By Anetta Nowosielska
Chill in the air, holiday music at the Gap and the possibility of seeing your in-laws for an extended period of time can only mean one thing. We are entering the choppy waters of seasonal family obligations people, so buckle up; it might get bumpy.
Naturally one can take the bull by its horns and do the right thing, i.e. conceptualize an elaborate outdoor holiday display, shop online instead of being confronted with holiday cheer, or eat one’s feelings through long, wretched meals with uncle Ted, who hasn’t said one politically correct thing as long as he has been around. Yes, one can muster up enough mental resistance to skate through all of those hurdles.
But what if we told you there is another way?
Imagine packing up your luggage and getting away from it all.
“I’m Catholic, my husband is Jewish,” one holiday-challenged Hamptonite reveals.
Her way of dealing?
“Instead of managing all the contrasting traditions, and which one we are going to celebrate this year, we just leave,” she said.
Considering she always looks perfectly tan and does not suffer from the “my family is staying with us-itis,” an away holiday ain’t a bad idea.
In such cases, what one packs become the biggest issue of the season, so to help you get out of here quicker than one can say “I think I’m going to kill my cousin Ruby,” here is some destination-appropriate gear.
Snow Bound
Whether you are heading to charming Stowe Mountain or chic Aspen, one thing is for sure: keeping warm will be a challenge of many layers. But don’t fret; you can enwrap yourself in plush peels and still show off that body. Pile a light cashmere tee with a long sleeve basic pullover and top it off with Authier ski sweater, densely knit from 100 percent cashmere all available at J.Crew in East Hampton. Not only is this ski-pants pairing look chic, thanks to Authier’s extra-long drawstring funnel it will keep even the nastiest elements at bay. If there is anyone who knows anything about the cold it’s our Canadian neighbor, so be sure to stay warm in Canada Goose’s Chilliwack Bomber trimmed in coyote fur available at Intermix in Southampton. If you can afford to splurge a little, go for the Rolls Royce of all down filled jackets: Moncler’s Faite jacket is hot, and not only in the climate control way.
Sunshine State
Filled with hot spots, limitless outdoor activities, and yes, the sea and the sun, Florida seems like a no-brainer for your holidays away from home.
And while different regions of the state target different demographics, one thing is clear; wardrobe wise the more color the better. Forget your bland shades of grays. Leave black back in New York. Let the closeted color enthusiast come out. Keeping true to the holiday season, Halston Heritage One-Shoulder Gathered Dress in red at Scoop in East Hampton is the perfect option for dancing under the Floridian stars. And you will probably not find a better place to wear that sexy Herve Leger dress.
Good news; the super fab activities surrounding Miami’s Art Basel coincide with holiday season, so go for the “wow” factor. Embrace your artsy side and check out Marni’s gold dress at Gail Rothwell in East Hampton (available for purchase online.) If you are daring, go for Lanvin’s silk dress. And as always, stock upon all your glitzy accessories at Collette’s Designer Consignment in Sag Harbor.
Surf’s Up
Costa Rican fans are that rare breed, which manages to make boho fashions look tres chic. Although looking for swimwear this time of the year may prove to be a challenge, Diana von Furstenberg still has some amazing options on her website. Also, there are some fabulous caftans to be found at Calypso St. Barth in Sag Harbor. Its Regina linen dress is so versatile, it looks as spectacular on the beach as it does on a dinner outing; pending, of course, your ability to dress it up for the occasion. Pair it with Calypso’s Lady Scarf in red and layer it with Dahlis’ chain necklace. And, as always, elevate the look with some wedges. Michael Kors in East Hampton always keeps a few pairs in stock through the winter.
Here is to looking good this season, wherever you may choose to spend it.
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