Winter Must Haves

Ignoring the recession? Start here

winter guid shopping bootsBlistering Boots
One look at these boots through a darkened window had us racing back in the early morn to politely wait for the doors to open before we knocked over old ladies to get the deets and check the tag. True to rock star fashion, these London Underground boots ($210) are constructed with dyed leather and a double zipper, and detailed with extraneous buckles and a thick sole perfect for stomping around Santa Fe. The softer canvas side has the slight silhouette of a crow…or possibly a rockin’ sparrow.
Kate Brennan Shoes & Such, 3490 Zafarano Road, 505-438-7370.

Frosted Face winter shopping kiehls
Face feeling like a Popsicle? Fret no more, my frostbitten little snow cats, because help has arrived. The wax-based All Sport “Non-Freeze” Face Protector sunscreen by Kiehl’s ($20) is SPF 30 and formulated as a smooth balm for easy application. It actually keeps your face warm by shielding delicate skin from icy flecks of snow as you plow down the mountain (or totally eat it dismounting from the lift).
Wink, Sanbusco Market Center, 500 Montezuma Ave., 505-988-3840 

winter shopping shoesRed Hot & Way Cool
Every girl needs her go-to shoes to add instant ka-pow! to anything from her little black dress to her skinny jeans or to pair with a naughty nighty for a completely different effect. These Halé Bob red suede heels ($85) do the trick and are finished with a huge, thick velvet rosette on the tippy toe. Discover this shop’s fun clothes, sparkling jewelry and chat it up with the angels who have an eagle eye for trend spotting.
Lucky Angel, 311 Aztec St., 505-992-3252

winter shopping babyIce, Ice Baby Clothes
The coolest babies and tots are donning adult-inspired onesies and tiny tees ($20 and up), screen printed with skulls and vintage tats once only seen on the arms and chests of aging servicemen. Bold stripes and softer baby-safe colors are sure to please any mom-to-be or drooling baby with a sailor ’tude.
Mira!, 101 W. Marcy St., 505-988-3585

winter shopping blanketHelter Swelter
Made from the dual-purpose Corriedale sheep, these Winter-Weight blankets and throws from Swan’s Island ($595 and up) warm up the bed with their wholesome looks and snuggleability. Some come in a lovely box for quick storage while others come wrapped in a storage bag complete with cedar inserts to keep pesky moths at bay.
Onorato, 109 E. Palace Ave., 505-984-2008

Arctic Armswinter shopping gloves
A few seasons ago, arm warmers and fingerless gloves were all the rage. This season, not much has changed, but make sure you add the latest craze to your appendage-accessory drawer. These long, ladylike gloves come in a soft, sleek modal or a thick cotton/poly blend ($22 and up) and go great with this season’s charming three-quarter length jackets or use ’em to punk up a short-sleeved hoodie.
Cupcake Clothing, 328 Montezuma Ave., 505-988-4744

winter shopping carafeAgua Fria
These crystal clear glass carafes, cleverly topped with drinking cups ($39 and up), add an air of sophistication to your bedside table. A variety of shapes and sizes will fit in nicely with any décor. Fill yours with water—though some may never notice if you sneak in a cheeky vodka for a brilliantly disguised nightcap.
Night and Day, Sanbusco Market Center, 500 Montezuma Ave., 505-983-8227

Sizzle Lean Jeanswinter shopping jeans
It’s true, guys do love a first-class pair of jeans that show off the merch. If they don’t, then we made that part up. Nonetheless, the jeans at Pure remain on every guy’s most-wanted list and include brands like 7 for All Mankind, Fresh Ink, AG, Joe’s and Union ($90 and up). Blues range from a dark cornflower to deep indigoes and blackish blues.
Pure, 145 Lincoln Ave., 505-984-2999

winter shoppping beanieYou Little Minky
Dual purpose rabbits were used to construct soft and fluffy beanies ($110) and scarves ($200) in timeless colors: deep red, chocolate brown and marbled black. Even though you may not be happy with the demise of these abundant rodents for fashion’s sake, you can’t deny the warmth and the powder-soft texture of these woven accessories that will have you thumping your foot with glee.
Queen’s Ransom, DeVargas Mall, 505-986-9091

Warm Mead & Icewine winter shopping mead
Icewine 101: made from grapes harvested after the first frost. Then a crazy chemically thing happens between the sugar and the ice in the fruit and voila!, you have a 13 percent alcoholic beverage. Try the Inniskillin or King’s Estate ($17.99 and up).

Pre-Mead: has been enjoyed for centuries by many a flagon-fisted pirate or wench. But these days, mead can be mulled gently and served warm in a wine glass. It is made from honey, which means bees were the first bartenders, and it gets you quite tipsy with its 10-12 percent alcohol content. New Mexico’s own award-winning Falcon Mead ($14.95 and up) will warm up your friends on a chilly evening.
Susan’s Fine Wine & Spirits, 1001 Pen Road, 505-954-1582

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