Having grown up in Southwestern states most of my life, I confess I knew little about how to deal with winter weather. The only time I dealt with snow is if my friends decided to take a trip to Lake Tahoe to snowboard. But now that I live in Chicago, I've had to figure out to stay warm through blowing snow and negative degrees. Luckily we don't have to sacrifice a little style to stay warm. Check out some of these winter must haves to stay cozy and fashionable!
“Salish Pattern” Wool Blanket by Eighth Generation – $185.00
I know most of us love our Pendleton blankets, but last year Eighth Generation launched a new line of Native-made wool blankets. It's so nice to have an alternative now! This Salish pattern blanket is just what you need while you're snuggled up on the couch reading a book. Designed by Louie Gong (Nooksack) and made with 100% New Zealand Wool.
Wool Mukluk by Manitobah Mukluks – $199.99
I have been drooling over all of Manitobah Mukluks' boots for some time now, but I really liked the pattern on this wool boot and the affordability of this style. Plus you can feel good that you are supporting an Aboriginal Owned business.
Pattern Printed Scarf (Red) by OxDx – $40.00
This fashionable scarf is based on one of Jared Yazzie's popular t-shirt designs (which you can still find at Beyond Buckskin). Scarf is a poly/cotton blend and is available in red or gray. Who says winter time has to be boring?
Feather Hoodie Scarf with Fringe at Beyond Buckskin – $144.00
When Beyond Buckskin started carrying these designs by Fond du Lac Ojibwe artist Maggie Thompson I was instantly in love! This hoodie scarf features a bold handwoven pattern made with 100% wool.
Ocean Creatures Sweatshirt by Salish Style – On sale for $44.99
This ocean creatures sweatshirt designed by Morgan Asoyuf (née Green), Tsimshian is currently on sale! Unisex so anyone can wear! It's a full-zip hooded sweatshirt with split kangaroo side pockets. Cozy, comfortable and perfect for cold weather.
Eagle Rock Jacquard Hooded Towel by Pendleton – $49.50
Bath time is always a struggle with the kiddos, but it's even harder in the winter. Who wants to get out of the bath tub when it's freezing? Well worry no more with this hooded towel from Pendleton! These hooded towels are 100% cotton velour with a cotton terry reverse to keep you warm and dry.
Chief Joseph Knit Layette Set by Pendleton – $99.50
And nothing is cuter than a baby all bundled up! This cute layette set from Pendleton would make sure any baby is comfy and cozy. Their mini Chief Joseph pattern comes on a hat, booties and doubleface blanket. Blanket and hat are cotton. Booties are cotton/nylon/spandex.
Frog Box Toque from Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre – $14.00
Once again here is a beautiful unisex design that anyone can enjoy! Bill Helin (Tsimshian Nation) designed this Frog Box Toque to be snug fitting, warm and washable. And it's a bargain for $14.00!
First Nations Coffee® USDA ORGANIC AND FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED 2LB WHOLE BEAN – $30.00
And nothing warms me up on a cold winter morning like a cup of coffee. First Nations Coffee is 100% Native Owned and Operated. Try out some of their Premium Roast coffee beans which are Organic and Fair-Trade.
Natural Energy Wellness Tea by Mother Earth Essentials – $12.00
Not a coffee drinker? Or maybe you've had too much coffee but you're still cold? A fresh pot of tea always does the trick. Check out these teas from Aboriginal owned company Mother Earth Essentials. They have a variety of wellness teas ready for you to order!
Pow Wow Opoly Board Game – $39.00
And when you're stuck inside the house because it's too cold outside, you need to be entertained. Cabin fever is no fun! How about a board game? No wait, how about a Pow Wow board game?
A Native Play on a popular game. Go to grand entry and collect money every time. Get yourself an Indian taco or some duct tape for your moccasins. Pick up some items for your regalia to get ready to dance in a men’s or women’s traditional dance. A board game to help you learn what a powwow is. Used in educational institutes as a tool to learn language and banking.
Too fun right? You can find this game for sale on various websites, but the one listed above is currently at Silver Moccasin.
I hope this guide helps everyone stay snuggly and stylish! Keep these businesses in mind throughout the year as a lot of them are Native-owned. Just click on the bold links below each photo to be taken to the website to purchase.
Last Updated on August 14, 2016 by Paul G
