The Must-Have Mittens of Winter & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #54
Are you all getting tired of me telling you how cold it is outside yet? Or are you just plain old tired of being cold this winter? In an attempt to keep as warm as possible, I have been adding layer upon layer of clothing. But accessories also play an important role both in maintaining some sense of style through the long winter months and for practical purposes like keeping you warm. Just yesterday, I shared 5 Reasons to Wear a Hat this Winter and last week, I talked all about Winter Style with blanket scarves. However, the one thing I never leave the house without in the winter is mittens or gloves. And these accessories seem to be quite neglected in the fashion blogosphere. Just because covering your hands in the bitter cold weather is a necessity for most does not mean that you can’t be stylish about it, too.
So today, I want to share with you my choice of must-have mittens this winter. These mittens are the most amazing things I have ever put on my hands. Lined with the warmest polar fleece and crafted from upcycled woolen sweaters, you not only get a practical and necessary accessory, but you are helping the environment as well as supporting a woman-owned small business. These beauties were handmade by the very talented Heather of Homemade Haven. If you remember way back in June, I shared a tie dyed neckerchief also created by Heather from upcycled materials.
*This is not a sponsored post. There are no gifted items featured here. Just a girl who has found the most amazing mittens ever.
Heather has a passion for all things vintage as well as a spirit dedicated to doing her part in caring for our environment. So rather than crafting from new materials and fabrics, she scours second hand stores for wool and wool blend knits to use as the basis for her mittens. I have had the opportunity to watch her at her craft as she delicately cuts the mitten patterns from old sweaters, mixing and matching pieces from different sweaters for the cuffs, lining them with warm and brightly colored polar fleece of the highest quality, and working with the greatest attention to detail on her vintage Singer sewing machine. I literally am in awe of the beautiful pieces that she creates. And because all of her materials (except the fleece) are upcycled, no two pairs of mittens ever look the same. So you are getting spectacular handmade quality as well as a unique one of a kind pair of mittens.
*Mittens: Handcrafted by Homemade Haven.
The only issue I had was choosing which pair I wanted! They are all so beautiful. Finally, after weeks of scouring Heather’s inventory (the styles are continuously changing as she sells her mittens and creates more), I chose this blush pink pair with a delicate embroidered floral pattern on them. And I am happy to report that they coordinate quite nicely with many pieces in my winter wardrobe. In fact, I have already photographed a second outfit featuring my new must-have mittens which I will share with you soon.
*Necklace: Tricia’s Dream Jewelry (Premier Jewelry). Featured previously on my blog here.
I cannot say enough about these fabulous mittens except that I will be adding a new pair to my collection very soon! Heather does sell online and will ship anywhere in the United States. You can check out her shop on Facebook at Homemade Haven and message her if you are interested in purchasing.
Here is a small sample of some of her other must-have mittens. (I cannot guarantee if she still has these in stock.) You can also find more of Heather’s beautiful handmade sweater mittens in her Etsy Shop.
Before I end this post, I do want to share a quick story about my photos here. It was, of course, many degrees below zero the day I wanted to photograph my mittens. My husband, who is always a good sport, absolutely did not want to go outside. So he stood inside the back door, propping it open with his foot while attempting to take these photos. I have to say, the quality could be better, but we had a great laugh about it all.
Getting the shoe shots was probably the most challenging as the door kept slipping and smashing into him! I have the best Instagram Husband ever!
*Boots: Kenneth Cole Reaction Time For Fun Ankle Booties.
So tell me…are you concerned with your mittens and gloves coordinating with your outfit? Or are you all about practicality only? Or perhaps you have what my sister and I call “asbestos hands” which are impervious to cold, hot, or any severe temperature change and you need no mittens at all?
And now your favorite posts from last week.
Maria of Passion Fruit, Paws and Peonies shared the most brilliant handkerchief hem dress in her post How to dress for dinner in Mayfair. I seriously am in a swoon over everything about Maria’s outfit.
And Mary of Mary Murnane shared some fabulous news in her post New Year, Big News. Head on over to her page and check it out!
I hope you are keeping it warm while I am keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.
