Next up on my week-long spotlight of cold-weather essentials is the classic shearling jacket! Like yesterday’s feature on fair isle sweaters, a shearling jacket or coat is a winter must-have that’s both practical (read: cozy and warm like woah) and also just so happens to be one of the biggest (if not the biggest) outerwear trends this season. And, despite it’s current popularity, a beautiful shearling jacket or coat will never go out of style.
In today’s photos, you can see the shearling jacket that kept me cozy during our time in Lake Tahoe. It was definitely love at first snuggle when I opened up the box and felt the heat-keeping lining and smooth leather belt. Of course, you know by now that anything waist-cinching screams my name, but one look at the sub-$170 price tag and I was SOLD. It got extra bonus points for the leather pockets while we were traveling which not only served as chic accents but also as insulated hand protectors when I forgot my gloves [insert hand to forehead emoji here]. I’m currently eyeing up this GORGEOUS longer version by the same brand (with similar wallet-friendly price tag).
From ankle-grazing coats to cropped styles, the chill-proof shearling jacket packs a punch that’s both warm and très chic. If you’re looking for something a little more polished and professional, perfect for a cold commute to the office, check out this stunner (under $200) or this beauty. If you want more of an edgy weekend vibe, you know I’ve been wearing my version of this jacket non-stop. Check out all of my very favorite shearling jackets and coats at all price points below!
NB: To be specific, a true “shearling” coat is technically one that is made from or lined with sheep wool (or faux sheep wool) like the style of coat that I’m wearing in the photos today. However, many brands and retailers call coats that have just regular animal fur accents (collars, cuffs, etc.) “shearling” which is technically incorrect and makes it all a bit confusing. Below, I’ve included a round-up of only true shearling-style jackets and coats.
After our travels to the west coast, Rich and I are heading home today to a particularly frigid NYC. If you live in a part of the country that has been brutalized by the recent onslaught of snow, ice and arctic temperatures, then this week’s line-up on Memorandum is for you! Every day I’m going to be highlighting a different cold weather essential to get you through the next three months of winter (YIKES) in style (and warmth).
Today is all about this season’s biggest sweater trend—the classic fair isle sweater. As a person who tends towards timeless classics, it’s always a treat when they happen to be “trendy” for the season because it gives me an opportunity to stock up on beautiful sweaters while retailers actually have them in stock. I remember just last year desperately searching the internet for a fair isle-style knit and there were NONE to be found. Below, I’ve rounded up my absolute favorite fair isle sweaters ranging all price points (check out this beauty for only $50!) or take a closer look at this STUNNER from Tory Burch which I wore recently here on instagram. I can’t tell you how beautiful the color, style, and QUALITY is in person.
THE PRETTIEST FAIR ISLE SWEATERS AT EVERY PRICE POINT
The fair isle sweater I’m wearing today hails from my new favorite french brand—Sézane—which just opened a store in Soho and an e-commerce site in the US a few months ago. If you haven’t heard of them, you better read up and lace up your running shoes, because their cult following on both sides of the pond results in near-immediate sell-outs every time they release new product (seriously, every French girl I know is OBSESSED BEYOND WORDS). Exhibit A: this fair isle sweater. If you hop on their mailing list, they send email previews of their new collections and let you know when they will be releasing new product and I’m not kidding you, I set an alarm on my phone and hopped on to buy this sweater the MOMENT it went live on the site. Sure enough, it was completely sold out a few hours later. If you’re in love with this particular sweater as much as I am, you can sign up for the waitlist here to get notified when they restock. They often restock popular products, so I have my fingers crossed!
I’ve been raving about the Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment for so long on instastories, I thought it was high time I do a full post on this game-changing product. Since I’ve been wearing it constantly for the past several months, I’ve been getting constant questions about the product and application tips via DM and email, so wanted to break it down and answer all of your questions here in one place! Of course, you can always find my complete list of holy grail beauty products in my comprehensive, constantly-updated Beauty Routinepost here!
A bold lip has definitely been my go-to this season, and is my favorite way to liven up cold-weather looks. Of course, there’s no better finishing touch to a dressy ensemble like the burgundy velvet dress I’m wearing today than a bold lip for a fun night out. However, when I’m not getting gussied up in the winter, I often tend towards comfortable, dark layers and I’ve found that rocking a bold pout is a fun, easy way to spice up my casual looks as well.
Now, anyone who has attempted a bright red or deep burgundy lip knows that achieving and SUSTAINING that perfect pout is far from easy. After trying just about every long-wear lipstick on the market, I finally stumbled upon my latest OBSESSION: the Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment.
This product is the hands-down MVP lip product for me right now. It is a long-wearing, matte, liquid lip product offering full coverage in one swipe. Not only is it incredibly long lasting, but it’s hydrating and smudge-proof allowing for comfortable, fuss-free wear. That means I can have my glass of wine (or coffee) and bold lips at the same time. I’m telling you, this is the best product on the market.
Here’s a breakdown of why it’s been a game-changing product for me and how best to use it:
LASTS FOREVER: As documented on instastories, there have been many days where I’ve put this lip product on at 7:30AM and have literally not touched it for the duration of a 12 hour day. WHAT?! I’ve tried SO many liquid lipsticks and haven’t found anything that comes close to this product.
