Snow-going boots, from left to right, counterclockwise: L.L. Bean’s Rangely boots, La Canadienne’s Abba bootie, Northface’s ThermoBall and Columbia’s Ice Maiden II.

By Janet Kelly

SNOW DAYS—from a fashion and technical perspective—present more  challenges than ordinary cold weather. To be worth investing in, a good pair of winter boots should meet some requirements. For example, a snug fit around the calf keeps the wet stuff from dribbling in, the reason why most winter boots lace up instead of zipping. You also want foot gear with high-quality insulation for warmth, waterproof/water-resistant materials to keep you dry and deep-traction soles (with rugged treads) to prevent slipping.

When it comes to height, shorter boots are easier for walking around in, but if you’re trudging through deep snow, taller boots will protect your calves.

As manufacturers of ski apparel have adapted their designs to be lighter, more stylish and suitable for a wider range of activities—while retaining their technical properties—manufacturers of snow boots have similarly incorporated the fashionable with the functional.

This season, more styles resemble Tecnica’s Moon Boots of the early 1970s, which were created as après-ski footwear. But this time around versions from North Face, Columbia and Pajar as well as the original come with treads for serious ground control. And some Pajar and Wind River styles come with ice grippers.

Stalwarts, such as Sorel’s Joan of Arctic, continue to be popular for looks and winter prowess. As New York Times chief fashion critic Vanessa Friedman noted, it’s the dominant brand at the Sundance Film Festival. Ugg’s new Adirondack III gets rave reviews from our own Kathy Legg (older styles often fell short on traction). Another discriminating friend swears that pricey La Canadienne is worth the splurge. Made in a family-owned factory in Montreal, every boot is hand cut to ensure the right fit and oodles of comfort.

Because no boot is foolproof over icy sidewalks, follow New York Times health columnist Jane Brody advice: “Walk like a duck or penguin.”

As they say, you pays your money and you takes your choice. Here are ours:

LEFT: Puffy boots pack a warm punch. Details matter, such as a waterproof upper that sloughs off slush. A metallic dot pattern on the lining is designed to keep heat in, while an outsole with fiberglass particles in the rubber holds on to slippery surfaces. Adding to functionality and style is a waterproof pouch to store necessaries. A velcro cuff seals the deal on this Paninaro Pull-On Boot, which sells for $140.

LEFT: Based in Freeport, Maine, L.L. Bean has always had its radar trained on coping with cold, snowy weather. The 9 ½-inch high Rangely Boots ($169) update the company’s classic snow boot with a waterproof upper, faux fur around the collar, an acrylic fleece lining and grooved-tread rubber outsole designed to keep wearers steady on their feet.

CENTER: What grown-up girl among us doesn’t dread slipping on an icy sidewalk? According to Toronto’s Kite Research Institute, which has developed a methodology to test and rate footwear for slip-resistance, Wind River’s Ice Queen mid-height winter boots earned high marks. No footwear is failsafe, but these also offer plenty of warm insulation, are 100% waterproof and are equipped with innovatively designed IceFx outsoles. They’re reduced in price from $179.99 to $125.99 until January 19, 2022.

RIGHT: Lightweight and on the inexpensive side—$79.95—Columbia’s Ice Maiden Boot II provides waterproof protection on its leather and textile upper, warmth and traction. A good option for daily cold-weather errands but not as robust for heavy snow situations.

LEFT: Points for a sleek silhouette and front zipper for easy on-and-off go to La Canadienne’s waterproof suede Abba bootie. A genuine shearling lining keeps feet dry and warm, while the stitched trim outsole keeps you steadier on snow days. A cushioned foam insole ups the comfort quotient. It is selling for $575 on Zappo’s.

RIGHT: Water-resistant lace-ups with an adjustable nylon back strap for a secure fit, North Face’s ThermoBall boot is lightweight (1 pound 8 ounces), lined and equipped with a collar bungee to prevent snow and such from getting inside. Another feature in favor of this oversize puff boot (shown above in taupe green) is an outsole with temperature-sensitive lugs. They’re  $118.95 at Zappo’s.

LEFT: Deep snow drifts won’t deter you with your feet shod in Sorel’s Joan of Arctic. Waterproof suede, a removable felt inner boot for insulation, closed-seam construction and a rubber sole for grip  are key to their durability. The only thing that isn’t waterproof are the laces. Sorel also has some fashion chops: New York Times chief fashion critic Vanessa Friedman noted that it is the dominant brand at the Sundance Film Festival. For winter function and style, the Joan (shaft height is 12 inches) rises to the occasion. It’s $210.

CENTER: Ugg’s Adirondack III ($249.95), in waterproof leather, has a high-friction rubber outsole with serious traction in freezing temps; extra-warming, feet-cosseting sheepskin insulation; a cushioning insole and a cold-weather rating of -25.6˚F.  It’s 10-inch shaft goes to 8 inches when fashionably cuffed. And, er, to boot, MyLittleBird’s Kathy Legg calls them “amazing.”

RIGHT: Inspired by the 1969 lunar landing, this low-top version ($120) of the original Moon Boot riffs on astronaut gear. Made of water-repellent nylon, the boot is insulated with foam, fitted with a lightweight mid-sole and has suction pads on its rubber-tread sole. Slip it on and then tighten with a top drawstring and criss-cross laces. In addition to this cool khaki, it comes in many other colors, including hot pink, pink, yellow and white.

MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com. 

Clockwise from left to right: Under Armour long-sleeve shirt, retro mittens, Smartwool crew socks, an oversize check scarf from Cos and Bogs Arcata slip-on boots.

By Janet Kelly

BLAME IT on climate change. But you can bet your bippy that extreme temps like the ones we’re currently enduring will continue. “It’s 14 degrees today,” announces my husband, who must think he’s being helpful.

Staying inside all day drinking cocoa is one way to cope with frigid weather, but going out and inhaling fresh air is essential for the soul. And if dog walking is one of your twice- or more daily to-dos … . To combat the cold, we’ve concluded we must concur with a common Scandinavian saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”

Layers! Hat! Scarf! Socks! Mittens! Don’t give away your ski underwear even if you no longer hit the slopes. You’ll be glad you still have it. When considering new purchases, pay attention to points of vulnerability, such as between the end of a sleeve and beginning of a mitten, and the base of the neck. Coats with storm cuffs keep wind and snow from finding their way up a sleeve. And, although wearing a scarf with, say, a shearling or warm puffer, may seem superfluous, coats often don’t seal in warmth around your neck the way a scarf will.

For ways we’re dealing with what’s beginning to look like the polar vortex, vintage 2022, see below.

LEFT: You know what they say about heat escaping from your head? No? Walk outside with your head uncovered for 20 minutes in below-20-degree weather. Then you’ll know. For such heady stuff, I defer to MyLittleBird co-founder Nancy McKeon. She swears by her trapper hat with the caveat that you may need to sacrifice good looks for warmth. However, this Plush Trapper Hat in fleece, a result of a collaboration between Eddie Bauer and California label The Great looks pretty darn cute. The seven-inch ear flaps fasten under the chin with a snap-close strap.

RIGHT: Patagonia with a Swedish accent, Fjallraven knows a thing or two about coping with cold. When the Fahrenheit dips to frigid, don this Nordic Heater ($79.95, Moosejaw). The faux fur keeps your head warm and cozy and the wind- and waterproof fabric repels snow and fierce winds. Folding ear flaps with holes underneath make it possible to hear your walking companion.

