but I think I might have to bite the bullet and purchase because I just can’t find anything I like as much. I still keep sunscreen in my rotation, in particular this Shiseido one. Oh and eye cream! I guess that’s now in my routine. I particularly like this SK-II one!
As for body care, I’m currently using a lot of body oil—Osea, in particular, is always in rotation, but I’m currently trying others. The Osea oil does really stay on your skin, so just something to note if you don’t like feeling that oil texture. I like to also keep hand cream in my purse, in particular this Byredo one and the Cicalfate Restorative Hand Cream for around my house. Lastly, I am still using my JVN hair oil, but I’m looking for a new one, so feel free to send recommendations. As for perfumes, you’ll have to take a peek at my winter fragrance recommendations.
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