These Fleece Tights Make Winters Downright Tolerable

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Today's pick comes from Jackie Goldstein, Racked's editorial operations manager: Having spent my entire life in New York City, I'm used to being out and about in below-freezing temperatures. I used to double- or even triple-layer black tights if I wanted to wear a dress or get some insulation going under my jeans. Then I discovered fleece tights. Fleece tights have changed my life for the better, and I am a big fan of the simple Hue ones. They're incredibly cheap but they also last longer than regular tights. I recommend everyone stock up on a few pairs before New Year's Eve rolls around.

Racked National associate editor Kenzie Bryant: Vogue's review of Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch had me pre-ordering the book off Amazon within an hour of putting down the magazine. My nose has been in it ever since, but I've been trying to read it veeery, veeery slowly since Tartt's rolling storyline and hypnotic language are perfect to keep me occupied during holiday travels.

Downside one: It's hefty tome and not so fun to lug around. Upside one: Toned biceps and shoulders. Downside two: You won't want to stop reading, so you might accidentally spend less quality time with relatives. Upside two: You won't want to stop reading, so you might accidentally spend less quality time with relatives.

Racked National columnist Frank Gargione: I have been looking high and low for a beige- or camel- or oat- or linen-colored cardigan. A weight that works in November with a coat but is just as wearable in the spring and early fall. A cut that I can wear to work but wouldn't look too slick or buttoned-up at brunch. Something clean—not too trendy or overwrought with Fair Isle intarsia, cords, and cables. And no one has it! The colors in stores right now all tend towards opulent, impractical winter white or deep and dusty caramel tan. I don't like winter white, and caramel tan doesn't like me.

But I think I finally found it! By Velva Sheen and available at Hickoree's—Brooklyn-based purveyors of all things heritage—this iteration has patch pockets and a subtle shawl collar and feels just heavenly. Some background: Velva Sheen was a Depression-era, Ohio-based sportswear label that put college kids in jersey for generations. A California-based company has revived the name, producing top-quality knit basics straight out of the Velva Sheen archive right here in the USA. The woven, sewn-in labels? They're mid-century deadstock—nice touch.

Racked NY editor Tiffany Yannetta: I was hell bent on buying something at the new Clare Vivier store in Nolita when it opened in October, and ultimately decided to trade in my old janky laptop bag for something way better: the Simple Tote. (I even threw down to have it monogrammed.)

The bag set me back $368, but it's really changed my commuter game—now, when I hit up happy hour after work or head to a dinner meeting, I don't feel like a total bag lady. I feel like an It bag lady.

Racked NY Associate Editor Nicola Fumo: I have longed for one of We Are Handsome's photoreal print swimsuits for years, but could never justify the three hundred bucks. Imagine my delight when I saw that the Aussie brand had teamed up with updated espadrille makers Soludos on a small collection for $78 and under. Now I only have two problems: picking a pair (there are five to choose from) and booking a warm-weather vacation ASAP.
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