What’s Getting Me Through Winter
A list of material goods to brighten the winter days
I wrote a longer piece on changing careers in your thirties that’s nearly finished, but a bowel flare-up has taken me out this week, and I don’t have the energy to do it justice. So here’s something lighter: a list of things making winter more bearable. Some are indulgent, some are practical, all are in heavy rotation.
If only three could stay:
– My c*nty little neck scarf
– Rosehip oil for my face
– Flannelette sheets
A note on sourcing: a lot of these pieces were bought second-hand, often from Designer Wardrobe or found in op shops — especially merino, which turns up often if you look properly. For items no longer in stock, I’ve included the closest alternatives.
Wool
Doll's Reversible Cardigan – Cherry ($420)
Boxy, cropped, and made from extra-fine merino. Wear buttoned at the front as a cardigan or reversed as a jumper. Subtle details (like Japanese buttons and a boat neck) keep it feeling intentional without being fussy.
Merino Ruched Long Sleeve Tee – $295
A proper base layer that doesn’t itch or stretch out. ZQ-certified merino, with soft ruching along the arms and spine. Ideal for layering, but looks fine on its own.
A Long Coat
The Clementine Coat – Friends With Frank ($829)
Oversized, double-breasted, fully lined. Warm enough for deep winter but tailored well enough to feel finished. Comes in black and a clean winter white.
Hair and Skin
Air Styler – Kmart ($79)
A budget version of the Airwrap. This, in my opinion, is better and more powerful than the Dyson. It's great for smoothing and adding shape without high heat damage.
Bonnie Skin Trio – Golden, Glow & Glazed ($99)
The tanning trio—GLOW Face Drops, GOLDEN Tanning Lotion, and GLAZED Tan Prolonger—delivers a lasting, flawless bronze while deeply hydrating your skin with Hyaluronic Acid, Avocado Oil, Vitamins B5, C, E, Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, and Cucumber Extract.
The Ordinary Rosehip Oil ($22)
Cold-pressed, no filler. Good on flaky patches or post-heatpump skin.
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tint – Cedar 11 ($68)
SPF included. Skin tint that hydrates, evens tone, and blends fast. No brush needed, no cakey finish.
Scent and Candles
Hivern Candle – Tobacco & Smoked Oak ($58)
Deep and woody without being overpowering. Tobacco, oak, and a bit of sweetness — best in bedrooms or closed-in spaces.
Therapy Kitchen Candle – Lemongrass, Lime & Bergamot ($32.99)
Cuts through cooking smells. Light, zesty, with a clean citrus finish.
Abel Cyan Nori Eau de Parfum ($240)
Salt, musk, citrus. Genderless and clean. Doesn’t wear too sweet or too marine — just fresh and quiet.
Cold Weather Clothing
Miller Knee-High Boots – Bronwyn ($569)
Knee-high leather with a manageable heel. Easy to wear with jeans or midi skirts. Soft leather that doesn’t cut into the shin.
Kara Boot Mid-Rise Jeans – Neuw ($239)
Mid-rise, straight-leg. Sits well with boots and layers easily. Good structure without feeling rigid.
Daisy Scarf – Francie ($130)
Small but warm. Wraps twice or ties as a headscarf. 100% merino in deep, wearable colours.
Lugoldie Lara Sunglasses – Chestnut ($225)
Brown lenses soften the glare. Lightweight frames, strong styling. Lara is minimal; Alexe is a bit more playful.
Daily Shirt – Kowtow ($199)
Organic cotton poplin, structured without being stiff. Shell buttons and a flared body. Layers well under knits.
Bedding
Flannelette Sheets – Warm White ($129)
Heavy but breathable. Doesn’t pill or overheat. Pairs well with a lightweight cotton duvet cover for balance.
Let others know what’s been getting you through winter.
More later in the week xx