How to survive a blizzard in style

Surviving a massive, time-zone crippling blizzard in style.

Above photo of the NYC Blizzard by GSZ

Looks like Mother Nature is pretty ornery.  California is under mud, and the Eastern Seaboard has been nailed with Fargo-esque snow levels for the last day or two.  Meanwhile, parts of the upper Midwest are still trying to figure out how to put their football stadium roofs back together.

It’s cold and snowy in much of the country.  But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to looking like Randy from A Christmas Story if you venture outside.  Going out in the blizzard or staying in, let’s try and get you outfitted for a particularly nasty winter storm.
.

Schott 36″ Hooded Duffle Coat – $250.00

When the weather goes from ugly to just plain asinine, a true hooded duffle coat will provide the strongest defense.  Made by Schott who produces much of their gear in the US, the description on these actually says that they’re imported.  But if you zoom in on the tags, it looks like these coats are imported from… Canada.  They know a thing or two about snow there.  The brand also has a rep for solid quality.
.

Lands End Canvas Flannel Lined Jeans – $40.99 (reg. $59.50)

It’s amazing how many people have never heard of flannel lined jeans.  Flipping up your jeans cuffs is quite the trend, and it’s hard to get a better looking interior than this.  Tough to find online, might be able to find them in-store.  Urban Outfitters also offers a reasonably priced flannel lined chino.
.

L.L. Bean Signature Cord Blazer – $124.00 (reg. $155)

Now’s the time for a cord blazer.  Cotton but a hell of a lot warmer than chino, it’ll wear well with just about anything.  Tweed is great, but it’s also expensive.  These have a killer cut, functional button holes, and the traditional patch pockets on the front blend in much better than other brand’s versions.  The sale price is also terrific.  Pick up the matching pair of pants and you’ve got 14-wale cord suit for under $190.
.

Sorel 64 Premium T – $82.50 ($110) | Danner Mountain Light II – $187.60 SHIPPED w/code

There’s no code necessary for the discount on the Sorels, and you’ll see the new price reflected if you put them in your cart.  Plus, they’re from Endless, so you’ll also get free two day shipping.  As for the Danners, they’re exceptionally low priced.  Usually around $300, they were marked down, and now marked down even more thanks to the ongoing J. Crew extra 30% off sale items code: SHOPNOW.  That’ll get you free shipping on these too.
.

Rugby Wool Rag Sock – $12.99 (reg. $18)

Hearty is used in the description on Rugby.com, and that’s appropriate.  Great for feet or monkeys, these are 68% lambswool, 31% nylon, and 1%… rubber?  (The elastic perhaps?)  Put em’ on and stay warm.
.

For staying in… a classic board game:  RISK Vintage Edition – $41.99

If you’re stuck inside, why not try and take over the world?  Scrabble causes too many arguments anyway.  This game can go on forever.  And for whatever reason, it’s pretty captivating.
.

Also for staying in… a blizzard worthy beer:  Old Rasputin Imperial Stout – 9% ABV

A monster of a cold weather beer.  Smooth, dark, and has enough flavor to satisfy anyone.  Coffee, chocolate… all those usual flavors that are used to describe stouts are in there, but this time you can’t miss them.  And they don’t beat each other to death either.  Well loved by even the beer snobs.  Worth the extra cost.
.

For going out, a non-classic snowman strategy:  Snow Chicken – Aprox height = 7 feet

You have boatloads of snow, so there’s really no limit on building a snow… something.  Let the kids up the street stack three balls on top of each other then shove a carrot and some Kingsford Briquettes on the head.  A huge storm means it’s time to go big.

Need more?  Try these suggestions for gloves, winter hats, scarves, boots, and coats…  Stay safe if you’ve been affected by the storm.  And if you’re stuck in an airport somewhere?  Good luck.