denim, knit, jacket, bag, shoes

A FRESH PALETTE: I fully embrace wearing the rich dark colors associated with the holidays, then come January, I want a fresh palette. I’ll intuitively reach for an ivory sweater, a pale jacket, or tan shoes, but nothing feels fresher than white denim this time of the year. The pairings are predictable, but the simple act of swapping out dark denim or black pants for white or ivory is so satisfying. Textures and weight are the key elements to pay attention to in keeping the look winter friendly.

STICK TO ONE COLOR: Build a look around several pieces in a single color and pair with white. The contrast is clean and sophisticated. Jackets worn tonally with a matching top is a favorite formula that reads pulled together and elevated but really takes zero effort. The top, a Uniqlo cashmere blend HEATTECH turtleneck, serves as the perfect base layer under a wool bomber jacket. For jackets, there are lots of options in this category, but this collared blouson silhouette from Khaite is a standout. The tactile suede finish on the shoes and bag creates warmth next to a pair of TWP white denim.

Sidenote: I am obsessed with several of the Uniqlo HEATTECH products. I run cold all the time and the cashmere blend tops and these sweatpants are a game changer for early mornings or anytime I’m feeling a chill. I have the turtleneck, long sleeve tee, and sweatpants in all the neutrals offered. Currently on sale.

MAKE IT PERSONAL: Similar formula with a lighter palette using a few heavy hitters in my wardrobe. Starting with a camel jacket. Buy well and you’ll keep it forever. There are plenty of quality wool options in a variety of price points to choose from. Find a silhouette that works for you and you’ll want to wear it all the time. I have a ‘S Max Mara short, boxy style I reach for often, but I know a more generous pea coat style would take over if I had one. The impact of a lighter tone bag should not be overlooked. I wear a lot of all black, denim on denim, and all sorts of grey hues, and every single look pops with a light bag. The small Bale is such a nice shape from Loro Piana. With the basics in place, the accessorizing creates personality. Add a polished belt or striking piece of jewelry (this brooch!) to elevate the look, or dress down with sneakers and a tee. Leopard suede Mary Janes add a punctuation mark. The Margaux shoes above feel like slippers. They’re a ten in comfort! A turtleneck and boots (love the Jamie Haller Lennon boots) win on cold days.

ANCHOR WITH BLACK: When I don’t need the weight of a coat, a thick cashmere knit suits me. My go-to is COS for quality and value. For me, this is a year-round item. Summer fog along the coast warrants it for chilly mornings and cool nights. I like a lighter weight to toss over my shoulders as a wrap. This from Frame is pretty. I like to keep the rest of this look understated with mindfully selected pieces – Dana Rebecca diamond earrings bring the right amount of quiet sparkle, while a polished belt and tortoise sunglasses (I’ve had my eye on these for a while) read both current and classic. Black loafers with a warm wood heel (from M. Gemi – another shoe that requires zero break-in time) anchor the outfit.

MIX NEUTRALS: Using natural denim as the base, coordinate with a range of neutrals. They don’t need to match and can create a more interesting look mixed together. The pieces above all have weight on their own and should be considered closet essentials for their usefulness and beauty. A reversible pearlized puffer vest elevates practical tech gear and layers nicely under a double-faced wool coat. The sheen and texture make the entire outfit interesting and balance the similar qualities seen on a pair of leather ruched moccasin loafers. The wool coat’s muddy tone invites a second look followed by a closer study of the mock-neck details and clean silhouette. A light bag makes its presence felt again here. The Ingrid tote is a beauty.

IN THE KITCHEN: Soup always sounds good in January. It’s filling, warm, and easy to make healthy without sacrificing flavor. This week I made Italian Kale and Chicken soup with some protein-boosting tweaks: I swapped half the stock for chicken bone broth, added two chicken breasts, and used high-protein chickpea pasta. I wanted more color and nutrients so I tossed in a full bag of Whole Foods Organic Mediterranean Blend frozen vegetables. Delicious! I doubled it so there would be extra.

And, a quick follow-up to last week’s post on the disappointing results from my DEXA scan. Several readers have experienced a measurable reversal of bone loss after using AlgaeCal Plus as their calcium supplement. Anyone else? I’m trying it and will see what happens later this year with my next DEXA scan.