The end of summer always dawns quite quickly. Summer clothing has always been my favorite to shop for and I get quite depressed when I need to put away my summer wardrobe. Until this year. With the last couple of years, I’ve absolutely began embracing fall and winter styles and finding the silver lining, so to say, in these cold, Canadian winter months. There are so many more options to cold weather dressing than Ugg boots and big, bulky parkas. I wanted to write a piece highlighting some of my favorite luxuries in fall/winter dressing. Style doesn’t have to change or compromise itself with seasons. Here are some of my favorite luxuries nearly exclusive to this time of year. Work that winter.

Cashmere

Cashmere is an ultimate winter luxury. As someone with extra sensitive skin (I use baby products year round to help me cope), I appreciate the warmth of wool but can’t take the itch. Originally meant to protect goats from frigid mountain temperatures, cashmere is a light but extremely warm fiber that provides excellent warmth without the bulk. I love buying vintage cashmere, as it’s already been broken in, resulting in an even finer, softer finish and it’s much less pricey than buying brand new. From sweaters to mittens, I drape myself in it every winter, because, why not? I even invested in a black cashmere tracksuit. After that, you don’t just go back to polyester (not that that was ever my thing anyway really). Hand wash or dry clean your cashmere. I can’t stress this enough. It will make the biggest different and will last you forever. Don’t pay attention to labels like “Italian Cashmere”, etc. China has long been the worlds largest producer of cashmere, supplying international garment mactories all over the world. Instead, check the label to make sure the product is 100% pure cashmere. Cashmere blends just don’t quite measure up when you’re looking for the real thing. Think of jewerly that is “gold-plated”. Not quite the same thing really.

Silk

Silk is a great layering fabric. It’s light enough for summer, but for wearing in the winter. Silk blouses are a definite staple. Silk is a natural material, it breathes well, does not irritate the skin and is tightly knit enough to keep in warmth. I’m also a fan of dainty silk gloves to match lighter fall jackets and longer silk gloves for dressing up. These are perfect with boleros and cape coats with cut off sleeves. Courage My Love in Kensington market has a great selection of silk and satin gloves in every color. Designers have been favouring silk trousers for fall, in a harem or cargo style. These are easy to pull off in colder months by adding bulk in form of leggings or stockings underneath. Silk also blends well with wool or cashmere and even cotton, adding a smoother touch to these fabrics and decreasing their heaviness.

 
Fur

I realize the conflict in promoting this.The fashion world has a love/hate relationship with fur. It always has, and my theory is, it always will. They love to wear it but hate the idea behind its ethics. Real or faux, new or vintage, fur not only represents warmth, but it’s an ultimate luxury for its decadent look and texture. My opinion is, that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Personally, I do wear real fur but I buy most of it vintage. It reminds me of reusing and recycling, not to mention it is a fraction of the cost of a new item. Exile in Kensington has a fantastic selection of vintage fur, real or faux. You can also find great deals on it at the St. Lawrence Antique market on Sundays. I picked up a gorgeous fox jacket for just 20$ a couple of weeks ago at a discount because of some minor tears and imperfections. In addition, I find vintage styles more classic and interesting. I’m not a fan of a lot of trendy fur items. I think a simple clean cut jacket or a pocketed mink stole will never go out of style. Once again, this is personal preference and everyone has the option of going faux if so morally inclined. Many high and low end designers are incorporating faux fur into their pieces. In addition, there are now, for example, designers, using pelts from the North American Fur Association, a group that uses the furst of non-endangered species acquired from licensed trappers, who use a quota system to assist with wildlife control.

myself, in a vintage grey mink stole

Shearling

Shearling has made a huge comeback this fall. Gaining great popularity in the early 1970’s, shearling is a sheep or lambskin pelt that has an either suede or leather  side and shorn fibers on the reverse. Burberry Prorsum is the most notable designer to bring this trend back come fall, but like wildfire, it has spread to low and high end labels worldwide. From jackets and vests to footwear and accessories, shearling is a great winter option because ofthe warmth and comfort factor as well as its cool retro quality. Kate Hudson’s green velvet and shearling coat in Almost Famous makes my body weak each time I watch that movie.