Bostonians have something big to look forward to this holiday shopping season: Lou & Grey, the knitwear gurus generally housed in LOFT stores, opened its second freestanding store in nearby Natick. The new location features the usual cozy lounge pants and textured sweaters you’ve come to expect from the brand, but there are big plans to start selling products made by local designers. Since they’ve got an eye for this kind of thing, we asked Austyn Zung, Lou & Grey’s design director, who’s worked with Oscar de la Renta and Isaac Mizrahi, what she thinks some fall/winter Boston-area essentials are.
White jeans and a cozy coat
Looking for a nice new coat now that the weather’s getting chilly? Zung recommends Lou & Grey’s faux Sherpa Jacket. ““I am crazy for this furry zip up. I can’t wait to wear it with a pair of winter white jeans.”
Keep it glam
Though Lou & Grey focuses on a more laid-back look, that doesn’t mean there’s no opportunity to add a bit of shine to what you’re wearing. Zung recommends these earrings from Sophie Hughes: “I love the handmade look of her pieces. They are modern and sculptural, yet have a very relaxed vibe.”
Glowing skin
It’s easy to let winter get the best of your skincare regimen. But Zung has some ideas for how to keep looking healthy despite that cold dry air. She recommends visiting Follain: “I am always on the lookout for the cleanest products to keep skin hydrated and healthy as the temperatures drop. This store has great brands that we also carry at Lou & Grey, like Earth tu Face and Farmaesthetics.”
Sticky buns!
Look, it wouldn’t be winter if you didn’t indulge in a little bit of comfort food. Head on over to Flour Bakery for a sticky bun! They’re in a few locations, so whether you’re in the South End, Cambridge or the Fort Point neighborhood, you can grab one. “These sticky buns are famous for a reason – they are delicious. A perfect gift to give friends and family for the holidays,” says Zung.
Read up
A cozy sweater isn’t complete without a good book, right? While Boston has its fair share of great independent bookstores, Zung’s favorite is Raven Used Books. She prefers their Cambridge branch: “This store has an impressive selection that has been circulating through the literary community around Harvard. It is the ideal place to pick up an already loved book.”
Leisure wear
With athletic wear becoming increasingly popular as everyday clothing, Lou & Grey is ready to keep you looking sleek and stylish. Try out their double knit sweatpant. “These clean black joggers are great because they are comfortable yet sleek at the same time,” says Zung.
