Crazy Winter Weather = You Gotta Have the Gear!

I moved back to NYC  after living in California for many years and during my first winter back, there were record low temperatures that I never experienced growing up here.  It was shocking, but life must go on and I realized something:  It’s not so bad if you have the gear.  But – you gotta have the gear!  This winter so far has presented us with a different season every day.  With this unpredictable weather, you must be prepared for anything – and your wardrobe must represent that too. 

Me in all my warmest gear!

A few tips on gearing up for the cold: 

• When it’s REALLY cold – like in the teens or single digits – the only way to stay truly warm is with down, shearling or fur.  There really is no substitute and even when they are 100% cashmere, cloth coats do not do the job.  (Sorry if you are a strict vegetarian or vegan).  But it’s great to have a smart cloth coat on hand for dress wear and “warmer” cold days.   
• Cold weather gear can be pricey but it doesn’t have to be. Heattech by Uniqlo is a great example of an affordable heat-retentive line that comes in every form from t-shirts to socks and leggings for both men & women.  Heattech items are mostly thin and great for layering.  
• The end of the season (as in right now) is a great time to get bargains on cold weather gear.  Even furriers are offering major deals in order to move their inventory.
• I said this in a previous post but it bears repeating.  It is essential to check the forecast every single day and plan your ensemble for the day accordingly.

Other suggestions to help brave the winter:

• Waterproof/insulated "weather" boots
• A good sturdy umbrella – like a golf umbrella or plastic “bubble” umbrella (because the wind can demolish a cheap fabric one)
• Water repellent jacket/coat
• Don't go out if you don't have to (one of the benefits of being self-employed!)

Although I am preaching how to dress for a polar vortex, I myself am over the winter already and looking forward to Spring as soon as possible.  Who's with me?

Is September the New January?

Everyone knows that New Year’s resolutions don’t work, right?  But still, every year right after January 1^st there is a ton of social pressure to better ourselves.  TV commercials are a barrage of women's weight watching clubs and sales on gym memberships and home storage systems, etc. etc…  But who is really motivated to change their life after the gluttony of the Holidaze?  And - It’s 70 degrees in LA every day but if you live on the east coast, January is so damn cold that all I want to do is drink red wine and hibernate. 

I love New York in Fall. How about you?

I just took a break for most of August (which is what most civilized people do in the rest of the world but that’s another story…) and now, 2 days after Labor Day, I am implementing a new social media strategy, organizing a new mailing list, reading a mind blowing business coaching book (blogpost to come on that!) and scheduling new clients through November.

Fall is just a much better time to change our lives.  There is something to school starting in the fall and we should all revert back to our childhoods and revise, renew and recreate in September instead of January.  The way I see it, we have 3 solid months before life gets usurped by the holidays, family obligations and a really good excuse to eat, drink and be irresponsible.  So I for one am using the time productively, which includes consulting as many clients as I can. 

Fall organizing is the new Spring cleaning....

What do you think?  Are you in?  If yes, awesome.  Please share this post and let’s start a productivity revolution. 

And - call me for a FREE 10 minute Skype session and let’s talk about transforming your image this fall.