Oh, Winter… I did not truly understand you until last month. In December, this California Girl went to NYC for work and play – and definitely experienced “cold weather” for the first time. My childhood trips to Mammoth  (and the snow that I hopped around in) definitely did not prepare me for actual winter. 6 degrees is cold. and I walked around in as many layers as I could (see photo above! LOL)… With that said, it was also ridiculously magical. The snowfall was EVERYTHING and I made my husband wake up waaaaaay too early one morning so I could walk around in it. While I was definitely frozen, I also did not hate wearing so many comfy, cozy, and cute outfits. I found myself wanting ALL THE WINTER CLOTHES, even though I don’t have much of a purpose for them here in Los Angeles. Below check out some of my favorite / most used purchases from the trip:

Truth be told, I did not own a pair of rain boots before this trip. It barely rains in Los Angeles, and I haven’t owned a pair since high school (when I swear it rained a lot more)! Since the forecast in New York was snow, rain, and freezing cold — I decided to invest in a pair Hunter Rain Boots.I had wanted to purchase a pair for a long time, and I am so glad I did. They are the perfect boots to wear in the rain and snow (with the sock insert they become compatible for the snow) and were so easy to walk around in.

Another thing I needed was a great hat to protect my head from the  elements — and keep my ears and head warm. I found the perfect beanie browsing Nordstrom (seen in the above pictures). I loved the Pom Pom detail, and wore it almost every day. It kept my ears and head seriously warm, even when temperature dipped to 6.  It’s stayed a staple in my wardrobe since I’ve been home in L.A., on chilly nights (which dip to, like, 50 degrees — in comparison not really cold at all LOL). It was also only 28 dollars, which is a win in my book. I can’t find the black version of my favorite pom pom hat online, but this tan version is just as cute and by the same brand.

My camel coat was a purchase I made before Paris , and it was just as perfect and warm in New York. On the coldest days, I layered it with a jacket underneath and a turtleneck and a scarf. My camel coat was the layer that made me feel put together. Another coat I really like,  is this tailored Ralph Lauren version, on sale for less than $200 dollars.