Last month I was diagnosed with cold urticaria, or being allergic to the cold (I couldn’t even make this up). Among a myriad of other symptoms, when I get a chill I break out in hives – it’s all very sexy. The main way to fight cold urticaria is to stay warm 24/7, and as we’re getting into 20 degree days in Boston, I know I’m not the only one looking for a winter uniform.

Check out my cold-weather-combat list below. Too many layers can make one look like they live on the subway, but I like to think of the following as “sledding chic”. 


ALL ABOUT THAT BASE
Athleta Full Force Tank: You need that base layer!
Women’s PhD® Ski Medium Pattern Socks by Smartwool: I’ve tried other merino wool socks and these are the best I’ve worn. They are itch-free, very soft, and have extra padding in the foot. They come up over your calf and sit right below your knee. 


LAYER ONE
Athleta Polartec® Power Stretch® 2 Tight: I tried a zillion “winter leggings”. In the end I bought 4 pairs of these. They are so comfortable, warm, and my skin never feels suffocated. At 5’ 9” the tall size works well for me. My only caveat is I wish the back waistband pocket was large enough to fit my iPhone plus. Then I could put it in there while running. 
Burton Mid-Weight Turtleneck: Thumbholes stretch the arms to keep the top of your hands warm, the fabric wicks away moisture and the collar converts into a neck warmer (that can be pulled up over your mouth and easily breathed through).
(Also love this shirt)


LAYER TWO
Vince Camuto Leggings: These loose leggings have been perfect for layering over my Athletas. They run large and can get loose fast, so order down.
Zella ‘Cirrus’ Sport Cardigan: I’ve become a big fan of Nordstrom’s Zella athleisure line;  comfortable and very high quality. I even think their leggings are better than LuLus.


LAYER THREE
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 parka: After 35 years living in New England I finally invested big money in a winter jacket and it was worth every penny. I wear the down-liner in the fall, the waterproof outer-jacket in the rainy spring and the whole she-bang Nov – March. My core hasn’t been cold since. If I was Oprah I’d give everyone this jacket.
Pajar Aventure boots: Our marketing/design client, Simons Shoes, sells this brand and suggested them to me. They are softly lined, warm, waterproof, comfortable enough to walk in all-day, and made by people who know cold… the Canadians. The Pajars replaced my old Sorel Joan of Arctic which were always giving me blisters, not warm and very heavy.


DON’T FORGET YOUR ACCESSORIES
Burton Gore-Tex Mittens: My husband is from Vermont, the home base of Burton Snowboards, and has always sworn by their mittens. They come with a lightweight inner-glove that can be worn early winter, but the outer mittens are so warm I have never had to combine the two. The lining of the outer mittens is so soft.
 The Kendall Hat by The Third Piece. This hat is made by our studio mates out of chunky yarn by local knitters. Like everything else… so warm.

How do you stay warm? Any great pieces I’m missing? Any and all recommendations, particularly for the ultimate scarf, are welcome!