LEFT: Under Armour’s HeatGear Compression Long Sleeve  is a light layer that fits easily under a bulkier shirt and sweater. It wicks sweat, dries fast, has enough stretch for good mobility and odor-repellent technology. It sells for $35.

RIGHT: I’ve kept my Marmot fleece top and hat for years. Not only are the hat and sweater warm, they don’t look like they’re ski-only wear. And that’s why I think their Polartec Base Layer Tights ($84.95, Backcountry) would be a good investment—for wearing under clothing— but also just on their own. They wick moisture, dry quickly and promise to keep odors at bay.

LEFT: If my neck is not swathed and coddled, I’m cold, so for me, a scarf is a non-negotiable part of my cold-weather-apparel arsenal. Frankie Shop’s generously sized Nieves merino wool scarf (68 inches long-by-10 inches wide, excluding fringe) comes in lovely colors—teal, asphalt, dusty blue and tobacco, including violet (shown). And, at $66, it’s not a budget buster.

CENTER: Like Frankie Shop’s and Cos’s (below) and most self-respecting scarves these days, & Other Stories’s mohair and wool-blend Blanket Scarf (75-by-20 inches) is trimmed with fringe. But it’s that ice-cream-colored pistachio hue that offers a lift from the winter doldrums. It’s $99.

RIGHT: Wrap your neck in Cos’ Oversize Check Scarf (78¾-by 23½ inches), and you’ll still have plenty of cozy mohair to drape around your shoulders over your coat.

LEFT: I like the look of sleek gloves as much as anyone else, but in cold weather, they’re worthless for keeping your hands and fingers from freezing. Mittens to the rescue! A few years ago I was in Montreal during a snowstorm that dumped a couple of feet on the ground and followed it up with zero-degree temperatures. How grateful I was to have my shearling mittens with me. Similar to my own vintage pair are these Hestra Sheepskin Mittens ($149.95, Backcountry). With a lambskin suede outer and a lambswool lining, they’ll keep your hands happily ensconced.

CENTER: Charmingly retro-looking, Snowflake Knit Mittens offer warmth with a thinsulate (a synthetic alternative to down) lining. Available in seven different color combinations, they’re $17.99 from Amazon.

RIGHT: Hestra’s aptly named Moon Mitten ($79.95, Backcountry) has a shell to slough off snow and such; insulation to trap heat even when wet; a lining and elastic, close-fitting wrists to keep cold and wet from creeping up sleeves. You can easily slip them over a pair of gloves, too.

LEFT: These Smartwool Popcorn Polka Dot Crew Socks are made from itch-free merino wool, which, by the way, helps prevent foot odor. Cushioning offers support and comfort, while spandex helps retain their shape. They’re must-haves to keeps toes toasty, and they’re reduced from $24.95 to $14 at Orvis.

CENTER: Even if you never have hiked and never plan to, Smartwool’s Hike Classic Crew Socks ($19, REI), available in mauve or twilight blue, support feet with a cushy bottom while an elasticized arch ensures a good fit.

RIGHT: When you want to pamper your feet, slather them in moisturizer and slip on Z Supply’s Plush Heart Socks at bedtime. Wake up with velvety tootsies. Keep a pair for yourself and gift the other to a favorite friend for Valentine’s Day. They’re $24 for a pack of two.

LEFT: Of course you have warm winter boots already, but in case you’re on the hunt, this knit boot promises function with a side of style. Waterproofing keeps out the damp stuff and seals in the warmth, while a rubber lug outsole provides necessary traction on slippery surfaces. They’re $159.99 from Backcountry.

RIGHT: Who doesn’t like variety? Fully unzipped, the Tristan Faux Fur Platform Sneaker Bootie can be worn as a sneaker, partially unzipped as a cuffed boot or totally zipped as a full-fledged bootie. They’re selling for $106.80, reduced from $178, at Nordstrom.

Pro Tip: Check Mountain Steals by Moosejaw for discounts of 60 percent—for the next three days—on cold-weather accessories, including long underwear, socks, mittens, boots, scarves and hats from brands like Polarmax, Hot Chillys, SmartWool, Columbia and North Face.

MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com. 

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By Andrea Rouda

I clearly remember, as a child, that when we had a leaky faucet in our kitchen or bathroom, my father, no handyman by anyone’s definition, would go to the hardware store, pick up a few different-sized washers, and fix it in no time. Those days are definitely not these days, as I found out when our bathroom faucet started leaking.

Drip, drip, drip. Nothing too bad, but we understood that in time it would worsen and since the bathroom is adjacent to our bedroom, the dripping was destined to keep us up all night, and soon. A plumber was called.

The request from the plumber was the name and model number of the faucet so he could order the parts needed. Parts? How many, I wondered. Anyway, I assured him that I did not have that information as the faucet was installed about 10 years ago and all the pertinent paperwork was long gone. A call to the manufacturer was suggested.

That call took the better part of an hour. Finally I got through to Vicente in customer service, who promised he could help. First he asked if the hot water or the cold water was leaking. I had to say I didn’t know. Then I had to take picture of the faucet so he could find out which parts would fit. Email would work, he said. Then he gave me his email address, which was very long and foreign, with him saying, “V like in Victor, I like in Isadora, N like in Nancy, C like in Carol, E like in Edward,” for the whole damn thing. It took forever because his last name was really long and so was the name of the service provider. I was sweating by the time he finished.

After Vicente got my photos he called me back to give me the parts numbers, which were roughly 16 characters each. After struggling to write them down I suggested he email them to me. He agreed that would work. Now I’m hoping the plumber, a very nice young millennial, can handle the job. Who knew putting in a new washer would be such a big deal?

—Andrea Rouda blogs at The Daily Droid.

By Janet Kelly

POOR JANUARY. Following a festive, light-filled December, it doesn’t provide much for us to cheer about. To rub it in, the first month of 2022 blew in with a major, disruptive snowstorm for the mid-Atlantic and if that weren’t enough, within the same time frame, the U.S. broke its record for daily coronavirus cases. To be fair, the number rose dramatically in December, too, but the holidays were here … .

With many of us resigned to hibernating again, hoping to ride out yet another pandemic wave, I’ve been searching for some new household items to put a little joy in January.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with white towels, but these patterned ones from Dusen Dusen are a lot more fun to look at and will re-energize any bathroom. They come in three sizes and are sold as a set of five for $140. Also available individually, the 13-by-13-inch washcloth in the split pattern is $12. The 20-by-30-inch hand towel in a spiral or spin design is $25, and the 30-by-56-inch bath towel (in plaid or atom) is $50.

Despite Pantone’s predictions, some soothsayers are forecasting green to be one of the biggest home decor colors of 2022. Put a glow on it with this diminutive Table Lamp (it’s 10 inches high and weighs 4 pounds) in striped glass. A fresh look for any spot in your manse, it’s $89 from Urban Outfitters.

Target helps January decluttering efforts with the launch of its first storage and home organization collection—Brightroom. The Wire Pantry Basket ($12) in powder-coated steel with a crisp white finish corrals crackers, cookies and the like in a tidy container. The three-piece Canister Set ($20) keeps dry goods (cereal, rice) and baking ingredients in clear view, and twist-on lids with a secure seal keep out air and moisture.

