Winter Warmth Essentials

Ok i will warn you now, this is (obviously) not a high fashion post.. im talking cosy toes and all things warm and practical!

Low temperatures mean it is time to get cosy! I actually love this time of year when it gets super chilly and you need to bring out all the, scarves and hats, the warm boots and big thick coats. When i open the curtains and see a clear day with frost adorning the ground my heart is happy. I know.. i may possibly be mad, but there is nothing i love more than walking Cassy on a cold crisp morning.
On those lovely cold dry mornings I walk Neo to his bus stop (with Cassy of course) and we get all bundled up in our hats and big coats and gloves. We play don't step on the cracks and we chat as we walk. Its just one of my favourite things to do.
And I'll be honest, fashion goes out the window for me on those morning walks. Its all about the cosiest of coats and the warmest of toes.
I've teamed up with OD's Designer Clothing to bring you the very warmest of clothing (and still rather lovely too!)

The Practical & Warm Coat

Oh yes.. the first thing i pull out of storage when it gets cold is my warmest jacket.
I will always say invest in a good winter coat. I invested in my red one (above) two years ago and its still going strong. These here are all going to keep you warm for years to come. I love the Blue  and the red (which is by the brand Parajumpers) for standing out.

Add a layer

Sometimes if i'm hoping from car to shop and then home again i love to throw a layer on but nothing to restrictive (bizarrely i hate wearing a big coat when i'm in the car, i feel constricted and get too hot).  A long waistcoat or a throw/poncho is ideal for short trips, these are both Rhino & Pelle and would work perfectly for that extra layer.

Pretty Knitwear (of course)

Oh knitwear, each year i buy too much, but i can't help myself, its such a long winter i feel like lots of knitwear is needed.

Having pretty knitwear obviously helps too. I am  going to invest in a couple of special pieces this year and make sure i get the wear out of them. I think a new slogan jumper and maybe something pretty like the Ted Baker below, dress it up or down and it will be a great little workhorse of a piece.

Cosy Toes 

Love them or hate them Ugg's really do keep your toes the warmest of the warm. I have 3 pairs and come winter i will be living in them. I wear them around the house, if i go out and wear shoes i will often put my Uggs in the car to change back in to as soon as i can, and i love them to walk the dog in (not advisable in the rain however). Yes they are the marmite in the shoe community but sometimes practicality and warmth prevails, and these are by far the warmest shoes i've ever donned. And extremely comfy too. Tell me, do you love them or hate them?

Are you a cold weather enthusiast like me? 

What are you Cosy essentials this time of year?

Much Love

This post is a happily Collaborated post, thanks for supporting RTH and the brands who work with me :)

5 Autumn Winter Boot Must Have's

One of the things I love about Autumn-winter is bringing the boots out. Boots just make me happier than any other footwear, which is a strange statement I realise. I don't even know why they please me so greatly, but they just kind of do. Perhaps it's because most styles I choose are comfy, complete an outfit nicely and are practical at the same time. Maybe it's because they're easy to throw on and go, who knows. All i know is I am firmly in the boot loving camp and thoroughly look forward to this time of year where I get to wear my beloved boots once again.

Even though I haven't included shoes in my capsule, I know that through winter I gravitate towards 5 types and will wear them on constant repeat. With these 5 boots in my possession, I rarely reach for any other shoes.

So here are my 5 Autumn-Winter Boots must have!

The black ankle boot is of course an absolute essential in my shoe collection. Whether you go for a slight heel, flat, buckle, tassel or zips, it is inevitable that a black ankle boot will become a best friend through the winter months.

Both of these Ankle Boots are from Brantano, who incidentally have an excellent collection this season. My preference is a low heel, almond toe and easy on and off. I have already been living in one certain pair that I already own and will wear them from school run to cinema date. Its a no brainer of a boot, but one I know i couldn't do without.

Left : Brantano Womens Boots

Right: F&F Tassel Boots

As with the the black ankle boots, tan is my next obvious but essential pair. A great pair of tan boots can make an outfit look expensive without trying (and without even being) and look styled as if tonnes of effort has been made. There is nothing nicer than an all black outfit and tan boots for a simple yet an extremely effective look. I absolutely love adding a bit of interest with my tan boots, the buckles on the left pair make these detailed without being overly fussy, making them great day-evening wear. I also wear mine with skinny jeans or dresses or skirts with black tights, which is in-fact what I'm wearing today. Pair with denim, black, khaki or burgundy and you're on to a winner.

Left: Sorel Boots

Right: Sperry Boots

Not an obvious or necessarily pretty choice, but vital to my winter existence. Yup comfy, warm and snuggly is what I'm after on my cold morning dog walks, or if we do ever get any snow (C'mon snow.. it's been years, my son doesn't remember what you're like!!Anyone else praying for a big snow this year?). At this time of year I'm not that keen on wellies. I find them cold, un-comfy and usually difficult to get off. These two have been on my mind since summer finished. Waterproof, fleece lined and lace up, making these tick all my vital boxes for a comfy winter cold weather boot

Left: F&F

Right: You're So Vegan

 Over the past couple of winters there has been a revival of the higher leg boot rather than it being just a one boot trend. I love a high leg boot, whether you prefer over the knee of knee high, these will work terrifically with dresses and tights as well as over skinny jeans paired with big thick knits. The low heel on a knee high boot is my preference (although I'm sometimes partial to a heel also) as it makes them great day-wear boots giving your legs that little bit more coverage in the colder months, and you can hide some super thick sock under them too and nobody is any the wiser. Win win!
These are often my investment piece as they wear well and will last you a long time.

Left: Silver

Right: Dark red

 Lastly, what I love to call 'The Wildcard' in your collection. This can be anything from a leopard print, a patent pair, a bold red pair or even Space boots (aka silver boots). I never splurge too much on these as they are often just a  passing trend of just a bit of fun. But they sure to make for great dressing up for an evening out. These add instant interest, making a simple outfit instantly fun.  I currently don't have a wildcard in my collection, I think I need to rectify that pronto!



Do you have any winter boot essentials?
Are they any of the above, or all 5 like me?