76 Comments
Elsie
It was so great to read about this company. I also love the fun boots you paired with your outfit!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Elsie! I love sharing about small businesses in my community. It is so important for us all to support each other. Have a fabulous day, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
I am talking about how much I need new gloves tomorrow! These look fantastic and warm enough! But to be honest, I am ready for spring! I want to sit in my garden in the first spring sun, reading a good book, enjoying the warmth! Ooh sigh!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am wanting spring to arrive as well, Nancy! All this snow is ruining my shoe game. But I don’t want it to get too warm because I still have so many cute boots to show off! Thanks for stopping by and stay warm, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Laurie
Your banging on about how cold it is, is putting my banging on about how cold it is to shame! I feel your pain Shelbee! Don’t ruin those gorgeous boots in the snow! xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my goodness, Laurie, this comment just made me laugh right out loud! It has finally warmed up to a humane temperature and hopefully will stay that way for a spell. Unfortunately, however, all of my fab boots are in danger if I step outside into the never ending sludge! Thanks for stopping by and giving me a good chuckle! Have a an amazing day and stay warm, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Maria | passion fruit, paws and peonies
I’m so delighted for the mention Shelbee! You’ve made my day, thank you! x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you for linking up, Maria! I am so inspired by your fabulous style! Have a fabulous day.
xoxo
Shelbee
jacqui
Aren’t these super, love the detail on them, they look so dainty. Thanks for sharing and hosting. Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jacqui, thank you so much! I love the feminine vibe of them, too. Have a great day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
Very pretty mittens Shelbee and love the necklace. I find it becomes all too easy to forget about accessories when you’re piling on the fleeces and wearing “practical” footwear!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gail! Yes, the footwear issue is really killing my blogging game! I have so many shoes that I want to wear then I look outside and I think, “Nope. These won’t do at all.”
xoxo
Shelbee
Jaymie Ashcraft
I love your boots!!!
Jaymie
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jaymie! They are really comfortable, too, which is a huge plus!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kellyann
Wow Shelbee, I love this outfit on you, beautifully styled as always. Those mittens are awesome! I have no need for them here but wow – so beautifully made. What talent!
I’m hoping things warm up for you my friend!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kellyann! This was such a super casual outfit for me, but I really liked the outcome as well. Heather is so talented…I am always in awe when I check out her products. It is finally warming up to humane temperatures around here…let’s just hope it sticks around for a while! Thanks for stopping by and have a fantastic week.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
I do love winter clothes — and there’s nothing like a great pair of mittens!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Mittens are the best thing ever invented for cold weather, in my opinion! Way warmer than gloves, for sure. Thanks so much for stopping by, Michele! have a great day.
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzanne Smith
Ha Shelbee you do have a great photographer! My husband has also complained a little about the cold here, but it’s nothing compared to what you have there! It’s going to be 59 degrees today and I’m taking 2 weeks worth of pictures just in case the weather turns again! Love the mittens, your necklace and boots. I’m going to check out Homemade Haven on Facebook! Thanks for the linkup and have a great day!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Suzanne, thanks so much for stopping by! It warmed up a bit here as well so I may just do the same and take a million photos this week! Although all the sludgy snow is making a mess of everything! Homemade Haven has lots of gorgeous and fun handmade and upcycled pieces. I think you will love them.Have a fab week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Tucker
Oh these mittens are so cute! I haven’t worn mittens for so long but always loved them. Must add a couple of pairs! I also love your booties and whole look today! Neutrals with the fun booties is so fun for gloomy winter weather!
Peace!
Cheryl
https://www.northwestmountainliving.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Cheryl! I cannot even get over how incredibly warm these mittens are! I felt so super casual in this outfit…not my norm…but it really did work out quite well! Have a fabulous day, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Courtney
Those handmittens look so comfy!
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
They absolutely are, Courtney! And she has so many cute ones, too. I need another pair, I think! Thanks for stopping by and have a great week.
xoxo
Shelbee
jodie filogomo
OMG…those mittens are the best. Do you know if she used recycled sweaters to make them??
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jodie! Yes, she uses all recycled sweaters for them. The only thing not recycled is the fleece lining and obviously the thread! Aren’t they just fabulous!
xoxo
Shelbee
Celia M.
OMYGOSH! how cute (and warm) these gloves look! Love this post you look tres chic while keeping warm!! and that they are handmade = bliss …. love supporting women who share from the heart.
Lovely I hope you will share this post in the Resilientista Social Lounge FB group – on Wednesday Thread Theme * Share your goodies and finds* (it will go live in the group at 6:00 am EST).
