This is not something I'd normally do so soon... but then again, this is not a normal year.
After spending so much time outside this summer, and how all the outdoor things (like pools, outdoor furniture, bikes, bike helmets, etc) sold out or were very hard to find (especially at decent/regular price), I decided we needed a game plan for this coming winter and to start prepping sooner.
This quarantine life isn't going away anytime soon, and I'm flat out scared for winter (I already struggle with seasonal affective disorder and my kids get so antsy when cooped up for too long). Our only saving grace these past 6 months of quarantine have been getting outside - for play, for walks, for socially distant meet ups, picnics, and family adventures.
Therefore, I had 3 goals for starting my winter shopping early (...while it is still summer):
First, prolong comfort outside as long as possible as temps drop.
Second, encourage the kids to get outside to play and have fun (safely).
Third, ensure we have our basic seasonal needs covered before there is an issue finding them.
So here is what I did:
The first thing I did was clean out our coat closet. I used this time to organize and have the kids try on all the things to see what new items we needed.
I then checked all our medicines, humidifiers, filters, replacement parts, etc.
I made a list of the things we needed.
I did some research on winter toys for the great outdoors that would encourage them to play outside.
I then also read many reviews on outdoor heaters.
Here are the items we ordered in prep:
Outdoor Heaters
(this is an item I predict will sell out or prices will go up as people try to keep what little socializing abilities we have left. We ended up getting not one, but three different ones for different reasons.)
An infrared heater to hang from the ceiling of our screened in porch.
Outdoor, portable, lamp heater for our deck area (this one can be broken down to store later or transport).
A solo stove for some real fire, but with less smoke (a la the s'mores one).
Winter Clothing/Accessories
(like long underwear/base layers, gloves, snow pants, etc.)
We landed on balaclavas (larger and smaller size) for the kids to keep them super warm and built in face covering! Our last year hats and scarves still work!
Gloves for all - after cleaning out the closet, I found some many single gloves (they're like socks, always losing just one). These kids' snow gloves were recommended in my research, as were these adult warm ones with all over touchscreen. I also love these ones for every day wearing for both adults & kids.
Thankfully we all had winter coats that still fit and worked. I tend to stock up on next years coats at the end of winter, and I did this year before the pandemic. I love J.Crew coats for my whole family and there are a ton of coats on sale here.
Snow pants and suits are a must have to keep kids outside playing in the (hopeful) snow to come! Nora inherits Liam's outgrown ones, and this year we got Liam a new pair. I don't think you need to pay a lot for these unless you are going to be in Antarctica, so we get ours from Target.
The whole family got new base layers - and landed on these highly-rated, but affordable priced ones in both adult and kids (girls and boys).
Winter, Outside Toys
(Anything to keep the kids outside longer having fun, expending energy!)
Sleds and Snow Tubes - we have sleds (like this one which is rated well), but got some new (super affordable) animal snow tubes for sledding or pulling each other around in the yard. 🤞for snow.
Other random snow toys - I found these snow markers (perhaps winter's version of chalk?) and molds to make little penguins of snow.
We also have kid-size snow shovels as the kids like to pave the way, so I consider this a super efficient/helpful toy!
Seasonal Must-Haves
(like cold/flu meds, humidifiers, extra filters, etc.)
Time to stock up on those cold & flu meds, vitamins, health aides now! Not that it will prevent COVID, but all those other winter sicknesses and colds that pop up or help you feel better no matter what you have.
Come winter we'll be spending more time inside, so got a HEPA air purifier for our main rooms.
Winter = dry air (and previously mentioned colds/flue), so humidifiers get used a ton. I got a new humidifier for my room that is well rated + checked the kids elephant humidifiers to make sure it was in good working condition. Just make sure you get any needed filters, too, to get you through winter - and this extends the life of your filter!
Kleenex, boogie wipes and Vaseline/Aquaphor are also good to have on hand for runny and chapped noses!
