The Winter It List

A narrowed-in edit of what survived the winter season so far.

This season’s “it-list” series started more as a roundup, but it feels like more than that now. It’s that editor thing where you start really broad, and then you just narrow, narrow, narrow. And by now, the first week of February, I am clear on what I’m actually wearing for the rest of winter, into spring and onto next fall/winter.

The Closet Clean Out

Nothing has made me happier than this past closet cleanout. I went through every category so diligently. Down to my socks! I organized and everything feel pretty, like a place I wanted to shop. The biggest clarity from it was the gaps in silhouttes and the categories that I want new pieces.

This whole process brought me back to an appreciation for the truly timeless pieces. The slow burns, the investments, the things I’ll hold onto for 10 to 20 plus years.

Would like to double down on these kinds of things -me in 2018 and 2019 in pieces that I still have and love now from Loewe, Phoebe Philo Celine Era, Raey from Matches and Joseph

What I’m Still Looking For

I’m still thinking a lot about proportions. What feels relevant now and how to build on that. I haven’t found everything yet, but I know what I’m looking for.

I want to find a perfect straight-leg mid rise trouser. I’ve been wearing the corduroy pants from Toteme a lot. They kind of hit the shape I want but I want in a trouser and a bit more slouch. Looking at slimmer sweaters. Something a little cuter, a little more interesting in detail. And shirts that aren’t button-downs, tees, or sweaters (what’s left?!).

Doubling Down on Denim + Cardigans

This is new territory for me, but I’ve really leaned into denim lately, and it feels good. Like I suddenly have a whole category to style with again.

References from Ossou, Old Stone Trade, APC, and Calvin Klein

I found my denim uniform for the moment, paired with a lightweight slightly shrunken cardigan, a ballet flat or boot, and a clean shoulder bag.

Sold Out NYC cardigan, Sold Out NYC tee, Still Here jeans, Wales Bonner flats, Toteme bag, Maria McManus cardigan- similar here, The Row bag, Khaite Jeans, Emme Parsons boots, Leset Cardigan and sleeveless knit, Agolde jeans, Wales Bonner flat

The Boot That Solved The Winter Shoe Dilemma

The Minori boot has kind of solved the winter pant-to-shoe dilemma for me. I love the directional toe shape but otherwise simple design. It makes jeans and trousers a bit cooler, and I think it would look great with a longer, straight skirt. They’re incredibly comfortable. There’s just a tiny heel square rise, and they work with everything. Because of the toe shape, I’d recommend sizing up a half size. But truly, this has solved so many outfit problems for me.

Emme Parsons Minori Boot

Latest in My Travel & Lounge Uniform

A few recent trips had me refresh my travel/lounge uniform (which I wrote about all the great sweatpants here). I’ve been wearing this VERY cozy Lisa Yang set. It’s very oversized and cool. Perfect for cold weather comings and goings.

Lisa Yang Cardigan sweater and sweatpant, Co cashmere tee, Le Monde Beryl shearling flats, Rue de Verneil bag, Toteme bag inside the tote

I’ll sometimes trade out the top half of the outfit for this High Sport sweater and this long sleeve tee from Sold Out. Come Spring I’ll swap out the pants for this lightweight pant from Co (which matches the grey tee above and more on that below).

For the New Yorkers (and Cold Weather People)

I’ve been taking a lot of trips to New York recently, which has me thinking through every layer for the frigid temps.

Top Row: Comme Si Scarf hood and gloves with Pheobe Philo Coat (this is not available but bottom left is perfect), Cos wool baselayer turtle neck, same sold out Phoebe Philo coat with High Sport pants and Toteme suede boots and all the base layers shown here. Middle Row: &Daughter Sweater, Comme Si long gloves, &Daughter knit hood for the extra cold days Bottom Row: Toteme wrap coat with Khaite belt, Falke Knee High socks, Phoebe Philo wrap coat as a great alternative to the one I’m wearing

This isn’t groundbreaking, but I thought it was worth spelling out because I’ve been getting very specific considering 10" degrees in the high and I have to pack everything.

• a very thin wool turtleneck baselayer- I like a sporty style

• wool knee-high socks- truly makes the biggest difference

• “warm pants” like High Sport, heavy denim (like Aflalo), a good wool trouser (celine), or the toteme cordourys were very warm on the high-of-10 kind of days

• wool sweater that isn’t too bulky (high sport or &Daughter), also love all &Daughters wool (or if i want something slimmer under my coat, the Jenni Kayne navy polo)

• Comme Si scarf/hat and long gloves- I love that I can wrap the scarf tight to keep my entire neck and chin extra warm.

• A warm coat (many here my coat guide- shearling, menswear, etc) I like a wrap style for travel - its easier to wear with difference outfits for a few days straight.

Winter (in LA) Go- Tos:

This Co cashmere tee has been in heavy rotation (it may be a perfect piece - I’m still testing a few but leaning towards this one). It’s super thin and hangs perfectly.

Co cashmere tee in both, left: Aflalo jeans, Emme Parsons boots, The Row bag, right: Almina Concept grey pants, Bally loafers, Polene bag

For when its “cold”- High Sport half zip and the Le Monde Beryl Shearling slip-ons. Lately in LA, I’ve been throwing on a High Sport half-zip with shearling slip-ons. (I know the half-zip feels very millennial, but Chanel showed it and now it’s everywhere again, so here we are.)

I love a bag and these 3 are what I’ve been carrying lately. The minimal, east-west shapes from Toteme and The Row. And this pretty crossbody from Polene is great for mom days.

Toteme T Lock bag, The Row India bag, Polene crossbody

The “Fun” purchase

Maybe not so fun to everyone but fun to me. I love the bow and the drawstring like detail. The toe is squared off in the front to read more ballerina. They are different from any other shoe in my closet, which is fun!

Wales Bonner flats

See you next week,

xo

ali