My last trip of the year is a fun trip. I get to go to Chicago for my sister’s bachelorette party!! My big sister is getting married in a few weeks and we are celebrating her last days as a free-wheeling, care-free single lady. Or whatever. We are going to get facials, do yoga, and then have a night on the town. I am SUPER excited about it, and can’t wait to get up there. Or at least, I couldn’t wait to get up there, until I heard about the weather that they are anticipating for the weekend. A high of 23 degrees? The whole time I’m there? And yes, I know that isn’t as bad as some places right now, but that is REALLY COLD for this Texas girl. My younger sister sent me an email yesterday with directions on what to bring. And I quote:
it’s cold. for real. don’t forget to bring scarves, gloves, layering sweaters, and hats that cover your ears with lining on the inside. no holey hats, they will do you no good.
I called to confirm, and indeed by “holey” hats she means knitted hats. Which of course, as a knitter, are all of the hats I own. So not only do I need to worry about finding a cute outfit for the actual party, I need to worry about getting all new, non-holey, cold winter gear. Today. Cue shopping freakout frenzy in 5….4….3……. Maybe I should just go get this coat? I don’t think I’ll be cold in it. Although it might be overkill, as I am not actually going to the Yukon.
As excited as I am about this fun party weekend, I am extremely anxious about the cold. If anyone has any additional cold weather tips for me I would be very grateful.At least I’m not driving! Thank goodness for small gifts.
And now I have “Single Ladies” stuck in my head. Let the party begin!
as long as you make sure to cover any gaps where skin could get exposed to the cold and wind, you should be fine. i’ve been in chicago when it was in single digits, and this sad texas girl only had a heavy wool peacoat, jeans, sweater, t-shirt layered underneath, thin shoes, long socks, scarf, hat and gloves on. i walked all around downtown looking for a good place to eat dinner and sure my legs were a little numb and so were my feet, but it wasn’t that bad. but like i said, cover the gaps – gloves to sleeves meet, shirt to pants, pant legs to feet, etc. the wind somehow will find even the tiniest gaps.
Good boots and warm socks. Everything else won’t help if your feet are cold. Forget the pretty shoes and boots as the salt will ruin them. I’ve lived in Chicago for 17 years and getting a warm pair of snow boots was the best thing I did.
Have fun!
Hello Road Warriorette,
Found your blog and LOVE it!!! I would throw in a set of silk long underwear. Takes up virtually no room and provides a great insulating layer – since it’s silk it breathes and you shouldn’t get overheated inside. Took some with me when I went to London last time and it made all the difference.
Have fun!
You’ll be fine, but seriously, Chicago is the freaking coldest place in the world. I don’t know if I’d buy that coat just for one trip, but if you are going to be traveling to cold climates a few times a year for the next few years, it would totally be worth it. Terri’s advice to cover the gaps is golden! You can wear leggings under jeans, turtlenecks, cozy scarves and a hat you can pull down over your ears. Cold ears are always the most painful thing to me! Knit gloves are no good…. fleece or lined leather is the way to go.
Silk thermals pack very tightly and fit under almost anything you’d wear.
*windresistant* fleece is my choice for hats and gloves. I second that you need a good pair of sturdy boots (I just use my hiking boots) and warm socks. Focus on minimizing exposed skin and you’ll be warm. Remember Chicago can be windy, so use wind proof and wind resistant materials as much as possible.
I don’t like hats and scarves, but I can’t stand my ears and neck being cold, so I use a headband (http://www.landsend.com/pp/Thermacheck100FleeceEarWrap~175068_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::PWY&CM_MERCH=IDX_00007__0000002644&origin=index) and neck gaiter (http://www.landsend.com/pp/ThermaCheck100FleeceNeckGaitor~187937_-1.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::BLA&CM_MERCH=IDX_00007__0000002644&origin=index). Or you could go with a balaclava for full coverage if you like the top of your head covered.
Note: I really don’t care how I look as long as I’m warm, so you may not like my suggestions 🙂