Heads Up, it's so cold. . . . . . . . . .

via - H&M 

Old wives tales are often true. . . . . . . . we all recall the one about the huge
 percentage of body heat lost through the scalp without a hat in cold weather.
Actually it's true.
Didn't your parents always make you go back for your hat in weather such
as we are experiencing now?

Because I went to an all girls school in England, which meant uniforms, we had
 to wear hats. A plush navy velour brimmed hat, or a navy wool beret in
 Winter, with a navy blazer or raincoat, the latter required almost daily of course
 being England, and a gymslip or pleated skirt with white blouse and school tie.
In Summer we wore natural woven Panama brimmed hats with green and white
 striped dresses. If seen in uniform by a teacher when away from school
without your hat, it meant a detention. 

 I still love hats and have a rather large collection? They come from
 around the world - when traveling I often seem to find a special hat, and I know
 I can get it into my already bulging luggage with a bit of squishing or flattening.

Have you noticed the selection of knitted beanie/toque/turban/headband styles
 or head warmers is just fabulous this Winter?
I'm entranced by the chunky ones, in posh yarns such as cashmere, Alpaca, 
mohair, and the good old standby merino wool.
I'm ready to ditch knitting scarves while watching TV and trying my hand at 
some beanies. I recently bought a turban style headband and may use that as a
 pattern to knit some of my own head gear. . . . . . . especially useful as I'm growing my 
hair a bit longer - at least trying - and anything on my head looks better than
 my fly-away/static hair these cold days.

These hand-knitted Alpaca and merino beauties in the above photos I found HERE.
You may enjoy reading about the NYC grandmothers who make these.

via - ZARA

 . . . . . and so as not to leave out the guys, nice beanie, but how about
 that gorgeous sweater! I would love that one for myself. . . . . . .especially
 this morning as it's 12F on the barometer and snow is forecast for later today.

Are you feeling the cold lately?
Do you wear hats?

Cozy sweaters required. . . . . . .

Hi, it's Saturday already - the week flew by and we've had our coldest weather yet. 
How about some soft, warm and wonderful sweaters for these cold days.

Everybody needs a few. 
Also here is a lovely layering tee, a soft textured - almost like velour - sweatshirt 
with a big zipper up the back, and a pair of pull-on thin knit, but very warm, perfect 
grey pants for around the house on these chilly days. 

The cornflower blue cashmere tunic with the 

cozy cowl neck - a change for me whose wardrobe contains 
so much grey, black and other neutrals. I do like the tunic length 
in winter as it gives extra warmth around the thighs, and looks 
good with skinny pants and tall riding boots. . . . .those great boots we
 all seem to have now even if we don't have a horse to go with them! 
This was part of my generous Christmas gift from friend Paula. I wore 
it to my doctor appointment on Wednesday as the temperature plummeted 
and the winds picked up. I was very cozy, my blood pressure very happy!

This sweater was a treat from Bob and I love it. Although quite thick and chunky, 

it's incredibly lightweight, not itchy, and very comfy. The back dips down a bit longer

 than the front - many of us like that feature which is popular now - and the black trim 

gives it a nice finish with a bit of casual elegance.

These items were all purchased from a new store called Lou & Grey.

It's an offshoot of the Ann Taylor and Loft company, and is being called their 

'free-spirited sibling'. In today's fashion world nothing remains static and new clothing

shops come and go. I think this one has a future if they continue to offer well made

merchandise, beautiful textured fabrics, good prices, and great styles as in their 
current range. When I first looked through their window in my neighborhood (it's 
next door to Anthropologie), I knew I was going to love it!

Have you found any special warm and cozy clothing for this winter?

What do you like to wear around the house on really cold days when the
heating system has to work overtime?