The Best Bet
Cold outside, overheated and Sahara-dry inside. That, plus a peculiar local aversion to wearing gloves, means New York hands take an exponentially greater beating in the winter. Freezer burn on your cuticles is not a good look, though; L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Hand Cream is thick but not greasy, with a powdery scent that’s almost unisex and absorbs quickly so there are no greasy fingerprints on your BlackBerry. It also comes in purse- or pocket-size ($23 for a 5.2-ounce tube, $8 for a 1-ounce tube, 92 Prince St., at Mercer St.; 212-219-3310).
The Grown-up Platform Shoe
The recent rage for platform shoes has produced a lot of styles too flamboyant for everyday wear; Lambertson Truex’s Pembrooke loafer is sensible but still satisfies the urge to tower ($525 at Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Ave., at 57th St.; 212-753-7300).
A Scent for Between Seasons
A pink-pepper note in Bulgari’s unisex Au Thé Rouge gives it a wintry spiciness, but citrusy bergamot softens the scent, making it a good match for the warmer weather of late (50 milliliters for $57 and 100 milliliters for $82, at Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave., at 50th St.; 212-754-4000).
A Reason to Relive the Eighties
Norma Kamali transformed workout wear into high style in the eighties; a new deal with Everlast brings back the best of those iconic pieces, and most are under $250 (11 W. 56th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-957-9797).
The Next Exotic to Bring Home
Colorful, and often on a black (New York–appropriate) background, hand-embroidered Lebanese tapestries can take as long as a year to make; this upholstered chaise is part of the new Suzani collection of chairs, pillows, and furniture from that country ($2,995 at ABC Carpet & Home, 888 Broadway, at 19th St.; 212-473-3000).
Grippers That Don’t Slip
Silicone gloves are unmatched heat shields but clunky to use. These mini-mitts are easy to get on and off, are heat-resistant up to 500 degrees, and come in five colors ($19.50 a pair at Sur La Table, 75 Spring St., at Crosby St.; 212-966-3375).