Hand marbled in limited batches, swirly tapered candles are a whimsical addition to your decor. And should you choose to light them, each burns for about 11 hours. They’re available in blush, gray and eggplant in sets of four for $52 at Food52. You can also find them at Violet Rose ($28 for two) in three additional, amusingly named colors: Poolside, Maliblue Breeze and Some Like It Hot (not shown).

MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com. 

Short and colorful down jackets from Aritzia, Add and Anthropologie.

By Janet Kelly

JUST a random survey on how we dress for cold weather confirms puffer coats have invaded—if not taken over—our winter wardrobes. Alpine-focused brands, such as North Face and its ilk, launched the ski-chic for city dwellers in the mid-to-late‘90s. Its popularity has increased in the past few years, enthusiastically embraced by high-end fashion labels to mass retailers. The pandemic-influenced cocooning trend has undoubtedly spurred their ubiquity.

The best puffers marry functionality with style. But sometimes you have to choose between the two. Some high-quality down coats may excel in the warmth category but can overwhelm small frames and make just about anyone look shorter because of the volume, whatever the length. Fitted coats may be flattering but sometimes not as warm because of the construction and/or the insulation. Generally speaking, goose down is warmer than duck down—and also more expensive.

Keep in mind that a  puffer coat doesn’t cover you for all occasions. It usually pairs better with casual clothing. But Herno’s A-line swing coat or Cote London’s similar style would look chic worn with a dress and boots. Mackage’s Cali, thanks to its fitted style and sash belt also reads  on the dressier side.

There are plenty of choices out there—long, short, mid-length. Some come with hoods, some with high-gloss or shiny shells, some matte, some more waterproof than others.

Below are some we’d like to see hanging in our closets:

LEFT: With a brand whose founder’s roots are in Siberia, you’d expect a focus on warmth, but innovative technology and flattering silhouettes are also hallmarks of celeb-adored label Ienki Ienki. Its Michlin Jacket is filled with ultra-light goose down and the outer fabric is made of nylon that’s resistant to tears and is water- and wind-repellent. The belt pulls it all in for a chic just-off-the-slopes style. Besides this olive hue, it comes in a satin pink or black for a spendy $1,475 at Shopbop.

CENTER: The eco-conscious Italian Herno only uses feathers and down not sourced from live birds, as in this Cleofe Cropped Sleeve Jacket ($645, Farfetch). Not just your ordinary puffer, the A-line shape with the 3/4-length cropped sleeves, high collar and curved high-low hem add up to an unconventional look. Like the Michlin jacket, the insulation is goose down.

RIGHT: Down-filled and lightweight, Cotes of London’s Chelsea A-Frame Down Jacket ($348) is a good look-for-less option for Herno’s Cleofe. You can also fold and/or pack it up into its accompanying storage bag.

LEFT: S13’s Chalet Belted Puffer Coat with its high-shine finish, cinch belt, down fill, removable hood and faux fur trim will cost you less than half of the similar SAM. jacket described below. It’s $203.99 (with code JOY) at Macy’s.

RIGHT: New York City label SAM. specializes in outerwear that blends practicality with style, such as waterproof parkas and down coats that incorporate materials such as neoprene, Thinsulate and lacquered nylon into hip designs.What’s not to like about its shiny shell, superior warmth (80% goose down), sleeves with thumbhole cuffs, stand collar, drawstring hood and waist-defining cinch elastic belt. The Long Noho Jacket is $675 at Shopbop.

LEFT: Sometimes, you just want to throw on a short, colorful jacket, head out of the house and be confident in how good you look. Want to be warm, too? Consider Vancouver, Canada-based brand’s Aritzia’s Super Puff Goose Down puffer ($250). It’s engineered to keep you cozy to a minus-22°F, plus it’s filled with responsibly sourced goose down (700+ fill), has a water-repellent and wind-resistant outer shell, fleece-lined pockets, storm cuffs and an interior pocket to stash a smartphone. Shown here in matte granite blue, it’s also available in 17 other shades. Plus, there are eight options in high gloss colors.

CENTER: Brighten your winter outlook with a glossy yellow jacket with adjustable, grosgrain ribbon-drawstring hood from Italian brand Add. Comfortable and warm (duck-down filled), the ultra lightweight padded jacket is $570.

RIGHT: Sustainable outerwear brand OOF is the manufacturer of this Oversize Puffer Coat, reduced from $400 to $269.95 at Anthropologie. Instead of any animal-based materials (goose or duck down), polyester is the fill for this pretty violet jacket.

LEFT: An Oversize Tech Puffer coat ($523, Farfetch) in army green from eco-conscious Danish brand Ganni is 100% recycled polyester. Large zippered side pockets accommodate necessities when you’re  out walking your cavapoo on frigid mornings. A mock turtleneck rebuffs the cold. It’s on the voluminous end of the scale for puffers; for a closer fit, go down a size.

CENTER: As noted, Vancouver, Canada-based brand Aritzia is serious about the cold. Its long (below the knee to lower calf), super-warm Super Puff ($350) will keep you oblivious to cold to a minus-40°F, it also has all the bells and whistles of the shorter version. Besides admiral blue (shown), it comes in seven other colors and five high-gloss shades.

RIGHT: Mackage’s Calina Maxi Coat with nylon shell and down filling (90% duck down) checks all the boxes. It’s fitted, lightweight, warm and water-repellent. A sash belt is attractive and useful for cinching in the waistline; storm cuffs keep the cold from creeping into the sleeves, while an inner collar keeps necks protected. Wear with light layers; if you need heavier ones, go up a size. The coat is $1,090.

LEFT: A dressy down jacket from Uniqlo’s collaboration with Jil Sander, this satin style with water-repellent coating and down filling will flatter smaller statures. Fitted shoulders that flare toward the hem and an inner drawstring create that desired, defined silhouette. It’s $99.90.

CENTER: A lightweight, packable Big Chill Puffer Jacket with a chevron quilted pattern, water-resistant shell and polyester fill is just right for those warmer winter days likely to come our way. Besides this cheery pink, it also comes in forest green and sells for $19.88 at Walmart.

RIGHT: A riff on the traditional puffer (the inside is quilted), this down oversize military-inspired jacket, also from the Jil Sander and Uniqlo collab, looks way more expensive than it is, which is $99.90 (on final sale).

MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com.

Clockwise, from left: Pearls light up a Kate Spade cardigan, a show-stopping choker from Lizzie Fortunato, Vivienne Westwood dangly orbs, fanciful brogues from Stuart Weitzman and a pearl-handle clutch.

By Janet Kelly

PEARLS—traditional single or double strands of cultured, freshwater, even some South Sea varieties— are just not as valuable as they used to be or we believed they were. That’s what two Pittsburgh jewelers recently told me. To verify, I checked prices on eBay and Live Auctioneers. Let’s just say it  encouraged me to keep rather than sell a pearl bracelet, although I no longer wear it.

True, the real thing may not be worth as much as it was in its heyday, but the flattering-to-the-face look of pearls doesn’t go out of style—particularly in and around the White House. Think first ladies: Jackie Kennedy and Barbara Bush, who both preferred Kenneth Lane faux pearls over the real thing. Michelle Obama was fond of her genuine signature double strands but also, like Bush, wore gumball-size faux pearls. And she favored and frequently wore multiple strands with other faux stones, designed by Tom Binns.

