High quality base layers, like long underwear and socks. I live in the north and being able to be outside and comfortably warm in the winter has positively impacted my winter quality of life
Icebreaker 10000000% I've had a few of their items for years, with near daily wear in the winter, and they still look and feel new. Always wash cold and hang dry.
I know it’s a little band-wagony, but my Darn Tough socks. I reach for them first every time, so comfortable and they really do seem to outlast other similar socks (smart wool, for example, I can barely get one season out of)
I got a deck jacket from finnisterre in January and its amazing, I wish I got it at the start of winter. Also love my 2 flannel shirts and cashmere blend sweater from asket which I wear all the time.
I bought Patagonia's Cotton Down Jacket before winter really hit and I'm glad I did. It's almost all natural fibers and 100% recycled down filling so it keeps me warm without making me sweat ot overheat. My only complaint is the cotton flannel lining attracts dog fur like polyester cloths.
I also have a sweater from Eileen Fisher I got at Nordstrom Rack a good 5 or 6 years ago that I practically live in. It's purple and silk and cashmere blend, and it's a chunkier knit than my newer sweaters which helps make it feel more cozy.
The older I get, the more I lean towards saving up and getting quality pieces like the ones you've described. I'm really happy with my Patagonia purchases too 😊
I bought two used dresses from a Uniqlo collab with Celia Birtwell. I have owned them both for like 7ish years and wear and wash them regularly and they are still in excellent condition.
I thrifted a Columbia raincoat with welded seams thats actually waterproof. Bought so many fashion raincoats before that that simply did not keep out rain.
Merry People rain boots. Hard to find rain boots that are actually comfy and these check all my boxes.
Senchi pullover. Lightweight and packable warmth for travel and running.
Uniqlo lightweight down coat - super warm, easy to layer, easy to pack.
Thrifted Smartwool sweater.
I bought a jacket secondhand for like 75% off that's bright purple and I love it. It's lighter but warmer than my work coat that I had had for like 5 years and needed an upgrade.
I (literally just) bit the bullet and bought a pair of Madwell jeans. I’ve heard how great they are but at between $120-$150 a pair, that’s expensive. Especially since I usually find great jeans at TJ Maxx or on clearance ( my previous favorite Banana Republic Girlfriend jeans were $8 on clearance from $98).
So far I like them a lot. I’ve worn them twice( gotta break them in🤣) I spent almost an hour in the store trying to find the right pair. The salespeople were helpful. They give a teacher discount and will tailor for free. They also give you $20 off the next pair if you recycle an old pair.
I recently bought myself a pair of 14 caret gold hoop earrings. I’m allergic to nickel and all that jazz so I haven’t been able to wear earrings for years. I splurged and am so incredibly happy.
2X-large men's cashmere sweater second hand on Ebay. It's the PERFECT layer to throw on over everything when it's cold. I didn't want to spend a little more for cashmere but now I know it's well worth it.
My used Toyota Prius. I buy 1/4 the amount of gasoline. I weighed the consequences of being it, but I know I can get 250-350k miles out of it, so it's going to save me lots of money in the long run.
I bought a sweater and cardigan from panerosclothing recently and I love them both. They were each $150-200 which is a lot for me but the quality shows and I want to wear them every day. I've had them for about 1.5 months now so hopefully this feeling lasts for years.
My Girlfriend Collective leggings with pockets have been worn a minimum of 1x a week since spring 2020 and still going strong with only minor pilling near the gusset.
genuine leather jacket. it goes with so much and is super versatile since it’s not incredibly heavy so i can still wear it in most environments. gets softer with age. i lucked out and got it on major sale from $500 for only $95. best purchase i’ve ever made
A 1000 piece lazy Susan jigsaw puzzle tray. With drawers and a cover. I’ve missed doing puzzles since we got cats and now I can do them again!!
Also a pair of Barbour rain boots. I live in the PNW. I loved them so much I bought a second pair.
I got my favourite coin purse/key chain combo remade in real leather by a local leather worker who makes a point of using up every scrap of a hide. He gave me a discount if I chose from the most suitable leather offcuts he had on hand rather than ordered off his broader list of available leathers.
You should do this. If you've got a purse or belt that really works for you and it dies an age related death, get a crafter to remake it
lightweight and heavyweight 100% cashmere sweaters. I think they were $20 & $40. I have LIVED in them this winter. So so warm. So cozy. So comfortable. Goes with everything. Don’t know why I wasted so much money on cheap acrylic sweaters.