DOESN’T DRY OUT YOUR LIPS: This is the biggest complaint I have with similar longwear liquid lipsticks—they completely kill my lips and make them horribly dried out and peeling for days afterwards. Not at all the case for the Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment at ALL.
NO LIP-LINER NECESSARY: If you’re experienced with bold red lips, you’re likely thinking I’m completely crazy, but it’s true: this is the rare lipstick that actually doesn’t require the application of lip liner beforehand. In fact, it goes on more precisely and lasts longer if you don’t use one. I simply apply it to clean, dry lips and that’s IT. The application wand is so incredibly precise and easy to handle, you can create a perfect line without the help of any other product.
NO FEATHERING: Since it dries matte after application, there’s absolutely never any feathering. This is my biggest pet peeve with other favorite lipsticks, which cause me to carefully apply lip liner (and sometimes concealer!) to prevent.
FADES NATURALLY: Of course, this lip product is not a tattoo, so if you’re eating and drinking a lot over the course of many hours, it will fade slightly, especially in the inner, central part of your lower lip. However, unlike other similar products that dry unnaturally and create a weird, harsh line on the inside of your lips, this one fades in a very natural way, making the faded result still totally normal-looking. There’s no worse feeling than being stuck at a dinner party and noticing weird glances down at your mouth when you’re talking because your lipstick has gone awry.
PRO TIP: As mentioned above, if you’re eating particularly oily foods for an extended period of time, the color may fade slightly in the center. In this case, I carry the Nars velvet matte lip pencil in my purse and use it for quick touch-ups on-the-go. Of course, if you can sneak away to the bathroom mirror to use the powermatte lip pigment to touch up, that’s a great option as well, however the pencil is a much safer bet and easier to apply on the fly without a mirror. The matte lip pencil also offers nice added moisture and blends really well with the powermatte liquid lip pigment (in both texture and color) so it’s a perfect combo!
The packing process is never easy, no matter the destination, but when it comes to packing for a ski trip, the challenges are definitely amplified. I’m currently packing for a post-Christmas jaunt to Lake Tahoe, and after staring down the mountain of thick sweaters, bulky ski pants and monstrous snow boots heaped onto my bed in preparation for said “jaunt,” I became increasingly concerned that I would ever find luggage large enough to transport aforementioned mountain of clothing and accessories (that was now many multiples of airline weight limits). After one or two existential meltdowns while trying to cull the quantity of truly adorable ski sweaters, footwear and the like from my collection (I mean, if I don’t get to wear this adorable fairisle sweater from Shopbop on the slopes, is life even worth living????), I’m happy to report that I came to a sartorially acceptable and physically packable result (without the need for an industrial crane to assist in luggage transport) .
Today, in addition to this ski-inspired look, I’m sharing my streamlined list of ski trip essentials in hopes of saving you from the same emotional rollercoaster. And, if your wardrobe is in need of some new ski-ready pieces, I’ve rounded up some absolutely drool-worthy options below that I recently spotted on Shopbop (just look at these adorable boots and tell me you’re not in cardiac arrest).
As you know from this season’s Trend Memo, ski-inspired style is huge right now—on and off the slopes—so you’ll be wearing these pieces all season long whether you’re headed for Aspen or just heading to Sunday brunch. Without further ado, here are the 12 things you need to pack to brave the snow and the chill, and look great while doing it:
When leaving for the office on brutally cold winter mornings, I often have the same debate with myself: Do I throw on my giant down puffer coat in the interest of not freezing to death and just accept the fact that I’ll look like the Michelin Man? Or, do I throw caution (and practicality) to the wind (literally) and wear one of my more professional, tailored wool coats? After many years of agonizing over these questions each winter morning, I’m happy to finally report that they plague me no longer thanks to the recent discovery of this magnificent, super chic Ted Baker belted puffer jacket.
The faux fur collar and waist-cinching belt turns this cozy puffer jacket into a perfect outerwear option for even the dressiest days at the office. There’s also something about the shorter silhouette that makes it particularly chic when paired with a classic pencil skirt and pumps. If you’re not into the cropped length, check out the longer version of the same Ted Baker coat here.
Speaking of pumps, with an all-black winter ensemble like this one, I loved adding a little extra interest with these insanely beautiful pumps with a pearl and crystal brooch embellishment at the toe. And, if you think these are pretty, just wait until you see the other three colors! Ted Baker is on FIRE.
Always a sucker for military-inspired details, this get-up seemed especially apt during the holiday season—especially because it gives your nearest and dearest the opportunity to make lots of Nutcracker jokes. Soooo many Nutcracker jokes. And yet, I still can’t get enough.
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect rose gold watch, and was thrilled to finally find this beauty at Macy’s, especially at such a great price point for a high quality, gorgeous watch. If you’re still on the hunt for a perfect holiday gift (for men or women) a watch is a foolproof option. It’s the perfect finishing touch to any look and since Citizen watches are entirely powered by light (natural and artificial!) it never needs a battery change. Convenient and environmentally friendly? Big wins all around.
SWEATER: 
COAT: 
