DIY Builds
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How do you stay warm without too many layers?

Thin Base Layer Tops (designed to trap heat, but wick away moisture) Wool Blended Sweaters & Cardigans. Flannel Shirts (I use these for when I'll be taking off warmer sweater layers while inside). Thin, Packable Down Vest (or down alternative if you're allergic) ... EXTRA ACCESSORIES: Lined Beanie. Thin Gloves. Scarf.

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Friends, if you’ve been around here for a while, then you already know that I lived in Hawaii for the past 17 years and just moved back to a very small town in Northern California. I grew up here, so the transition in many ways hasn’t been too difficult… except for the weather. Hawaii’s 85 degrees of year-round weather spoiled me, and my tropical wardrobe consisted of tank tops, yoga pants & flip flops – all year. But, not anymore. Note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a small percentage of the sale (at no additional cost to you). But all opinions I share are always my own & honest. =) My tiny body has never done well with cold weather. The cold makes me ache all over & the bulky weight of all those clothes makes me want to curl up & hibernate. I lived in denial this summer that the cold weather would be back, but when I went out to the barn the other day and saw my breath, I knew Old Man Winter was warning me to get ready! I’ve written before about Building a Wardrobe Capsule with Stitch Fix, but this winter I’m laser focused on building a truly functional Winter Wardrobe Capsule using Stitch Fix that helps me layer smarter & more effectively while keeping my outfits simple & stylish. In the past, I’ve tried layering my sweaters and jackets until I ‘felt’ warm. But, I just ended up being so stiff that I couldn’t function well throughout the day. I started taking the advice of local friends on what they do to layer smarter & what types of fabrics they prefer – like wool blends and natural fibers. They also suggested I focus on keeping my core (torso area), head & feet warm, which works together to keep my whole body warmer.

Here’s What my Winter Wardrobe Capsule looks like now:

TOPS:

Skin-Tight Camisole Tanks (I tuck these into my pants to keep out the draft)

Thin Base Layer Tops (designed to trap heat, but wick away moisture)

Wool Blended Sweaters & Cardigans

Flannel Shirts (I use these for when I’ll be taking off warmer sweater layers while inside).

Thin, Packable Down Vest (or down alternative if you’re allergic)

BOTTOMS:

Thin Wool Blend Socks

Thin Base Layer Leggings (to go under my pants when it’s really cold),

Jeans with Stretch

Lined Boots and/or Waterproof Hiking Shoes (I wear lined Moccasins while indoors)

JACKETS:

Long, Down Puffer Jacket with removable Hood (mine goes just past my booty)

Long, Anorak Jacket with a Cinch Waist

Short, Packable Down Jacket

EXTRA ACCESSORIES:

Lined Beanie

Thin Gloves

Scarf

I should note that my criteria for picking out winter layers MUST include them being machine washable & dryable – with a few exceptions to air-dry some things. I also have a couple of other accessory items for playing in the snow (like waterproof gloves, boots & pants). How about you? Do you have any other tips I can use for staying warm & cozy this winter? I’m always open to suggestions. And don’t forget to checkout Stitch Fix for building your best Winter Wardrobe Capsule

Stay Warm & God Bless! =)

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Materials such as rigid foam insulation, reinforced plastics, aluminum, and stainless steel are relatively resistant to water vapor diffusion. These types of vapor retarders are usually mechanically fastened and sealed at the joints.

In most U.S. climates, vapor barriers, or -- more accurately -- vapor diffusion retarders (vapor retarders), should be part of a moisture control strategy for a home. A vapor retarder is a material that reduces the rate at which water vapor can move through a material. The older term "vapor barrier" is still used even though "vapor retarder" is more accurate. The ability of a material to retard the diffusion of water vapor is measured in units known as "perms" or permeability. The International Residential Code describes three classes of water vapor retarders:

Class I vapor retarders (0.1 perms or less):

Glass

Sheet metal

Polyethylene sheet

Rubber membrane

Class II vapor retarders (greater than 0.1 perms and less than or equal to 1.0 perms):

Unfaced expanded or extruded polystyrene

30 pound asphalt coated paper

Plywood

Bitumen coated kraft paper

Class III vapor retarders (greater than 1.0 perms and less than or equal to 10 perms):

Gypsum board

Fiberglass insulation (unfaced)

Cellulose insulation

Board lumber

Concrete block

Brick

15-pound asphalt coated paper

House wrap

Vapor retarders can help control moisture in:

Basements

Ceilings

Crawlspaces

Floors

Slab-on-grade foundations

Walls

Effective moisture control in these areas and throughout a home must also include air-sealing gaps in the structure, not just the use of a vapor retarder. How, where, and whether you need a vapor retarder depends on the climate and the construction of your home.

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