P.s. I’ll be sharing link to your post in the next Resilientista Weekly Self Care Reminder Note – around the web must reads!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Celia, you rock! I love everything about what you do and represent! Thank you so much for always supporting amazing women and their passions. I will mark my calendar for the Wednesday Thread Theme!
xoxo
Shelbee
Pam Ecrement
The mittens are beautiful!! Love these!! (Like the ankle boots as well!) Have a blessed day!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Pam! I couldn’t resist their charm (or their warmth)! Have a wonderful day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Maureen
These are beautiful mittens. I can see how they would be awesome to have. I am not a big fan of gloves but have recently added a pair because of the colder than usual weather we are experiencing. I have to say it is nicer to keep your hands warmer than having them experience hypothermia!! 😜 Happy Tuesday!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Maureen! My hands are actually the first thing to get cold, so I am usually wearing mittens or gloves as soon as the temperatures drop below 60! I can’t stand when fingers get frozen.
xoxo
Shelbee
Nikki Gwin
I want this whole outfit. Can I borrow it? Rent it maybe?? Loving the boots AND the mittens! And both are great statements with your simple but perfect jeans and sweater.
🙂 gwingal
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Nikki, that is such a wonderful compliment! Thanks so much! But, I bet you have similar pieces in your wardrobe to replicate this outfit…it’s all so basic…except for the fabulous mittens and fun boots, of course! Put on your fave boyfriend jeans, an oversized sweater or sweatshirt (this one is kind of cross between sweater and sweatshirt), a statement necklace, and crazy fun shoes….then get yourself a pair of Homemade Haven mittens to complete the look! Comfy, cozy, warm, and toasty! Thanks for stopping by and stay warm!
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
Enjoyed reading about the company. Love the ones you chose, pink! i am not missing the ‘burg’s winter, it is cold enough in Charlotte, but it is getting warmer this week. Love that you braved the weather and hubby stayed inside..You look great and those booties are fabulous!
Have a great week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jess! I don’t blame for you not missing PA winters! I would kind of like to head south for a while this winter. It’s funny because I don’t often go for pinks, but these mittens were too pretty to resist. Have a fabulous day, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Chrissy
Shelbee, you gone and made mittens cool! Of course you did. And what a talented friend you have. I love this outfit too. The denim paired with those gorgeous floral boots go so nicely with the cozy sweater and of course the MITTENS. Always a pleasure!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my goodness, Chrissy! Thank you so much! But wait…I thought mittens were already cool…were they not? Ha! Heather is super talented. She creates some really amazing pieces! Thanks so much for stopping by and for the wonderful comment, my friend. Have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
Such a cozy outfit, I love the color of those mittens! I have never had mittens without fingers, but I am sure I’d love these on a sledding or ice skating day out with the kids! They’re def. more stylish than the $1 store pair I have! LOL! I LOVE your boots, too! And all of your snowy photos!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Carrie! Here’s a little fact about mittens: they are much warmer than gloves because your own body heat keeps your fingers warmer than when they are separated by the fabric on gloves. And these mittens, in particular, are extraordinarily warm.
P.S. You and everyone else will be sick of my snowy photos by the time May comes around and my photos are still snowy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
I am going to sounds bad here, I have never owned a pair or mittens or anyone else in my family. I guess that comes with living in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful rest of the week.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Nope, doesn’t sound bad at all, Patrick! If you don’t need them, why buy them?! However, if I lived in the Bay area, I would probably need some kind of lightweight gloves because my hands literally get freezing cold if the temperature drops below 60…which I’m sure it does at night in the winter there, right? Thanks for stopping by, my friend, and have a great day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
In terms of warmth, mittens are always the better choice over gloves, however they’re not always so practical if you need your fingers! I love your boots—amazed that you can wear them in all that snow!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I agree with you about mittens, Cheryl! They definitely are not practical for finger use. But when it’s this cold, they are warmer! And I can drive a car in them. Plus how cute are they? Thanks so much for stopping by and have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy
They really are gorgeous mittens, Shelbee! I’ve always preferred gloves to mittens though because I want to be able to move my fingers and pick things up! My husband loves mittens though – he insists his fingers stay much warmer in them. He’s probably right of course!
Hugs
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Suzy! I am kind of split between mittens and gloves, in all honesty. Mittens are definitely warmer, but much less practical. So it really depends on what I am doing that determines if I will wear mittens or gloves. I hope you have a fabulous day, my friend. Thank you for stopping by!
xoxo
Shelbee
Grace Liang
I haven’t worn a mitten for years! Now you make me feel like I may need to find myself a pair! 😉 By the way, love your booties very much!
Please stop by at http://www.colorandgrace.com every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for linkup parties! Hope to see you there!