Vice President Kamala Harris’s trademark jewelry is a pearl necklace, which she doesn’t hesitate to dress down with her Converse sneakers or Timberland boots. On inaugural day, she wore pearls framed in a chunky gold necklace, while the collar of Jill Biden’s dress was embroidered with pearls and crystals. At last year’s Super Bowl, the inaugural’s brilliant young poet Amanda Gorman wore a pearl headband crowning her updo.

You don’t have to go to the White House, though, to see pearls in action. Right there on your television screen we’ve all been able to watch Amy Schneider rock a string of pearls as she made her way to the tippy-top of the Jeopardy! heap, second in earnings only to Ken Jennings.

The pearl has emerged from tradition, thanks to designers such as Gucci’s Alessandro Michele, who dressed a model in a pearl balaclava for a recent runway show, and Simone Rocha, who in a collaboration with H&M, playfully placed pearls on coats and on the toes of black lace-up shoes. They and others all owe a debt to Coco Chanel, who modernized pearls in the 1920s, mixing and layering precious stones with faux. She recognized the commercial potential in fake pearls and was the first to use them on the catwalk.

Sequins may be everywhere this holiday season, but for a subtler glow, go with pearls like the ones we’ve got on our radar below:

LEFT: Lizzie Fortunato goes for a modern mix: she pairs an 18k gold-plated collar with a strand of 26-29mm cultured freshwater baroque pink pearls and another with sparkling white crystals. The necklace length is adjustable from 14.5 to 18.5 inches; it’s $435 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

RIGHT: Coco Chanel wouldn’t leave her atelier without her pearls. Fifty-plus years after her death, they continue to play a prominent role in the fashion giant’s designs. From the house’s pre-fall 2022 runway, a sheer black tulle skirt dotted with feathers and pearls.

LEFT: This crew-neck cardigan with imitation pearl buttons and details could be mistaken for Chanel, but Hong Kong label B +AB’s price tag is far more wallet friendly. The wool-blend sweater with twinkly metallic thread is $210 at Farfetch.

RIGHT: A shrug-like cardigan embellished with faux pearls casts a glow on you and fancies up a blue tuxedo. It is $160 at Anthropologie.

ABOVE LEFT: Eighty-year-old designer Vivienne Westwood, best known for her association with the punk movement of the ’70s and ’80s, is attracting new audiences, as a result of the many times her 1990 three-strand pearl (glass bead) choker has appeared on TikTok. With her orb logo, combining royal British symbols with outer space symbolism, Westwood riffs on tradition and looks to the future. Featured on most pieces in her jewelry line (seen here on her Drop Earrings ), it’s adorned with multi-colored Swarovski crystals and a large hanging pearl. It sells for $275 on the Vivienne Westwood site.

RIGHT: A statement necklace that you can wear every day, Clare V.’s Jumbo Pearls ($145) (they’re pearl-coated wood beads) are hand knotted with navy and poppy thread; the lobster claw closure is finished with a flourish of a blue-and-red leather tie.

BELOW LEFT: Lush black suede meets white pearls on Kate Spade New York’s two-inch kitten-heel pumps  ($228, Zappos). A glittering jewel charm at the vamp strap adds another touch of glam to this pointy pair of pumps.

ABOVE LEFT: Inspired by Yayoi Kusama’s artwork at the New York Botanical Garden, Lizzie Fortunato’s single-strand Cosmic Nature bracelet mingles freshwater keshi pearls with colorful matte millefiori glass beads. It’s $175 at Shopbop.

RIGHT: Faux round pearls are designer Simone Rocha’s signature—from her drop earrings to her pearl-embellished clutches, coats and cardigans, such as this alpaca and wool cable knit, trimmed with lustrous buttons. It’s reduced from $895 to $488 at Moda Operandi. Limited sizes available.

BELOW LEFT: An elegant version of “I made it in summer camp during arts and crafts,” this set of five Roxanne Assoulin bracelets ($85, Shopbop) updates the look with multicolor beads and faux pearls.

LEFT: A row of faux pearl buttons edging the v-neck of Kate Spade’s wool-blend cardigan, plus a slightly puffed sleeve, give the sweater an elegant vibe. Wear it over leather leggings or black velvet trousers to make any occasion festive. It’s $509 at Farfetch.

ABOVE RIGHT: Lebanese artisans experiment with different materials and shapes to create Vanina’s fanciful handbags and jewelry. The hobo-shaped L’Échappé clutch, in a velvet-like fabric, is topped with a pearl handle to carry the bag on your shoulder or by hand. It’s reduced from $244 to $171 at Farfetch.

BELOW RIGHT: Who said brogues have to be utilitarian and plain? Not Stuart Weitzman, whose tasseled leather loafers ($502, Farfetch) are lined with pearls above their practical flat rubber sole.

MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com.

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By Andrea Rouda

BECAUSE COVID put a damper on things I have done very little traveling this year, although I have thought about visiting Hawaii, Italy, London, Tanzania, Israel and Greece. Instead I went to the North Fork of Long Island, which is a hidden way of saying the Hamptons because, well, you know, and to southern Florida, which never disappoints. The ocean is still there in all its glory; thankfully climate change has not ruined that.

I’m pleased to report that my entire family has escaped Covid. That sounds like a lot of people, but it’s actually only me, my husband and our son, and my cousin Brian and his son Bailey. That’s it. Oh, and my cat Lurch. He has caused me no end of problems as he refuses to wear the mask and I have no idea where he goes when he’s out. For all I know it’s a crowded beer hall, beer halls steadily becoming very popular here in our little town. Who knew Freeport would become the craft-beer capital of the world?

In October my husband ran for the Freeport Town Council. He insists my blog lost him the race because some townsfolk were dismayed by what they read, attributing my outrageous statements to Mitch instead of to me, which is ridiculous.

As a consequence of the local citizenry not supporting his candidacy I have decided not to participate in this year’s Holiday Baking Extravaganza, which takes place at the post office for two weeks leading up to Christmas Day. It’s the least I can do in protest.

This year I sold two paintings and gave four away to friends, so I’m busy making new ones to replace those missing canvases. Painting remains my passion and does not require me to wear a mask, so I’m happy.

The bad news is that I had a boatload of strange illnesses this year, none of them fatal, thank goodness, but bad enough to keep me mainlining Extra-Strength Tylenol. I’m asking Santa to bring me a new body for Christmas.

Anyway, wishing everyone a happy holiday season!

—Andrea Rouda blogs at The Daily Droid. 

By Janet Kelly

AND YOU thought it would be army green. Nope. Pantone, the grand poobah of prognosticating color, announced last week it had picked Very Peri for its 2022 color. Describing it as a “futuristic” periwinkle blue with “violet-red undertones,” the institute said it was the first time it created a new color, rather than choosing from its existing ones. “It was really important for us to come up with a new color, because we have a very new vision of the world now,” Pantone Color Institute’s Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman told CNN.

In selecting the color that best mirrors the zeitgeist, the company press release states, “As we emerge from an intense period of isolation, our notions and standards are changing, and our physical and digital lives have merged in new ways.”

