You Need This... I Promise

The Cold-Weather Packing List

Ann standing along the Seine across from the Louvre in Paris wearing a navy puff peacoat, black suede short cowboy boots, and a black purse

walking boots ✔ and coat ✔... and I'm certain there is a black sweater under there, too ✔

I am so excited to have YOLO Journal in our stores and online – and happy and proud to have another TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT piece inside this wonderful Issue #2. This one is all about fall travel, and even though there is the beautiful bathing-suited Christy Turlington on the cover in the heat of Greece (she is a symbol of aging I completely admire) – I write about packing for cold-weather trips. I have a few essentials that make it in my bag from October through February. I am normally not out the door for pleasure during this time... I work in retail and this last quarter is our drawn-out Superbowl. This means that I can never get it together to plan a family trip with all of us after Christmas, which is the only time we can really get away. Such a drag! But I nearly always go to Europe in February where the temperature is cold cold cold... I have done it enough times that I have had time to learn from my mistakes! The piece has a few funny stories, but generally sound advice that has worked for me each fall and winter season in my city travel... the ski trips and beach vacations that everyone else is taking are another story.

I talk a lot about coats... right now I am loving a grey boiled wool peacoat and a longer navy cashmere wrap coat from our own line that is just spectacular. There are lots of sportier options from Aspesi which is an Italian brand I love... everything from lightweight shirtjackets to puffers to heavenly faux-fur-lined coats. "Faux" sounds cheap but it is softer than you would believe and like wearing a hug. To be honest, I am such a coat collector that I could find a place in my closet for every single one we've got this season. I forgot to include the cashmere stole I always take with me... practically mandatory on an airplane. I have written plenty about the amazing attributes of the walking boot – I love my short cowboy boots but a classic Chelsea is fantastic as well. For my black "getup" we make the most amazing pull-on pant in a range of legs... from straight to flared to wide-leg. The ponte is really good for travel because it is thick enough to not stretch out. A black v-neck sweater is a little sexier than the crewneck I mention, and for evening with a pair of fantasy earrings... fantastic! "Low key evening"... dressed, but easy and confident with exactly the right amount of glamour. As for the bathing suit, anything goes. Just pack one or you will end up wasting valuable spa time shopping for one instead. Of course, if you are in Europe... that part may be optional!

I will post the piece below, but as I said last time... there is so much wonderful content packed into this magazine. You need to buy a copy and enjoy the full thing... I promise.

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