Indoor Toys & Cozy Items
(toys and projects for inside + cozy items to stay warm and comfy)
Inevitably, there will be lots of time inside. Every winter I stock up on art supplies, projects and Lego kits to keep those little hands and minds busy.
And if we're going to be stuck inside, better be super warm and cozy! Everyone swears by Barefoot Dreams brand blankets (this one is on sale!), and they have the softest cozy wears, too, but definitely comes at a price (check eBay for possible deals).
Still on my list to get - a cozy, warm robe (this one looks wonderful)!
I always get some new pairs of jammies for the kids.
UPDATE: A friend of mine had a great suggestion to get a generator - especially for those that live around lots of trees! She has this one (that takes propane or gasoline)
...and here are a few others rated well:
The list could go on and on, and I'm trying to get things I only really need/will need. And pandemic or not, I'd need to update items for growing kids and replenishing needs anyway!
What's on your winter prep list?
If helpful, I put together a quick check list as you start thinking about prepping early for the season!
There is nothing that I love more about winter than layering on all the cozy pieces and cuddling up with a good book, warm drink and my family. I am a super homebody come cold months, and I'm definitely ok with that!
I've rounded up some of my personal favorite winter items and some that I have my eye one (most, if not all, are on a holiday sale of some sort, too!) to share with you for gift ideas for the friend that's always cold or to help you through winter. So whether you have to get out and about, or able to hunker down at home, these winter-friendly items will keep you warm one way or another. ;)
Top Image:
(from right to left)
1. The most popular sweatshirt during Cyber Monday (and still on sale!). I love the side slit that allow the sweatshirt to move with you more freely, and comes in tons of colors (though I'm loving this lavender).
2. Sherpa lined Doc Martens! I'm a 90s girl and wore Doc Martens in middle school/high school. It's so nostalgic to see them making a comeback, and I am really wanting a pair - this sherpa lined pair would be a winter dream!
3. Pink Coat (use code FLASH48 for 48% off now through end of day 12/7)- I love coats that are in fun colors (I mean, if you have to wear one)! This other pink coat is 50% off (price as marked).
4. Sherpa zip up is REVERSIBLE! You can flip the sherpa to be on the inside, which is brilliant and extra cozy!
5. Cozy sweatpants for laying around the house, but cute enough to slip out of the house in.
6. An oversized sweater that is super cozy and comfy - easy to dress up or down pending if you are staying in our going out, and easy to wear over leggings. This mock neck sweater for less is also a great option!
Below Image:
(from right to left)
1. Shaggy and soft pillows to cozy up your couch (my kids steal these, but the few times I've gotten to cuddle with mine, it's been glorious!).
I've taken to Amazon for any ol' household need, kitchen gadget, random pantry item or beauty must-have for the last many years - but over the last year or so, I've really gotten into finding fashion pieces for great prices on the great site full of everything.
This past weekend, I put to work my new camo top over leggings and sneakers. I love a good, comfy and uniquely patterned top that is long enough to wear over leggings - and I love the play on this camo one with the neutral nude color mixed in. And this is only $24!
I've rounded up a few more favorite fashion items from Amazon - and they're all under $50!!
I have been on the hunt for a good leopard sweater and cardigan after donating in my current ones because I didn't like the fit (both had a tighter band at the bottom of the sweater, which caused them to bunch around the waist. Anyways, I came across this long cardi for under $30 and love the drape/cut! Here is another option if you want a smaller leopard print.
One of my favorite pairs of jeans is under $35! These Levi Wedgie jeans come in distress, black and darker jean color and are super soft and comfortable.
This is a great winter into spring dress (comes in several colors) and I love the cut! Only $15, too, so it's a well-rated steal!
Felt fedora hats are fun all year around, and I especially love this one in burgundy for a bit of a pop, but not too loud.
