simple warmest layers

i don't count my warmest layers into my simple monthly wardrobes, but i keep them minimal as well.  i have three coats.  the lightest jacket is this army-style jacket from howies, a small british company striving to make quality clothing while impacting the environment as little as possible.  it was a treat to be able to pick this up at the hometown howies shop in cardigan bay, wales.  it is water resistant and layers nicely over a wool sweater or a wool scarf.

currently, my most worn layer is this boiled wool blanket coat.  i've had it for a few years and still love it as much as when i first bought it.  this coat is cozy and yet leaves me feeling like i can move.  i don't like that stuffed feeling that often comes with heavier coats, so i avoid it as long as possible.  have you ever seen the christmas story?  no thanks.  :)

when it gets really cold (or when we go for winter walks), i wear this down-filled parka.  we found it at an rei scratch and dent sale...in california...in june.  we had nearly frozen camping in durango, colorado and were headed to big sur, afraid of a repeat.  each of us found a super warm layer and wore it inside our sleeping bag every night (until we reached moab, utah...where we roasted).  this coat was bought used, but in perfect condition.

my accessories include these gloves that i found at anthropologie.  they are wool and were made in spain (which i hope means that the maker was paid fairly).  i love that the fingers are short enough to fit perfectly.  i knit my hats from misti alpaca hand paint chunky and quince & co. osprey,  i don't usually wear a hat at the same time as my red plaid scarf (so they don't need to match).

i look forward to having the opportunity to wear my wellies.  i got them before a camping trip in wales (the same one on which i bought my howies jacket).  it rains a lot and mud is an expected part of camping there. i was thankful to have them then, and thankful for them now in rain or snow.  i love them.

this simple collection of outerwear sees me through all the colder weather i encounter.  i like the way they look and feel...and they keep me warm and dry!  :)

hope you are keeping warm these days!  :)

love,
jane