Wearing Desmond & Dempsey Swan Pyjama Set, made of 100% organic cotton.
A touch of frost, a flurry of snow, an easterly wind – winter has undoubtedly arrived. The inclement weather prompts us to scurry indoors and batten down the hatches, where we can cozy up on the sofa and admire the frost-framed windows, or listen in awe as the rain jolts against the roof and the wind howls outside.
These inclement days bestow upon us the opportunity to slow down, take more care of ourselves and our surroundings, and embrace hygge. Below are my top 5 essentials to help make the most of this season.
Cashmere
Without a doubt, my #1 winter essential is cashmere, and if you’re going to splurge on one thing for yourself this year, make it cashmere. The softest material you’ll ever wear, a cashmere sweater is worth the investment. Ultra-luxe and incredibly comfortable at the same time, cashmere is wonderful because you can dress it up or down to wear for almost any occasion. More often than not, my go-to work from home outfit is a big cashmere sweater over a pair of leggings, and if I want to get dressed up for dinner, I swap out the leggings for a skirt and throw on some jewelry. I have my eye on this chunky LOULOU cashmere sweater, I think it will be my best friend throughout these next few months.
Bath & Beauty Basics
The lack of sunlight, vitamin D, cold, dry air, and a more sedentary lifestyle in general during the winter months means that taking care of yourself has never been more important. These are my tried and true bath and beauty basics that I savour during the winter.
My favourite self-care ritual starts with a pre-bath dry body brush to get rid of dead skin cells and stimulate my lymphatic system. Afterwards, a long hot bath in one of my favourite bath soaks, to replenish my body’s minerals and relax. Next, I rehydrate my skin with African Botanicals Firming Body Oil and Face Oil. I love this brand because it comes in glass bottles, and is sustainably wild-harvested in South Africa. I prefer to let my skin breath during the day and generally stay away from makeup, but I do love the RMS lip2cheek tint and put a bit of that on almost everyday. It makes such a difference for my pale winter skin with very little effort.
A Good Candle
Yes, I consider having a really nice candle a winter essential. I made the splurge for the first time last month, and it’s just added an extra special something to our living space. One of these candles is worth the splurge, because not only is the smell is amazing, but the beautiful vessels they come in are a nice decoration to any room. I love lighting our candle in the evening when we’re about to sit down for drinks or dinner, or when I’m by myself and reading a book. It’s a whole ritual in itself and instantly makes the space feel cozy and luxurious.
As a side note, I’ve loved collecting the Cire Trudon Limited Edition Christmas candles this season. I plan on keeping the jars and filling them with tea lights, because the colours are gorgeous year-round and I’m picturing them on our outdoor dining table during summer dinner parties.
Pyjamas
These days, I look for any opportunity to dress up, and getting into my pyjamas is another way for me to do so. A good, matching pyjama set can make any ordinary night (or day ;)) at home feel a little special. Just like putting on an outfit for the day can elevate your mood and make you feel more put-together, I find the same thing happens at the end of the day with pyjamas. Especially as I’m working from home, I look forward to switching into my pyjamas in the evenings. It’s a ritual that signals the end of my work day, and that the time for relaxation and evening activities, like cooking, reading, or watching movies/tv, has begun.
Winter Boots
And last but not least, a solid pair of winter boots is a must-have for winter. As lovely as it is to sit all warm and cozy indoors, if you never venture outside, you will miss out on all the joys of a sharp winter’s day. Stepping out on a tempestuous day offers a deeper appreciation of the natural world, which is good for the soul. The benefits of going outside for a walk, even during the rawest of days, cannot be overstated, and it’s the perfect reason to sink into a hot bath when you return.
I got these waterproof suede Sorel boots last year and love everything about them (also come in a lovely grey). If you live somewhere with heavier snow, you can’t go wrong with a pair of weather-proof Uggs. They lasted me through 5 Montreal winters, once upon a time.