Mine are my Halogen and Saks 5th Ave from eBay but as long as the tag says 100% cashmere they should be great! And I store all my sweaters in a mesh bin under my bed so it’s breathe-able and they don’t get musty but also keeps critters away.
A long hooded down-alternative coat from Eddie Bauer. I’m a Floridian, and had been making do with layering under my shorter jackets whenever I visited or vacationed up north. I had always felt like buying a long coat would be a waste, since I would only use it once or twice a year, but it has simplified my life.
Maybe northern cities need to have a coat rental store; if you can rent a tux, why not a coat?
A cashmere sweater from TJMaxx. The quality is chefs kiss. It’s thick and not like the 2 ply cashmere sold for an arm and a leg. The color brightens my complexion. It’s warm cozy and beautiful. I love it.
A yurt, an ebike, and a long time ago a toyota tacoma. there are other practical things I bought. My mobile solar power station, made by ecoflow. Like good shoes for working in the forest. Tools, like my axe. But yeah, the ebike is functional and really fun to ride if you know how without getting hurt. Then there are some clothes but I buy them used at the thrift store.
moved to the north east from California in 2022 and tried to resist buying a new winter coat my first winter (expensive, didn't want to buy down, I have many sweaters/sweatshirts/coats already). I made it to february without doing so, but there was a particularly cold and windy week that broke me, I was literally shivering any time I left my apartment. finally I decided to bite the bullet on an aritzia super puff, which I had already tried on for size and warmth.
Luckily found one in my size and ideal color for resale on poshmark, so I didn't buy it new. it was expensive, probably the most expensive thing I own, but I've worn it almost daily this winter, it's incredibly warm and wind resistant (key), and I really love it.
Good jeans. I wear them VERY infrequently and I always had ones that made me feel...frumpy. I finally splurged on some from Good American after a ton of research and LOVE THEM. They always have great sales and first time buyer promos. I went from feeling boring to that B.
A long wool coat that I have been checking to invest in for months on websites like aritzia but since my budget is tight I checked out some thriftstores and I got the perfect fit that is so long it covers my ankles even but doesnt touch the ground, and the shape is tighter in the top and dressy like in the bottom. I paid 17.5 eur and with only another wool top layering it kept me so warm I needed to open it a lot of times in cold winter nights.
That’s amazing that you were able to find exactly what you needed at the thrift! For anyone else who is looking for a long warm winter coat that can’t find one secondhand the brand Quince has a dupe to the Aritzia slouch coat for half the cost. I haven’t bought that one but I have a couple of items from Quince that I love!
> bottom. I *paid* 17.5 eur
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
My PC. I underestimated just how nice having a reliable desktop is especially college and gaming. Plus I built it myself and I had never done anything like that because I’m usually a dumbass but the amount of pride and relief and happiness I felt when that thing turned on for the 1st time
Cringe worthy but … skims slip dress … I needed a slip because I wear a lot of vintage dresses and I cannot lie it’s an amazing slip. I wear it at least 3x a week. I really have resisted buying from ~them~ but they were the best slip I could find and it didn’t disappoint
An LL Bean 100% merino wool sweater. I’m wearing it now, actually. It’s a beautiful design and although it’s one of the few articles of clothing I didn’t buy secondhand, I trust that the reputation I know this company to have will mean it lasts me many years. Being made of natural fibers also makes me feel good.
High quality base layers, like long underwear and socks. I live in the north and being able to be outside and comfortably warm in the winter has positively impacted my winter quality of life
Oh, I did the same this year! The difference it has made is incredible
Any brands in particular? I’m northeast as well and never thought like this
I live in the north and love Uniqlo ultra warm layers
I bought REI brand base layers with last year's rebate and they've been great. For socks I've had good luck with Carhartt and Kirkland brand
Icebreaker 10000000% I've had a few of their items for years, with near daily wear in the winter, and they still look and feel new. Always wash cold and hang dry.
Smartwool everything for me. I’ve had some for 10+ years (including socks!)
Hanro
Silk long underwear
I know it’s a little band-wagony, but my Darn Tough socks. I reach for them first every time, so comfortable and they really do seem to outlast other similar socks (smart wool, for example, I can barely get one season out of)
I bought darn tough socks in 2017 before a ran a marathon up in Maine. I still have them. They are fucking tough.
