BEFORE WINTER WAS JUST COLD

Experience Aspen/Snowmass and its four amazing mountains and you will realize how vibrant winter can be. Community, culture and nature exist in perfect harmony. The heart of a city. The soul of a mountain town. This is Aspen/Snowmass.

Style Notes for Mountain Divas

I’ve heard that Americans are stereotypically recognizable when traveling abroad because of our style, or lack of: Jeans, sneakers, Columbia jacket, backpack. And in the case of older tourists: Khaki pleated shorts, and short-sleeved buttondown shirts.

I fear that mountain locals suffer from a similar distinction. Walk into any bar on any mountain-town main street, and you’ll quickly be able to identify the locals. In the guys’ case, it’s because they’re sporting beards and in need of a haircut. (Don’t pretend to be offended, you all know this is true...I have to beg my own husband to clean up every once in awhile lest he look like he just wandered in from the woods.) In the case of us gals, it’s usually a bit less obvious, but we’re still discernable in jeans, T shirts, and fleece pull-overs.

And while I get it – mountain wear must be functional and reliable – I’m here to say that it can be equal parts function and fashion. There are ways to look super-cute while keeping your toes and other extremities warm, all while forgoing fleece. (I will, however, permit the denim.)

I recently had an opportunity to chat with Sandy, the owner of Valleygirl Boutique - one of the mountain’s most hip boutiques - and my mountain style icon. Here are some up-and-coming trends to see you through this winter season with warmth and style. Let’s start on the outside and work our way in, shall we?

Ponchos

I absolutely adore this fun and easy-going outer wear. Give your puffy coat the night off and toss one of these fabulously chunky pieces over anything – they’re easy to dress up for a holiday party with a leather skirt or dark denim, and just as easy to dress down for a casual girls night out with a T shirt and your favorite blue jeans.

For this next hot item, we’re throwing out the F word:

Fur

From sweaters trimmed in real, faux, or sheared, to vests made entirely from it, fur is hot. Literally, and figuratively. Nothing says mountain chic more than fur. Valleygirl specializes in rabbit and Mongolian sheep – so if you’re anti-fur, check out the sheep stuff. Like Mary Contrary’s, they’re just sheared. Personally, I love fur paired with denim.

And speaking of denim...

Jeans

Jean silouettes have gone the way of hemlines – there’s no right or wrong. Skinnies are still in, and designers are throwing in lots of stretch, so there’s a fit for every figure. And for all the BMWs (Bitchin’ Mountain Women) who remember the 70s...or those who are way to young but want to reinvent the decade...flares are back with a passion. Valleygirl’s favorites are the Level 99 stretchy flare and Rock Revival flare. According to Miss. Sandy, both are comfortable and sexy.

Moving to what’s underneath, let’s talk blouses.

Shirts & Blouses

Ladies, just because your employer gives you a bazillion shirts emblazoned with their logo does not mean you have to become a walking billboard when you’re off duty. Yes, yes, we know you want to be comfortable, but comfort can be just as easily done with a flowly little number over your favorite jeans. And then you don’t look like one of the guys in a boxy, unflattering T shirt. As for colors, leave black to the East Coast tourists and opt for something in cobalt blue or purple instead.

Last but certainly not least, let’s rundown this season’s au current accessories:

Fringe

The leather fringe on these suede bags is anything but hippie. With subtle details like studs and braided handles, they’re statement bags that avoid shouting. Soft, earthy colors will also distinguish you from Jersey Shore visitors sporting bright, pleather numbers.

And let’s not forget jewelry. Active mountain lifestyles usually lead us BMWs down the path of less is more, until less becomes none. But don just one of these styles from Druzy with a sweater and jeans and see if it doesn’t put a sashay in your step! Just like red lipstick – or, any lipstick for that matter – jewelry is under-worn here in our mountain towns.

Pick one, pick all, but as you run about town shopping for the loved ones in your life this holiday season, treat yourself to something fabulous, too. Or at least add it to your Wish List and drop a not-so-subtle hint! I, for one, plan on rushing over to the Breck store to buy a poncho. And possibly a fur vest.

A very special thanks to Sandy and Valleygirl Boutique for supplying us with ideas and pictures. You can visit Valleygirl in three locations – Avon, Breckenridge, and Aspen. And if you don’t find yourself in one of those towns, shop online at valleygirlboutique.com.