It all sounds very “meta”—oy—to us and a big burden for one color. Nevertheless, on a practical level, Very Peri will be a much more flattering color to most of us than either Ultimate Gray or Illuminating Yellow, Pantone’s 2021 picks.

Below, some suggestions and inspiration for what to wear, use or gift in the color of the year.

LEFT: Essie ranks high on my list for its spot-on color collections and the quality and staying power of its polishes. We think Wink of Sleep ($9, Ulta), a satiny violet with blue undertones in the brand’s Not Red-y for Bed collection, will keep us on our toes.

RIGHT: Thanks to a collaboration between the two companies, Cariuma’s good-looking and eco-consciously made classic low sneaker ($89) comes in seven Pantone shades, including the newest, Very Peri.

ABOVE: Save room for dessert. Each eye-candy gelato bowl is made in Tuscany by master glassmakers in a line of happy hues. Choose from a set of two flat bowls (shown) or two footed ones. The former sells for $54; the latter for $100—both at Food 52.

LEFT: Unlike some of Pantone’s previous picks — we’re talking Tangerine Tango (2012)  and Ultimate Gray (2021) —this 2022 hue is flattering to most. Case in point: Staud’s Eloise Cardigan ($315, Saks Fifth Avenue). Double the impact by pairing with the coordinating Elliot pant in periwinkle vegan leather. It’s $350 at Staud.

RIGHT: Iris Van Herpen’s fall 2021 couture collection was inspired by the 1968 photo “Earthrise,” the famous picture of Earth and some of the Moon’s surface taken by astronaut William Anders during the Apollo 8 mission. In an interview with WWD, the designer said she wanted to bring an otherworldly perspective into her clothing.

Pair your favorite hot beverage with Pantone’s 17-3938, the color of the year for 2022. Limited-edition cups go from $11 for an espresso size to $20 for a cortado.

LEFT: A punchy pair of gloves in a Very Peri hue will make even your old black coat come back to life. Nordstrom’s lambskin leather, silk-lined gloves are $59.

RIGHT: One’s eyes are what one is. Wet ‘n Wild’s MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner ($3.99, Ulta) in this high-def pigment ensure they stand out.

MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com.

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By Andrea Rouda

I GOT a new car three days ago. It’s bright red, a color several people have jokingly called “Arrest Me Red,” because it is bound to catch the eye of a cop hiding in the trees along the highway hoping to snag a speeder. But I don’t speed and I have never been arrested, unless you count the time when I was crossing Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C., and was swept up in an anti-war protest and got carted off to RFK Stadium with a few dozen other hippies, even though I was on my way to work. But I digress.

Last night, my husband, who drives a black car, was arrested. And it was pitch dark at the time, proving that the color of your car has very little to do with anything. Mitch failed to stop at a STOP sign in our sleepy little neighborhood, mostly because we live in a rural area and he was hungry and hurrying home to a roast chicken, and there was nobody else on the road. What there was, however, was a police officer  parked unobtrusively, lights off, just waiting for a scofflaw, and he pulled him over lickety-split.

Turned out Mitch had an outstanding warrant for his arrest! A few months back he was stopped when a cop spotted his expired registration sticker, and instead of a ticket he got a court date for early November because the expiration was five months old. Sadly, he forgot to note it on his calendar and thus missed his day in court, which went on his record, which the cop found last night when he stopped him for going through the STOP sign.

So Mitch was immediately arrested by this cop, handcuffs and all, and stuffed in the back of the police car and carted off to jail.

Once at the Big House he used his one phone call to ask me to bring the bail money, yes bail money, which I did not have on hand, so I drove to the nearest ATM in my bright red car and got $160 and took it to the police station where Mitch was handcuffed to a bench. Meanwhile my chicken in the oven was getting overcooked, which really annoyed me, but more about that later.

We were told we had to wait for the Bail Guy, whatever that means, who lived half an hour away and was taking his time, likely eating his dinner when the call came. And who could blame him, after all it was dinnertime.

I was not permitted any conjugal visits and instead was stuck in a dim waiting room outfitted with several candy machines, the kind where you put in a quarter and turn the handle and a few measly pieces come out. I had two quarters and so after much deliberation chose Reese’s Pieces and Jelly Bellies.

Finally they released Mitch and we drove home in my very red car to my somewhat overdone chicken, which actually was quite tasty although a tad dry. Mitch has a new court date for sometime in February for his original infraction. Nobody mentioned his going through the STOP sign.

—Andrea Rouda blogs at The Daily Droid. 

Ralph Lauren’s sequin jersey turtleneck, Alice + Olivia’s splashy jacket and Vince’s satiny olive popover blouse.

By Janet Kelly

DAMN. JUST WHEN we’re set to celebrate—albeit cautiously—Omicron is—or maybe is—throwing up a roadblock. But whatever state of limbo we find ourselves in, the calendar still reminds us it’s the holiday season.

It’s dark outside, the news forecasts nothing but bleak. Could we perhaps inject a teeny little bit of levity and light into this situation? (By the way, thank you, Hanukkah.)

In any case, contemplating my mostly black collection of dressy clothes thinking about what to wear for the few festive events on my agenda, I’ve concluded that shiny, richly colored, plush or frothy—tops are the way to go.

Here’s what I have my eye on:

LEFT: Massimo Dutti’s elbow-length, metallic High Neck T-Shirt is just the kind of underpinning that— if you own—makes deciding what to wear for a holiday dinner, New Year’s brunch, etc., much less of a hand-wringer. You can rely on it to dress up a pair of leather pants or skirt or make a statement when slipped under a shiny satin or rich black velvet jacket. It’s $45.90.

RIGHT: The days will be getting shorter until Dec. 22 or so, and then, darn, only start to get longer oh so slowly. So, yes, we need as much light as possible. Polo Ralph Lauren’s slim jersey turtleneck gets its lustrous look from the champagne-colored sequins that twinkle all over it. It’s $298 at The Yes.

LEFT: Velvet and holiday season go together like—well, you know. Take Johnny Was’s Cora Leopard Velvet Mandarin Shirt, which shows off the brand’s signature rich colors and playful prints. If coordinated looks appeal, pair with the label’s burgundy corduroy velvet holiday pant. On a more casual note, it will also zhuzh up black leggings or jeans. It sells for $250.

RIGHT: If you prefer your dress-up style more classic, less boho, consider Eileen Fisher’s Long Velvet Button Up Shirt ($278, Bloomingdale’s). In a drapey velvet-and-silk material, it fits closely at the shoulders and wider at the hem for a relaxed silhouette for which EF is known and loved—at least by some.

LEFT: Feel ready for a little—or, rather a lot of bling? The splashy sequins all over this boxy cut, cropped jacket  place it squarely in that swanky realm. We are puzzling over what Alice + Olivia designer Stacy Bendet had in mind when she called it the Kidman Jacket. As in Nicole? We’ll just attribute it to creative license. The jacket is $795 at Alice + Olivia.

RIGHT: That big glittery bow saves this Alice + Olivia cardigan from looking too prim and proper. Even so, it’s the ultimate ladylike layer, the one you pull from your closet when the occasion calls for it. Acknowledge the cropped cut by wearing it over high-waisted pants or a full skirt. Available in a more girlish pink, the price is $550 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

LEFT: Elyce Arons, who took over the reins of Frances Valentine when Kate Spade died in 2018, has continued in the spirit of Spade’s distinct aesthetic and love of vintage tweaked with modern. To wit, the RBG Cardigan ($448). The pearl-beaded yolk pays tribute to the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s lace collars; the bracelet-length sleeves and crew neck are vintage Kate style. Whatever color you choose (it also comes in black and olive green), we think it’s clever.