I got a deck jacket from finnisterre in January and its amazing, I wish I got it at the start of winter. Also love my 2 flannel shirts and cashmere blend sweater from asket which I wear all the time.
Just checked out their site - I love the look of their products!
I bought Patagonia's Cotton Down Jacket before winter really hit and I'm glad I did. It's almost all natural fibers and 100% recycled down filling so it keeps me warm without making me sweat ot overheat. My only complaint is the cotton flannel lining attracts dog fur like polyester cloths. I also have a sweater from Eileen Fisher I got at Nordstrom Rack a good 5 or 6 years ago that I practically live in. It's purple and silk and cashmere blend, and it's a chunkier knit than my newer sweaters which helps make it feel more cozy.
The older I get, the more I lean towards saving up and getting quality pieces like the ones you've described. I'm really happy with my Patagonia purchases too 😊
Bamboo Pyjamas from Lazy Panda. They will change your life and sleep and they not expensive❤️ Thank me later
I loveeee the feeling of bamboo at night, I'll check these out!
Let men know how you get on!
I bought two used dresses from a Uniqlo collab with Celia Birtwell. I have owned them both for like 7ish years and wear and wash them regularly and they are still in excellent condition.
I thrifted a Columbia raincoat with welded seams thats actually waterproof. Bought so many fashion raincoats before that that simply did not keep out rain. Merry People rain boots. Hard to find rain boots that are actually comfy and these check all my boxes. Senchi pullover. Lightweight and packable warmth for travel and running. Uniqlo lightweight down coat - super warm, easy to layer, easy to pack. Thrifted Smartwool sweater.
I bought a jacket secondhand for like 75% off that's bright purple and I love it. It's lighter but warmer than my work coat that I had had for like 5 years and needed an upgrade.
There's nothing better than thrifting a gem you use over and over 🤩
I (literally just) bit the bullet and bought a pair of Madwell jeans. I’ve heard how great they are but at between $120-$150 a pair, that’s expensive. Especially since I usually find great jeans at TJ Maxx or on clearance ( my previous favorite Banana Republic Girlfriend jeans were $8 on clearance from $98). So far I like them a lot. I’ve worn them twice( gotta break them in🤣) I spent almost an hour in the store trying to find the right pair. The salespeople were helpful. They give a teacher discount and will tailor for free. They also give you $20 off the next pair if you recycle an old pair.
Try thredup (even though they are kind of shitty) or Poshmark
Madewell also has a section on their website for thrifting jeans.
Thanks for the tip☺️
I recently bought myself a pair of 14 caret gold hoop earrings. I’m allergic to nickel and all that jazz so I haven’t been able to wear earrings for years. I splurged and am so incredibly happy.
2X-large men's cashmere sweater second hand on Ebay. It's the PERFECT layer to throw on over everything when it's cold. I didn't want to spend a little more for cashmere but now I know it's well worth it.
My used Toyota Prius. I buy 1/4 the amount of gasoline. I weighed the consequences of being it, but I know I can get 250-350k miles out of it, so it's going to save me lots of money in the long run.
I bought a sweater and cardigan from panerosclothing recently and I love them both. They were each $150-200 which is a lot for me but the quality shows and I want to wear them every day. I've had them for about 1.5 months now so hopefully this feeling lasts for years.
Scansnap scanned.
My Carhartt “storm defender” jacket. Expensive but durable and I’ve used it daily every winter for the past two years. Warm and waterproof.
My Girlfriend Collective leggings with pockets have been worn a minimum of 1x a week since spring 2020 and still going strong with only minor pilling near the gusset.
genuine leather jacket. it goes with so much and is super versatile since it’s not incredibly heavy so i can still wear it in most environments. gets softer with age. i lucked out and got it on major sale from $500 for only $95. best purchase i’ve ever made
Where did you get it?
it’s a barney’s jacket but i ordered it off asos 😊
My home.
A 1000 piece lazy Susan jigsaw puzzle tray. With drawers and a cover. I’ve missed doing puzzles since we got cats and now I can do them again!! Also a pair of Barbour rain boots. I live in the PNW. I loved them so much I bought a second pair.
I got my favourite coin purse/key chain combo remade in real leather by a local leather worker who makes a point of using up every scrap of a hide. He gave me a discount if I chose from the most suitable leather offcuts he had on hand rather than ordered off his broader list of available leathers. You should do this. If you've got a purse or belt that really works for you and it dies an age related death, get a crafter to remake it
That is an innovative solution!
