10 basics to keep as you try to unclog your closet
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I find myself spending more and more time in warm climates to avoid the cold winters. I find that I no longer want to share space in my closet with my heavy-duty cold winter wardrobe. I’d like to pare down to just a list of 10 essentials.
If you were to pare down to a “capsule” cold-weather wardrobe, what would it be?
— Christine L.
Dear Christine: I asked an expert to weigh in on your question. After a long career as a fashion stylist and personal shopper at Bloomingdale’s in Chicago, Joyce Sobczyk moved to Florida and continues her styling career at theclosetconsult.com.
Here’s her list:
Rain/snow boots
Easy wool blazer (think ink or chocolate) Black ankle slacks Cashmere or wool cardigan Tunic (black, gray, navy) Lightweight packable puffer coat Classic khaki trench raincoat Comfortable dark rinse jeans Pair of classic flats Long sleeve white button-down shirt
From Ellen: I’d add color to these basics with bright scarves and Notice Me jewelry. For the puffer coat, you can’t beat Uniqlo’s well-priced fit-in-apouch ultra light down (uniqlo.com). I’ve got them in every style. For a white shirt, stick with no-iron and my faves are Foxcroft (foxcroftcollection.com). I’ve found jeans I love at bare bones prices at Old Navy (oldnavy.com). The trench coat will be more versatile if it has a removable lining. After many misses, my trusted snow boots are La Canadienne (lacanadienneshoes.com). They’re pricey, so wait for the sales.
Reader Raves
On the topic of shampoos for enhancing gray or white hair (or getting rid of orangey blond tones), I got more suggestions than any other subject in my long career as Answer Angel Ellen. Thanks to all the readers — women and men — who took the time to recommend their favorites. Here you go:
By far the most popular: Celeste S. likes Jhirmack Silver Brightening Ageless Shampoo (drugstores, walmart.com, $4.47). “It is great. It’s for all
shades of silver, gray and blond hair. No purple or blue tinge ever … and no need for gloves. The price is right too. I get many compliments on my hair.” Ken F., Patty M., Mary D., Sondra H., Renette F., Louise R. and Joy F. are fans. Fran F. likes Jhirmack Distinctions Silver Plus Ageless Shampoo (cvs.com, $5.99).
Lynne P. uses Aveda Blue Malva shampoo (aveda.com, $54) and conditioner (aveda.com, $24) on her gray hair. “It does appear blue/purple out of the bottle but there is no staining or
need to wear gloves. It is my regular shampoo, not something for just periodic use. I get regular compliments on how silvery my hair looks and my stylist always comments on how healthy it looks. The only downside is that it isn’t inexpensive.”
Now it’s your turn
Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds — on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail.com.