happy sundance festival, everyone!  it’s the season of bundling up beyond all comprehension, and finally seeing celeb style shots we can use:  ways to look chic while sporting six layers of down and fur.

since park city is my hometown, i can’t help but get in the spirit – it’s the perfect time to show you my latest favorite find for bundling.  i am an utter wuss when it comes to cold (those years in san francisco did wonders for lowering my tolerance for temps under 50 degrees), but i completely hate what most cold-weather gear does for my style.  after all, the snow bunny look is fine on the slopes, but on city streets, you can quickly look ridiculous.  my latest find, sorel’s joan of arctic boots, manages to make snow bunny cool again…and they’re so warm and cozy, i’m literally waiting for opportunities to wear them.

i admit, they’re not what you’d expect me to pick…normally, i go for the least practical option every time (ahem, i heard that chorus of laughter when i tweeted i was at REI to check these out).  but i just love something about the style on these – they’re oddly appropriate to wear around town (when the weather permits, of course), and the faux fur keeps them looking more chic than utilitarian.  plus, they’re sorel…so they’re as weatherproof as a shoe can be, and they’re going to last absolutely forever.

hey, if it’s good enough for elle macpherson and kate hudson, who am i to argue?

the trick, as always, is styling.  too bundled, and you end up looking like the abominable snowgirl.  if the pant choice isn’t right, they’ll bunch up in the boots, and look all wrong.  ultimately, to do it right, you should focus on making your legs look as long and lean as possible (while covering your bum, as always!).  that will show off your lovely shape, and allow you to layer a bit more on top.  also, add a little pop of interest – a bright bag, or a touch of animal print – you don’t want the boots totally stealing the spotlight.  a couple of ideas:

Steven Alan / Reverse Seam Shirt, $158; Diane von Furstenberg Sheer-stripe wool-blend cardigan, $300; Rebel Yell Bonjour Football Tee in Heather Gray, $69; Diane von furstenberg knitwear CAMEL, 178 GBP; Women’s Down With It Parka, $193; Citizens of Humanity ‘Elson’ Mid Rise Straight Leg Stretch Jeans (Star…, $100; DL 1961 grace straight in eclipse, $158; Yves saint laurent bags RED, 845 GBP; Rebecca Minkoff Cheetah Haircalf Covet Bag, $425; Franco Ferrari / Ambrosia Scarf, $138; Original Wayfarer RB2140 Sun | Official Ray-Ban Site – Germany

i also happen to love kate hudson’s idea of layering a fun fair isle knee sock underneath her sorels – it adds a bit of color, while staying weather appropriate.  she picked a slightly more daring style than i did (of course), but she’s still rocking them with ease.

if you’re still freezing your tail off this winter, or just seeing all of these street style photos from sundance and wishing you were on a ski vacation, you should seriously consider a little sorel splurge.  and in fact, because sorel’s doing a huge promo to promote their presence at sundance, you can get free shipping until the festival ends (1/30) with code SUNDANCE, always a nice benefit.

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