RIGHT: There’s something so appealingly nonchalant about this Harris Blouse ($260) from Brit brand Reiss. Perhaps it’s the off-the-beaten track muted pink-red color or its effortless drape. The neat concealed placket balances the billowy sleeves and the elongated cuffs. Along those lines, pair with slim-fit, tailored pants.

LEFT: Tory Burch puts a contemporary spin on this velvet devoré blouse (devoré is a method of creating a pattern in velvet by dissolving some of the threads) with an abstract floral print rather. Finished with ribbed knit at the high turtleneck collar, on the cuffs and waistband, the semi-transparent shirt will likely require wearing a black camisole underneath. It sells for $498.

RIGHT: Vince’s popover blouse ($320) with a deep, sexy v-neckline comes in lush satiny colors, including blush, blue iris, burgundy and our favorite, this olive hue. For the most impact, wear with black velvet pants. A less expensive alternative is Everlane’s washable silk shirt in the same color family.

LEFT: Best known for fashion-forward fur designs, Paris-based Yves Salomon knocks it out of the park with this frothy feather vest lined in silk. An antidote to gray skies, it’s $325 at Net a Porter.
RIGHT: Make merry with the ruffly details and seductive, see-through fabric on Twinset’s Leopard Print Blouse ($193, some sizes available with a 30% discount) at Farfetch.

ABOVE: Don’t save Mango’s midnight blue lurex T-shirt ($49.99) for the right occasion. Make an ordinary day a festive one with its dash of shine and sparkle.

MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale, whether through a retailer, an online store or Amazon.com.

A CobraHead digger, left, or a pair of goatskin gauntlets from Duluth Trading could win the heart of a serious plantsman. / Cover photo of a moss-covered bird house at Ginkgo Gardens in Washington DC by Stephanie Cavanaugh.

By Stephanie Cavanaugh

THERE WAS a terrific article that I didn’t read on making your own terrarium in last Sunday’s New York Times. Terrarium construction is something I have no interest in, as it’s the kind of fiddly project that turns into a mess, with dirt everywhere and a small fortune spent on plants and tools. If you would like to tackle one, though, here you go.

Terrariums do make great gifts, though, whether you make one yourself or pick one up ready made. Like snow globes, terrariums are little worlds under glass, and are self-sustaining, so they say.

You’ll find plenty of other gifts for gardeners online at Amazon, Wayfair, Frontgate and various other popular outlets, which will save trips to the post office—though maybe you like a bit of Soviet-style suffering to offset all that holiday joy. But I hope you’ll first try looking in local plant and garden shops, especially this year, as retailers struggle and grope their way through winter, still amid the financial uncertainty of The Plague.

Yes, you’ll probably pay more. But most often you get something you won’t find on-line or in a big box store—help. Like the guy at Ginkgo Gardens on Washington’s

Cyclamen: Beauty that can survive down to about freezing. / Photo by Stephanie Cavanaugh.

Capitol Hill who took the time to discuss cyclamens with me on a busy Sunday afternoon. Was there any way, I wondered, that I could keep those velvety, ballerina-colored plants in my window boxes over the winter. Don’t the Brits do it—at least in London? Is their climate so different?

Imagine that discussion at Home Depot.

Spend any time at all in a garden shop and there’s bound to be something for everyone from the rank amateur to the seasoned pro. And don’t worry about duplicating an item already in someone’s arsenal: There’s always room for backups.

Bromeliads can add a touch of psychedelic energy to the garden. / Photo by Stephanie Cavanaugh.

For instance, I don’t know anyone who digs soil who wouldn’t like new gardening gloves—maybe elbow-length ones if they cultivate roses. These goatskin gauntlets are so handsome I’d wear them to the opera.

The same goes for secateurs/snippers/clippers, which are often either lost somewhere in the shrubbish or so dull of blade that they’re next to useless. And really, when does anyone get around to having them sharpened?

Same goes for various diggers and trowels. How many I have unearthed at the end of the season? You know, the phone rings, you wander off and . . . nuts. There’s such a variety of shapes and specialized uses, like a CobraHead digger that makes quick work of tough weeds and hard ground.

Bird feeders are cool, and one or an assortment—tailored toward the type of birds you’d like to attract, from hummingbirds to vultures—would be a swell gift for someone with a window on nature. Make sure you include the bird food, so the recipient gets hooked on viewing before they have to shell out for more seeds, which can total a tidy tab.

For twining and climbing houseplants now . . . and for next year in the garden . . . there are stakes covered in preserved moss, which gives a more naturalistic look than wire or wood.  Some of these are quite long and can be bent into hoops, circlets and swirls, making you look positively genius, which is always a good thing.

Orchids live a long while, after which you can toss the plant without guilt. / Photo by Stephanie Cavanaugh.

Flowering plants are a particular delight in winter—and they’re plentiful and varied this time of year.

Orchids are such gorgeous things, but they can be a little guilt-inducing. While the flowers are very long-lived, when they’re done you’re left with pretty ugly plants for what seems an interminable period.

You can feel free to toss bulbs, however, since most won’t do well a second time around. Heavenly (heavily) scented paperwhite narcissus pack an amazing lot of perfume for such dainty flowers. (They don’t have to be offered in the usual saucer of pebbles, by the way; they’re perfectly happy in a pot of dirt. Maybe stick a bulb or two in a one-off teacup or wine glass, a clever way to get rid of those.) And amaryllis  seems to come in more colors and color blends every year.

Poinsettias seem to come in more colors every year. Most people toss them after the bloom. / Photo by Stephanie Cavanaugh.

Most people toss poinsettias, too, though I know at least one person who has grown one into a small indoor tree. They too sport more colors each year: Think pink, purple, yellow and pure white. And bromeliads, which will reproduce with tinkering, will add a touch of the tropics in such psychedelic hues that a grouping can appear like a Japanese monster movie from the 1950s.

Getting back to the beginning. Cyclamen, I’m told by the helpful gent at Ginkgo Gardens, will survive down to 32 degrees. They may flop about the way pansies do if the air is too chilly, but a little sun and . . . sproing! They’re back. If you have a brick wall that soaks the sun all day, the retained heat should offer some protection. If the temperature is going to plummet and stay down there, you’ll want to cover them or take them inside. Worth the fuss for such loveliness, methinks, particularly once you partake of the price tag.

And, oh yes, terrariums. Ginkgo’s has several already made up, in Victorian-style cases and under glass cloches. They also offer an array of beautiful containers and small plants to either make your own, have one made for you or help you fill one you already have.

Ask your local florist or garden center if they can create one—or help you make one—for a gift that will be a pleasure through the howling depths of winter. And beyond.

By Andrea Rouda

YESTERDAY morning I received my Covid booster shot. I refuse to call it a “jab,” a term that has caught on in the media and is used by young journalists hoping to sound cool. The word is completely inappropriate because it means “to poke something or someone roughly or quickly with something sharp or pointed.” I barely felt it when the nurse, a sweet, soft-spoken woman, lightly touched my arm and then put a Band-Aid over the spot. She in no way jabbed me.

