Winter in Montreal is not for the faint of heart.  In January and February, the coldest months of the year, despite the city’s reputation as a mecca of style, there are times when sheer necessity dictates one must cover up at all costs or risk turning into a human ice statue.  The classy solution to this problem: shell out $700 or so and buy a Canada-Goose down jacket.  The downside to this equation: originality goes out the window and suddenly you become a walking, talking human advertisement.  The jackets stand out in a crowd.  Their fur-rimmed hoods act as crude thermometers.  When I look out my window on St-Denis I just look to see if everybody’s hoods are up or down, and dress accordingly.  Needless to say, although I do not own one of these iconic protective battle-shields, I must confess there have been moments when I dreamt of snuggling up in all of those feathers and wrapping myself in warmth.

What I have been wrapping myself up in lately is this season’s comfy variety of sweater-blankets.  Somewhere between a sweater, a shawl, and a blanket, this is THE ultimate practical fashion accessory for winter.  Personally I love my Fenchurch Celissa.  Through blizzards and hangovers this baby keeps me warm.

One of the finest features of such a ‘garment’ is that it can be worn over so many other types of things: skinny jeans, leggings, or over the classic naughty little black dress.  It manages to exude feminine elegance while at the same time lending an air of mystery to just what might be underneath.  Works amazingly well when paired with said hot dress, nylons, boots, and a long-chained necklace.  Shazaam!