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Being a California transplant in New York, it took me years to figure out, much less perfect, the art of staying warm during a winter "back east" (I still say “back east,” even though I've lived here for a while). It literally took me years to zip up AND snap up my coat, much less put on a scarf and gloves. I was cold for a long time.
Then came the faux fur vest, which turned my dread of dismal winter wear into an urge to layer. Layering has become my beacon in a grim season, and I owe it all to this Wilfred Chatou Vest (on sale for $130) at Aritzia. I’ve worn many, and this is my favorite. Get it, get it now — get two or three, so when one wears out, you have another one on hand.