However you describe it, the medicine got in my system and caused a reaction which came on slowly. For the rest of the day I felt okay, a little sleepy, but by bedtime my arm felt like it weighed 300 pounds. Plus, it hurt. The rest of me was exhausted and I had chills. Sleeping last night was pure misery as I woke every hour and felt how bad I felt.

This morning I feel better, with my arm down to about 150 pounds. However, I now have a raging headache. Of course that’s just me; other people have reported no reaction at all. As my husband points out, however bad you feel from the booster, it’s usually short-lived and better than getting Covid.

The best thing about it is it makes you forget all the other things that have been hurting you.

—Andrea Rouda blogs at The Daily Droid.

Peanut Butter and Jelly (sorry, we can’t tell you which is which) were the two lucky turkeys President Biden pardoned just before Thanksgiving as part of the annual White House tradition, which officially began with President George H.W. Bush in 1989. /Photo by Michael Reynolds/UPI/Shutterstock.

THE LITTLE BIRDS will be off Thursday, taking a bye, so to speak, to, er, stuff our faces with turkey and all the trimmings. We wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving with your families and friends. See you back here on Friday with a recipe for the best latkes ever.

Cynthia Nixon as Miranda, Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie and Kristin Davis as Charlotte. / Courtesy of HBO.

By Andrea Rouda

SOCIAL MEDIA is not reacting kindly to the coming TV show “And Just Like That,” a new take on the wildly popular hit series “Sex and the City” that ran from 1998 to 2004.

Set to appear on HBO-Max this December, the 10-episode revival will feature three of the four stars—sexy Samantha (Kim Cattrall) will not be returning—who are all now in their fifties. The fact that there are some gray hairs in evidence is freaking many people out. Rude and crude comments online range from distasteful to disgraceful, with one-time fans of the original show fairly shrieking that nobody cares about old ladies! 

In an article in the December issue of Vogue, Sarah Jessica Parker spoke out against the criticism:

“Everyone has something to say. ‘She has too many wrinkles, she doesn’t have enough wrinkles.’ It almost feels as if people don’t want us to be perfectly okay with where we are, as if they almost enjoy us being  pained by who we are today, whether we choose to age naturally and not look perfect, or whether you do something if that makes you feel better. I know what I look like. I have no choice. What am I going to do about it? Stop aging? Disappear?”

Listen up people, circa 2021, healthy women live well into their 70s, 80s and 90s, many enjoying happy, full lives. Lots of them still like having sex. So stop the chatter about how old people are creepy and get yourself ready for the distant day fast approaching when you are one yourself, you should live that long.

—Andrea Rouda blogs at The Daily Droid. 

Apparis’s faux fur slides and L.L. Bean’s Wicked Good Slippers with shearling lining.

By Janet Kelly

FOR THE past 10 years, I’ve relied on my Ugg scuffs as my go-to warm and toasty slipper for indoors and occasional walks to a nearby yoga studio. But with age and use, they’re now worn down at the heels and have precious little lining in the front, much less support anywhere.

In the process of looking for a new retreat for my feet, I’ve noticed the great slipper divide. Plush slides and mules with fluffy faux fur or shearling from the likes of Sorel, Apparis and Emu Australia feel most at home indoors. Beaded mules from Anthropologie and ones with velvet bows from Olivia Morris at Home will tempt you to wear them out of the house, but they’ll also fit the bill for more festive indoor occasions. The oh-so elegant (and pricey) suede slip-ons from Charvet should have an outside audience to coo over them, while L.L. Bean’s Wicked Good slipper will be happy as a homebody or walking around a ski resort town.

Consider snagging one of our choices below:

ABOVE: Sorel, known for its comfy, winter-weather-ready boots, applies that know-how to its Mail Run Slipper ($75) with a cushy footbed and tough rubber sole for those quick forays out to the mailbox. There are more sober-looking color choices, but yellow and hot pink mixed with gray and black fluffy faux fur makes these a treat for your feet.

BELOW: Don’t plan on giving these Rhinestone Mayberry Slippers as a Christmas gift—they’re “on backorder, available around Dec. 13.” But winter is long and shearling is oh-so-warm and worth the wait. The sparkly embellishments add to the allure. They’re $70 at Anthropologie.

LEFT: Handcrafted in Spain, Olivia Morris At Home’s house shoes are recognizable for their bow details and floral prints beloved by the designer. These dainty Daphne slippers with velvet come with memory foam footbeds to cushion tired feet. Brushed leather soles means you can venture outside in them. They’re now reduced from $394 to $197 at Farfetch.

RIGHT: Imagine yourself swanning around the house in these dark-green beaded velvet mules ($130, Anthropologie), complemented by a caftan and turban. How much fun would that be. Eat your heart out, Auntie Mame.

LEFT: Betsey Johnson is fond of statements, such as the oversize hot-pink lips on this faux fur slipper ($17.99, Amazon). The closed-toe slides are available in eight colorful variations with a unique pom-pom on each.

CENTER: Scandinavian label Flattered launched in 2013 with a line of ballet slippers, which remains at the core of their business. Handmade with faux fur, the Nina, which is cut high with a warm wool insole, is a playful take on dancer’s shoes. They’re $130 at Moda Operandi.

RIGHT: These Vibi Venezia canvas Positano candy red-and-blue ($114, Farfetch) shoes somehow, er, slipped into this list. Modeled on ones gondoliers wore to row their vessels, these furlane are handmade in Friuli, Italy. They’re much too cute to stay at home.

LEFT: It was love at first sight for these lilac scuff slippers ($79), which, thanks to a shearling lining, hug your feet in winter and keep them cool in summer. A cow suede exterior offers structure and durability, while a memory foam insole aces the comfort factor and an indoor/outdoor rubber outsole gives stability. So, go ahead and pamper those hard-working tootsies of yours. They also come in pink, chestnut and gray.

RIGHT: It’s another Tuesday night and you’re home watching Jennifer Anniston looking flawless as ever on “The Morning Show.” Get off the couch, pull off your sweat socks and don this pair of pouf slippers ($48, Tuckernuck) with its fab faux fur pompom. Feeling more glamorous? We thought you would.

ABOVE: Banana Republic’s Pointy-Toe Indoor Slipper comes in this pretty pink with black polka dots and is also available in a navy and white print.  Although the soles are anti-skid rubber, outdoor use is not advised. They’re $42.99 on final sale.

BELOW: Established in 1838 in Paris, Charvet, the world’s first shirt shop, became famous for its meticulously made men’s shirts and ties. That reputation for quality extends to these made-in-France suede pale-pink slippers with a cushy, supple-leather insole, set on leather outsoles. Their sleek, understated silhouette will up the ante on your stay-at-home look. In fact, you may want to find some sophisticated loungewear to pair with them. Or show them off outside the house. They’re also available in navy, beige, tan and emerald green. You’ll pay $370 for the privilege at Matches Fashion.

ABOVE: From its faux fur outerwear beginnings, Apparis has expanded into new product categories, including accessories, like these Biba Slides ($100) in lush raspberry faux fur. As in its outerwear, bright colors dominate—the slippers come in eight other punchy hues  (e.g., stone blue, sugar pink and emerald green).

