Prepping for the cold

As the weather gets colder my skin gets drier and it starts the minute the temps drop even a little. Last week, I scratched my legs until they bled and the skin on my hand started cracking, so there’s no waiting until winter for me. My dry skin issues include my scalp. Yes, no body part escapes the problem. This year I have two products on my list to combat a dry and itchy scalp.

Living Proof Restore Dry Scalp treatment and Ouai Scalp and Body Scrub. I’m a fan of both brands and I use a their products religiously, so when I went on a hunt for itchy scalp remedies and found these, I was excited that brands I like are making a specific product that I need.

Living Proof products don’t smell the best in my opinion. They have a chemical odor. Ouai has a strong perfume fragrance type of smell that I love. Also, who doesn’t love two-in-one? The Ouai scrub can be used on your scalp and body, it has a higher rating, and more people have tried it, so I know which one I will be purchasing first. It isn’t tested on animals and it’s free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. The scrub unclogs, gently exfoliates, and moisturizes the skin, scalp, and hair. I can’t wait to try it.

Speaking of hair, I always enjoy “Best Of” lists. I always find new products to try, so when I spotted Allure’s Best of Beauty Hair Care Winners, it made my day.

When the temperature dipped to 45 last week, it was a signal to buy a new hat and gloves. I destroy my sets or lose them every season, so I just bought J Crew Texting gloves in Everyday Cashmere. I bought the camel but they come in eight other colors. Every year, I typically get glittens (half glove and have mittens) so that I can get my Metro Card easily out of its case and I can use my phone. I have Raynauds Disease, so I thought keeping all of my fingers mostly covered was a better idea this year. I can still grab my metro card because the thumb and forefinger have holes and I don’t have to expose the rest of my fingers to the cold.

I bought the ribbed cableknit beanie in everyday cashmere to match the texting gloves. The hat comes in the same nine colors as the gloves, so you can have a matching set. You can add the matching ribbed cableknit scarf in everyday cashmere too if you really want to go all out. I didn’t get the scarf. Why not? Well, I wanted a pop of color and a scarf is a great item to add that pop of color, but I couldn’t decide what color I wanted. All of these accessories are currently on sale, so it’s a good time to buy if you want a matching set.

I’m an avid reader of Byrdie (anyone else?) where I recently read this article about a new Boots (formerly sold only in the UK) product, so when I went to my local Duane Reade to pick up dark nail polish (Wicked by Essie is a favorite) as one does when the seasons change and it’s finally sweater weather and I saw Boots No. 7 Line Correcting Booster Serum, I remembered the article and picked it up. The reviews are mixed with many reporting it didn’t make a difference in their fine lines (some said this after two weeks, really? Nothing works that dramatically on your skin in two weeks.), but I take reviews with a grain of salt and like to form my own opinion. I’ll share my results when I’ve finished the product.

I’m obsessed with fleece this year. I bought a jacket from Madewell, one from Zara, and now I bought J. Crew’s Polartec fleece. in black. I have the brand’s 2017 cropped version in pink that you can see on my Instagram. I love it but many were disappointed because it’s cropped. This years version isn’t cropped, which will please many, I’m sure.

I took my regular size, but I could have sized down. It’s roomy so that you can easily layer underneath but not over sized and messy looking. In my opinion, it fits like a sweatshirt. I was able to wear a leather jacket over it, but it took some effort to get the sleeves of the fleece into the jacket. I had to hold the cuffs so that the fleece wouldn’t bunch up. No big deal, but if you want to wear a coat over it with ease and your coats are fairly fitted, you may want to size down. My winter coats are pretty roomy, so I don’t think I’ll have a problem.

It comes in five colors. It’s a dreamy cloud of goodness. I fell asleep in mine yesterday. If I were to buy another one, I’d go for the white. It’s part of the 40% off sale, so it’s a great time to grab one or more colors or sizes if you’re unsure.

I love how J. Crew styled it below. I don’t think I would have thought to put a feminine twist on it by pairing it with a skirt. Those in warmer places can try this one out. Unfortunately, it has a short time span here in NYC that’s already passed.

Another item that I will be adding to my getting prepped for cooler temps list is Uniqlo’s heattech ultra warm leggings. They come in regular ($10), extra warm ($20) and ultra warm ($24). I like to wear skirts and tights are so uncomfortable, so these may be a great solution. Last week I wore my J. Crew leggings under a skirt and I was fine, but I know when it gets colder I’ll need to find a warmer pair. Cue heattech. The reviews are great and I remember a friend who either a runner or skier tell me about them. Does anyone have them? If you’re not sure which version to get, I read that the regular and extra warm leggings are good for layering, and the ultra can be worn alone. Heattech is also available in camisoles, crewnecks, and turtlenecks, if you’re looking for a layer to add under tops.

Mango is having its Friends and family sale. You can visit the site here and use code Mngff. It’s one of my favorite brands. I haven’t been ordering from there lately because I like to try their items on b/c there are no petites. It’s frustrating because I visit their store every time I’m in Soho and they never have the stuff I want to try on that I see online. I’ve bought their coats, blouses and shoes before. I haven’t tried their sweaters, but they have some really good chunky options right now. I’m loving this red cable knit sweater, this one, this one and this scarf and sweater combo among many others. It ends tonight, so get shopping if you want the discount. Fingers crossed that they extend the sale if you’re late to the party.

Today’s the last day to take advantage of the 25% off everything at Anthropologie. Check out everything here. I’m loving these Freda Salvador booties (Almost sold out in brown - my favorite - but plenty left in black leather), Tori mules, silk slip pillowcase, faux leather navy high rise slim ankle jeans ( a nice change from black) and RMS magic luminizer to name a few of my favorites. The holidays are just around the corner, so you may want think about if you need something to wear this year. Don’t forget about buying gifts too. Why not get them on sale?

Thanks for visiting!

XO

Lacey