Indulge in the luxuriously cozy fabric of fall; it’s chicken soup for your style soul! Check out some of our favorite fabrics for comfy winter wear …

Cashmere & Pashmina:
Cashmere is a type of wool collected when Kashmir goats shed their winter coats. No wonder those sweaters are so warm! What distinguishes these particular goats is their double fleece, which consists of a very fine and soft undercoat beneath their coarser outer coat. This soft undercoat yields the luxurious cashmere we all know and love. But the benefits of cashmere extend beyond its chic appeal. Because of its natural insulating qualities, cashmere is a great layering option that provides comfort and warmth without bulk. Pashmina is the finest and most expensive variety of cashmere, created from only the very best, hand sorted cashmere fibers.

Angora:
Angora is produced from the hair of fluffy Angora rabbits, not to be confused with Angora goats, which actually produce mohair. The appeal of Angora is that it’s incredibly soft and warm. However, like our fuzzy friends, Angora is known to shed. But not to fear! It’s nothing a few hours with the frozen peas can’t fix! If you love Angora, but want to avoid leaving a trail of fur wherever you go, try the following steps before you wear your new sweater. Carefully fold your sweater into a Ziploc bag and then place in the freezer for about three hours. Remove, wear, and experience the splendidly soft sensation without the shedding!

Mohair:
Mohair, from the Angora goat, is another type of wool, which means it uses your body heat to keep you warm. It’s soft like cashmere, but with more luster, and actually much cheaper. The one hitch is the shedding factor. If you can get past that, you’re one step closer to cozy comfort!

Pima Cotton:
Pima Cotton is a blend of Egyptian and Sea Island cottons, which are two of the finest in the world. Naturally, this premium cotton is extremely soft and fine, and this luxury doesn’t come cheap. But pima cotton is worth every penny - it’s stronger than regular cotton, with an increased life and durability.

Challis:
Challis is a silky, soft, and lightweight fabric commonly made from wool, so it has all of the insulating benefits of warm fabric without the bulk. The true color of challis is brownish, but it is usually dyed or printed with floral or geometric patterns. The slightly brushed surface has a silky down finish and good drape ability so it’s a great fabric option when the goal is both dressy and warm.

Velour:
Velour is plush knit fabric made of cotton or polyester. It beautifully combines the luxurious look of velvet with the comfort of stretchiness. While it’s not necessarily the warmest winter wear, it’s great for holiday parties where you want to look snazzy while tearing up the dance floor.

Fashion, meet Comfort; it’s time to put your differences behind you - there’s no reason you two can’t be friends! Women often fall into the misguided notion that we must suffer for style, but ladies, it just isn’t true. It is possible to be as comfy as you are cute! Mastering snug style is all about choosing comfortable fabrics that fit nicely but don’t restrict or dig. Start with long sleeve shirts with special details, mix and match under comfy sweaters and hoodies, and pair with boyfriend jeans, leggings, lounge pants, or even stretchy skinny jeans. Quality fabrics will ensure you look polished and put together, and cute accessories like scarves, beanies and boots can transform an outfit from couch commando to cozy chic.

**Remember, the more you wash cotton, the softer it gets, so fabric softener is the key to unlocking its ultimate comfort potential!

We can’t overlook the most obvious place to get cozy … snuggled up in bed! So here’s a cute collection of clothes for getting comfy behind closed doors.

In the lane, snow is glistening, but in your home, tea is whistling! That blanket of snow covering the ground outside is even more beautiful when admired from your cozy corral inside. Carve out some time to care for yourself and create the ultimate comfort zone:

Plush pillows and soft snuggly blankets are a must. Check out Pottery Barn for a cozy collection of the season’s finest!

Get away from the stress of the season with Escape Aromatherapy Candles from Pier One, and let a Lavender Heat Compress sooth your spirit. Warm the worries away with Tazo “Calm” Tea.

Now that you’ve created your ultimate comfort zone, grab your coziest clothes and a cup of tea, and curl up with a good book to enjoy an evening in. Here are a few titles on our reading list:

The Blue Notebook by James A. Levine is a deeply moving story of a young girl living in India who was sold into prostitution. Her story exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit.

The Same Kind of Different as Me, by Ron Hall & Denver Moore is a true story of unexpected friendship told through the eyes of the two unlikely friends. It begins outside a burning plantation hut in Louisiana … and an East Texas honky-tonk. It unfolds in a Hollywood hacienda, an upscale New York gallery, a downtown dumpster, and a Texas ranch. Through pain and betrayal, this story shines with the hope of life-changing love.

The Forgotten Garden, by Kate Morton is a novel of outer and inner journeys and an homage to the power of storytelling. When a young girl is abandoned on a ship sailing from pre-WWI London to Australia, she arrives in a new country, completely alone, with nothing but a small suitcase containing a few clothes and a single book - a beautiful volume of fairy tales.