BELOW: When L.L.Bean calls something Wicked Good Slippers, well, they must just be—the Freeport, Maine-based company has been around for more than 100 years for a reason. The Squam Lake ($79) style—which also comes in plum, rose, brown, light blue and dark red—is as cozy as it gets with a shearling-covered insole and lambswool lining. There’s extra cushioning in the heel for those with high arches and a grooved rubber outsole for traction. Moreover, the suede upper is water- and stain-resistant, so if you spill your morning coffee on them … .

—Janet Kelly

MyLittleBird often includes links to products we write about. Our editorial choices are made independently; nonetheless, a purchase made through such a link can sometimes result in MyLittleBird receiving a commission on the sale. We are also an Amazon Associate.

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By Andrea Rouda

MY FAVORITE thing to do is Nothing. In fact I dearly love doing Nothing. I not only accept this character trait of mine, I relish it. I don’t feel guilty about it, and I don’t apologize for it. In fact, I believe it to be one of my best qualities.

The problem is, I am married to a man who has to do Something every minute of his waking life. If he is not doing Something he becomes irritable and pugnacious, and since I am usually right there doing Nothing, I’m the one who bears the brunt of his irritability and pugnaciousness. Then suddenly I am doing Something. I’m arguing with my husband, whose favorite way to begin a conversation is, “For the sake of argument…”

If you are a do-Nothing person, embrace it. Nobody said you have to be doing Something every minute in order to justify your existence and believe me, there will be plenty of inescapable moments where you will be forced to do Something in your life, like jump into a swimming pool to save a drowning child, walk a dog in a blizzard, bake a birthday cake in the shape of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, go hiking, work out at a gym, etc.

FYI, watching TV or playing with your phone do not count as doing Nothing. I’m talking navel-gazing, staring-into-space Nothing.

—Andrea Rouda blogs at The Daily Droid.

Not your traditional Fair Isle: a Tory Sport turtleneck in orange rust and a Double J graphic knit with fringe.

By Janet Kelly

IF YOU’RE a purist and a stickler for the genuine item, you could, Covid permitting, travel to Fair Isle in Scotland’s Shetland Islands, where they’ve been knitting colorful, warm sweaters in geometric patterns and specific colors for almost 200 years.

Even then you’ll probably have to be put on a waiting list to actually buy one. There are just a few producers on the island (the population number varies between 48 and 60), and each one only makes about 30 to 40 garments a year.

Luckily, for those for whom patience is not their particular long suit and who prefer not to travel to Scotland, many designers, inspired by Fair Isle patterns, have made their own versions of the iconic sweater, introducing punchy color combinations, roomy silhouettes and puff shoulders and sculpted sleeves. Moreover, “Fair Isle” has evolved to become a general term for multicolored knitwear.

The style has long been beloved by skiers, après skiers and the British royal family (worn by three generations—Diana, Kate and even Charlotte). Lately, though, you’re just as likely to see women wearing these kind-of preppy knits on the sidewalks of New York City as you would on the slopes of Gstaad or Courchevel.

Wear Anthropologie’s pink quarter-zip top as a pop of color with army green cargo pants or layer Mango’s cotton print crewneck under a tailored jacket. For an artsy vibe, pair the pattern of your choice with another pattern—in a similar color way. For the record, wearing any Fair Isle pattern with denim is always a win-win.

It’s hard to pick just one, so here are 15, including two jackets, one scarf, a pair of socks and nine sweaters.

LEFT: Bundle up in Rag & Bone’s Joelle Sherpa Printed Jacket ($650, Shopbop), which takes a page from the traditional puffer and pairs it with cozy fleece in a Fair Isle pattern. The nylon lining filled with 100% duck down should keep you toasty warm.

RIGHT: A blend of acrylic and polyester, Mango’s Print Cotton Sweater ($59.99) is not designed to withstand the winter cold of the mountains of Vermont or the Alps. The unexpected pink, khaki and black combination that will set you apart from all the other Fair Isle-sweater-wearing folks.

LEFT: Warm your tootsies—and your heart, too—in Donegal Fair Isle Socks. For each item purchased, Bombas donates one to community organizations that aid the homeless. These are $16 from Anthropologie.

RIGHT: Quarter-zip pullovers are everywhere, but this one ($160, Anthropologie) in “Fair Isle pink” gets extra points for its eye-catching colors and “I’ll just throw this on” comfort.

LEFT: Made of all-merino wool, which doesn’t irritateor itch, resists odors and wicks away sweat, Tory Sport’s Fair Isle Sweater ($298) is available in this orange rust, as well as in four other colors. Our other favorite has a dark green background that plays nicely with the purple pattern on the yoke.

RIGHT: Made in Italy with maximalists in mind is how Italian label La Double J describes itself. Its bouclé alpaca-and-wool Engadina Sweater ($490, The Yes) is a fun and irreverent take on the classic with its fringe-y hem and playful “Ciao Babe” message that lives up to the brand’s vision and then some.

LEFT: Hats keep your body heat from escaping, but in my opinion, a covered-up neck is also key. Which is why scarves are a winter must, particularly if they’re as pretty as this multi-hued (heather gray, cayenne, coral and berry) Allover Fair Isle one. It’s $69.50 from Talbots.

CENTER: At first glance, this wool-and-alpaca turtleneck looks as if you could find it in a ski clothing catalog. Look closer, though, and you’ll notice a patchwork of Fair Isle patterns intricately sewn together and attention to details like the rib-knit hem and cuffs. Choose elegance with a pair of winter-white slacks. It’s $498 at The Yes.

RIGHT: If only price weren’t a deterrent, this wool-blend cardigan ($890, Moda Operandi) from designer Paco Rabanne would live in my closet. It’s so darn cheerful and the prettiest interpretation of the Fair Isle look we’ve seen. It glistens with metallic threads and gleams with crystal-framed faux pearl buttons.

LEFT: Even the humble henley top gets a feminine tweak from Ulla Johnson. The narrow fair isle stripe patterning adds to the wintery vintage feel of this casual shirt, made from a merino wool blend. Layer it under a heavier sweater; dress it up with leather or faux leather pants; for more informal wear, pair with your favorite sweats. It’s $295 from Intermix.

RIGHT: This Derek Lam 10 Crosby rib knit Grammer Turtleneck Sweater ($395, Intermix) almost makes me want to ski again or at least sit at the bar or by the fire for après-ski drinks and gossip. I’m smitten with the baby blue and white diagonal graphic on the burgundy background. And, the oversize silhouette means there’s room for layering.

LEFT: A peach-and-sky-blue wool-blend sweater updates the classic ski staple with a roomy fit and puff sleeves. It’s $128 from J. Crew.

RIGHT: Why should sweaters have all the fun? The folks at Ralph Lauren have decided they shouldn’t and designed a Fair Isle Print Down Coat ($498) with plenty of warmth (750-fill-power down), a water-resistant shell and zip-off hood.

LEFT:  The familiar gets a refresh on A.L.C.’s silk and wool  Tate Sweater ($495,The Yes), thanks to a disruption in the pattern, the roll neck (a high, close-fitting neck that’s worn folded over) and balloon sleeves.

RIGHT: Rebecca Minkoff’s slouchy-sleeve Lou Sweater is almost sold out—except for the smallest sizes—on both Shopbop and the designer’s website. This handcrafted sweater from Etsy has a similar look and feel.

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