I'm always looking for a cozy top that is just long enough to cover my bum so I can wear it with leggings. I think this cowl neck sweater would look awesome over faux-leather Spanx!
I have these 90 Degree high waisted workout leggings - and love them! They are basic, no size pockets, but come in a TON of fun colors and only $25 (give or take pending size and color). I don't have personal experience with these ones - but they are only $20 and do have a side leg pocket for your phone.
I love these neutral, yet unique loafers that are under $40! These would be cute for work or life.
You always need a cute stripe shirt - and I find myself having to replace mine every couple of years because I wear them out so much. This one is only $14, and I love the swing cut.
You can shop all these finds right here:
Share any of your own great Amazon fashion finds in the comments below, I'd love to know!
New favorite color alert! I predict this bright blue color will be around even more this Spring, as I'm starting to see it pop up. It's such a fresh take on your typical blue, and I love it. On a whim I tried on this blue cardigan in the store - first because the cardigan sweater was so soft, and second because the color immediately called to me.
My friend, who I was browsing with, immediately encouraged me to get it and totally pulled a Clueless on me as I was questioning if it was flattering on. "Give me your phone (in lieu of polaroids a la Cher)," she said, and snapped some pics right at the register with those around us giggling. But she was right, I loved the way it fit, too.
I warned you I was obsessed with Lavender (check out my how to pair it and other great lavender pieces here). And today I am sharing another way you can style the trending color. I wore it with hunter green and mint here, and I love how my friend, Katie, stayed within the same color family for her look. Her purple sweater is super soft, and love how she layered it.
When the Halogen x Atlantic Pacific line went live, Katie and I were chatting about what we were eying and getting. I had the green combo version of her lavender combo faux fur stole on my list and in my cart. I ended up not getting it because I had to make choices from my massive list, but seeing how she wears it - I'm totally regretting it. What a fun piece!
I shared how to wear and pair the trending color, lavender, here, and now I'm styling it! I've been loving this lavender sweater (currently 33% off!) ever since I got it - pairing it with jeans, leggings and even dressing it up with this hunter & mint skirt. I love this color so much because it pairs so well with other colors, but also stands on its own. I don't see any signs of it's popularity stopping! It's a great color to wear now, but also in the coming warmer (thought that seems far away) months.
I feel like turtlenecks are making a comeback. While they haven't been totally gone... I've been more weary to wear them over the last few years - but am fully embracing it this year. They're practical from the cold, yes, but add a chic and classic layer to an outfit. Classic black is good - at staple you totally need, but I am loving a pop of color for this look. Bold colors plus turtleneck seems a like a more modern take on the style.
For me, leopard has acted as a staple pattern for every season over the last decade, and come fall and winter, leopard sweaters are a must. They are my go to for elevating any ol' basic jeans and sweater look, but they can also be very fun mixed with bright colors and dressed up. To me, leopard is part of the neutral family, but a bit more fun. :)
While leopard is a long-time safety net, I set out this season with a goal of updating my black bootie situation. The style has gone towards a more pointed (or at least almond) toe and travels up the ankle a bit higher. But thankfully, the sturdy and comfortable black heel is here to stay. I found this pair that are not only up-to-date and sleek, but also comfy!
What are your old fall/winter staples and new updates in your wardrobe?
Fall is a great time to play with color! Rich hues are in, but this season, pastels and bright whites remain. And when you bring the two worlds together, a simple jeans and a sweater feels elevated. I love keeping outfits simple, but in order to keep from looking sloppy (which I'm good at that, too), I like to pair unexpected color combos, great fits and a pop of something.
I'm all about the rainbow sweaters/tops this season - mostly in part to Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific's new collection at Nordstrom. Her collection hits it right on the mark for me. The fun prints, bright colors, rich hues and unique patterns are all I need this season. And these jeans (similar) - my new favorite brand since discovering this pair a couple months ago.
My outfit details:
What are your favorite trends, styles and pieces this fall?