Grace Liang
http://www.colorandgrace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Grace! I think you definitely need a pair of mittens especially since you live in a cold climate like I do! You should check out what Homemade Haven has…she also has a size variety ranging from small to XL. Have a fabulous day, my friend, and stay warm.
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura || Walking in Memphis in High Heels
I love mittens when it’s super cold out, I feel like having my fingers together makes them warmer! They’re so cute.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I agree completely, Laura! I think mittens are definitely warmer because of the body generated by your fingers touching. Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a wonderful day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura
Those mittens are beautiful! I just got a lined pair of mittens for Christmas and they make all the difference with keeping my hands warms!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laura! These are definitely warm beyond any gloves that I own. Have a great day, my friend, and stay warm.
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheree Ho
Adorable. Love that shade of pink. They look so warm.
~ xo Sheree
Posh Classy Mom
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Sheree! They are super warm and it’s the color that really sold me! Although I had the hardest time deciding on just one pair.
xoxo
Shelbee
Rosie Holtzman
I can believe that you guys on the East Coast are tired of the cold and snow!!! We finally had rain here in SoCal, which was much appreciated, but there were some disasters and flooding up by Santa Barbara because of the wild fires last month. Happy vibes from me to both coasts!!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Yeah, Rosie, it is usually ridiculously cold here, but these past few weeks were just brutal. It is so sad all the damage that resulted from the wild fires out west. I have been sending positive energy out to everyone as well. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
xoxo
Shelbee
Stefanie
Those are adorable and I LOVE the color!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Stefanie! They are super warm, too. Thank you for stopping by. I hope you have a wonderful day!
xoxo
Shelbee
stephanie
The mittens are super cute!!! Love your outfit!!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Stephanie! They are super warm, too, which is necessary where I live!
xoxo
Shelbee
Claire
Your mittens are lovely Shelbee, the look so cosy and warm 🙂 Thanks for stopping by The Wednesday Blog Hop.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Claire! They are super warm! Have a great day.
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin
Those mittens look so comfy and warm!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
They really, really are, Tamar! Thanks so much for stopping by.
xoxo
Shelbee
Anna at Muttonstyle
Such pretty and clever mittens. We haven’t had snow bit have heard all about yours. I wouldn’t be brave enough to wear those boots in the snow. Over here they put salt down which ruins shoes. Plus it’s cold. I have similar tapestry boots but they are strictly dry weather wear. Keep warm Shelbee
http://www.muttonstyle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Anna! Oh, I am sure my boots will be ruined! But I don’t invest in super expensive footwear because of where I live. I got tired of wearing ugly weather appropriate shoes all winter long and have decided to throw caution to the wind and wear my cute shoes! I wipe them off after I wear them in the hopes they won’t be destroyed too quickly. Who knows? Thank you for stopping by and for your lovely comment!
xoxo
Shelbee
cherie
LOVE the shade of the pink mittens, my favorite color I think. They look so warm, perfect for the terribly cold weather we have been having. Wishing you all the best in the New Year!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Cherie! These mittens seriously have been a God-send this winter! It has been so brutally cold up here. Wishing you a very happy and healthy new year as well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lorena
Beautiful mittens Michelle, I love the fact they are made of recycled items, tags included.
I look at your pictures and see all that snow and wonder if I would ever dare open the door: cheers to you for keeping yourself motivated.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lorena, thank you so much! I think the fact that everything is upcycled from Homemade Haven is what it is such a unique and special company! Oh, the snow. It never ends where I live! And I just can’t stay cooped up inside all winter long. There is literally snow on the ground where I live from November until May! Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jessica
Those are really cute dear. Love those fab heeled booties too!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Jessica, thank you so much! Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
I love your mittens Shelbee! Even more so because they are made from upcycled sweaters! I have a lot of old clothes that Isobel has grown out of but are too shabby to give away. I don’t want them to go to landfill, so I’ve been wracking my brains to find a way to recycle them. I need to learn some new skills and get creating! Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Emma! That is the coolest part about my mittens…the upcycled bit. Depending on what kind of old clothes you have, I am picturing like some sort of patchwork rag scarf from old tee shirt material pieces. Or just adding patches to an old pair of jeans for an updated fun twist that will save the old jeans and use the outgrown clothing! Just ideas that popped into my head right now. Now I wish I were creative enough to pull off something of that sort! Have a great weekend, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
nicole at High Latitude Style
Your booties are so cool. Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Nicole! They are unbelievably comfortable, too!
xoxo
Shelbee