Winter comes to Ketchum on silent feet as the world is quieted with a blanket of snow.

The seasons have rapidly changed and with them comes a call for a change of wardrobe. Gone is the time of shorts, crops, bare legs, short sleeved shirts and tanks; while the time for jackets, sweaters, scarves, gloves, long sleeved shirts, jeans, slacks and leggings has come. Rather than lamenting the loss of the long, warm days and the opportunity to show some skin, we should embrace the seasonal transition by looking forward to the many opportunities it provides us to vary our routines and our look. Presented to us now is the chance to exercise some real creativity in how we dress. Never before has the opportunity to layer, and thus mix it up, been so abundant.

For the fairest of the genders, whether the look starts with a chunky scarf complimented by a shaped, biker jacket over a flouncy neo-bohemian top, which is worn back to a fitted pencil skirt, that is being worn over a pair of ponti leggings that have been tucked inside a calf high boot; or a fringed, light weight scarf worn kerchief style with slouchy boyfriend blazer that is layered over a tailored blouse and a pair of ankle zip skinny jeans (destructed or otherwise) and pumps, there have never been more possibilities! And, the options abound in accessories, as well. There are limitless choices when it comes to acceptable handbag styles, and a veritable cornucopia of jewelery possibilities be it bangles or cuffs, chunky or dainty, antiqued or polished, metals, stones, leathers or fabrics... anything goes!

And, for the guys, plaids and flannels are back! I'm not talking the grundged up look of days gone by, I'm talking about far superior fabrications, including some amazing double faced offerings; and cleaner, more tailored, lines. The entire men's silhouette is moving towards a slightly slimmer profile - from straight leg jeans and pants that follow the leg line in a "close, but comfortable" manner, but which are not "tight"; to shirts, blazers and outerwear which compliment a man's physique (i.e. broad shoulders, smaller waist - or at least give the illusion of such), and that are not "boxy". The level of engineering that is involved in today's patterning and construction, in conjuction with the quality and technical aspects of the fabrications, allows men greater ability to compliment and flatter their bodies while maining levels of comfort that were previously not possible in tailored menswear. Again, guys, think layers! At least give yourself the appearance of having some depth and style - it's not that difficult, trust me! If you're at a loss, just swing by - we're here to help.

So, throw some logs on the fire and make a nice cup (or two) of hot chocolate (stiffened or otherwise), or maybe pour glass of red wine, or brandy, or cognac... and embrace the Winter for all that it is - and can be.

I hope to see you here - in one of the most beautiful places that you could hope to spend any of your Winter (or Summer) moments. I'll even pour you that glass of wine, or make you that cup of hot chocolate, just stop by Ketchum Dry Goods, introduce yourself, and if I don't offer, just ask.

Happy Winter~

Jay

Proprietor of the "Goods" and The "Goods" Guy