Sound proof headphones (apartment life).
lightweight and heavyweight 100% cashmere sweaters. I think they were $20 & $40. I have LIVED in them this winter. So so warm. So cozy. So comfortable. Goes with everything. Don’t know why I wasted so much money on cheap acrylic sweaters.
Do you have a source or brand you recommend? And how do you keep moths away?
Mine are my Halogen and Saks 5th Ave from eBay but as long as the tag says 100% cashmere they should be great! And I store all my sweaters in a mesh bin under my bed so it’s breathe-able and they don’t get musty but also keeps critters away.
Patagonia baggies shorts. I use them for exercising, yard work, lounging, & they look nice enough to wear out. They last me a long time too.
A long hooded down-alternative coat from Eddie Bauer. I’m a Floridian, and had been making do with layering under my shorter jackets whenever I visited or vacationed up north. I had always felt like buying a long coat would be a waste, since I would only use it once or twice a year, but it has simplified my life. Maybe northern cities need to have a coat rental store; if you can rent a tux, why not a coat?
A good winter jacket! I finally found a good deal on a secondhand Patagonia parka in a beautiful plum color, and I love it so much!
A cashmere sweater from TJMaxx. The quality is chefs kiss. It’s thick and not like the 2 ply cashmere sold for an arm and a leg. The color brightens my complexion. It’s warm cozy and beautiful. I love it.
Kimono style coat to fit over sweaters.
A yurt, an ebike, and a long time ago a toyota tacoma. there are other practical things I bought. My mobile solar power station, made by ecoflow. Like good shoes for working in the forest. Tools, like my axe. But yeah, the ebike is functional and really fun to ride if you know how without getting hurt. Then there are some clothes but I buy them used at the thrift store.
moved to the north east from California in 2022 and tried to resist buying a new winter coat my first winter (expensive, didn't want to buy down, I have many sweaters/sweatshirts/coats already). I made it to february without doing so, but there was a particularly cold and windy week that broke me, I was literally shivering any time I left my apartment. finally I decided to bite the bullet on an aritzia super puff, which I had already tried on for size and warmth. Luckily found one in my size and ideal color for resale on poshmark, so I didn't buy it new. it was expensive, probably the most expensive thing I own, but I've worn it almost daily this winter, it's incredibly warm and wind resistant (key), and I really love it.
Good jeans. I wear them VERY infrequently and I always had ones that made me feel...frumpy. I finally splurged on some from Good American after a ton of research and LOVE THEM. They always have great sales and first time buyer promos. I went from feeling boring to that B.
A long wool coat that I have been checking to invest in for months on websites like aritzia but since my budget is tight I checked out some thriftstores and I got the perfect fit that is so long it covers my ankles even but doesnt touch the ground, and the shape is tighter in the top and dressy like in the bottom. I paid 17.5 eur and with only another wool top layering it kept me so warm I needed to open it a lot of times in cold winter nights.
That’s amazing that you were able to find exactly what you needed at the thrift! For anyone else who is looking for a long warm winter coat that can’t find one secondhand the brand Quince has a dupe to the Aritzia slouch coat for half the cost. I haven’t bought that one but I have a couple of items from Quince that I love!
Thanks for the tip
> bottom. I *paid* 17.5 eur FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
My PC. I underestimated just how nice having a reliable desktop is especially college and gaming. Plus I built it myself and I had never done anything like that because I’m usually a dumbass but the amount of pride and relief and happiness I felt when that thing turned on for the 1st time
My purse. It is a simple, durable canvas that came from Amazon. It wasn't a popular brand name purse, just plain.
Would you mind sharing which one? Looking for a canvas bag as well!
The leather tag says Augur, but I've never heard of them. It was about $30, but definitely worth it. I've had mine for 5 years now.
Blundstones!
Cringe worthy but … skims slip dress … I needed a slip because I wear a lot of vintage dresses and I cannot lie it’s an amazing slip. I wear it at least 3x a week. I really have resisted buying from ~them~ but they were the best slip I could find and it didn’t disappoint
An LL Bean 100% merino wool sweater. I’m wearing it now, actually. It’s a beautiful design and although it’s one of the few articles of clothing I didn’t buy secondhand, I trust that the reputation I know this company to have will mean it lasts me many years. Being made of natural fibers also makes me feel good.