It’s human instinct to want to hole yourself up in a hot-hot shower for five hours when the temps outside get chilly. Warm water hitting cold skin just feels lovely (add L’Occitane Ultra Rich Shower Cream) to the mix and you’re in heaven). But according to Beverly Hills based dermatologist Stuart Kaplan, M.D., long, hot showers could be doing more damage to your skin than good. The longer and hotter a shower is, the more natural oil it removes from your skin, making it dry and itchy. Instead, take 10-minute (MAX!), luke-warm showers. Pat (do not rub!) your skin until it is just moist, and put on an emollient cream like Eucerin on to seal the moisture into your skin.

I am with you! I am sick of standing in front of my closet staring, hoping something marvelous will just appear. If you want to buy something new, here are my top 5 suggestions for things you can buy now.

1. Tops. Generally tops are always a good item to buy since you can wear them all year round, especially silk ones. This striped tank with a navy cardigan or blazer is perfect for now, and you can wear it with shorts (like the model) when the weather heats up.

2. Color-blocked anything. This is one of the biggest trends this spring. Whether it’s a dress, a top or a bag, you can’t go wrong!

3. Colored jeans. This is another trend that started last fall and will continue through to the summer. There are jeans literally in every hue and in all shapes and sizes. No matter what you are looking for — a skinny, a flare,  neon or something a bit safer — you will have no trouble finding it.

4. Loose-knit sweaters. Light, spring sweaters have already replaced heavy winter ones in stores. A loose knit one, like this striped sweater from Rachel Rachel Roy, has a perfect casual vibe for all seasons.

5. Accessories. A colored pump, a neon bracelet  or a light scarf might be just the trick to get you out of your winter wardrobe slump.

And don’t worry too much, only 42 days left until Spring…

We live in a townhouse which means we don’t have a big back yard but we make do with the space we have. During the last storm, my husband Pablo did an amazing job of building a winter wonderland: It had two slides, a snow fort as tall as Sophia, and an amazing snowman. As the fashion editor in the family, I’m always called on to accessorize the snowman. This time I grabbed a straw safari hat (party favor from Lily’s zoo-themed birthday party last year), an old striped scarf from The Gap, button eyes, and a lipstick nose. I had forgotten about the mouth when Sophia brilliantly suggested a cheese stick. Pablo curled it into a little smile and it was perfect. I loved seeing Sophia come up with such a creative solution.

Our new friend, Frosty, melted in a day but he sure was fun to make. And I’m sure there will be a new Frosty on our next snow day. So, tell me…how do you enjoy the winter weather with your kids?

Vicky, I am totally with you! I was walking home from the gym last night praying I wouldn’t run into anyone I knew… not that they would recognize me… more likely they would confuse me for the stay puft marshmallow man.

You don’t have to trade style for warmth or vice versa. Here are some suggestions:

Coats: Long down coats will keep the cold away but make sure you get one that is cut slimmer. I found this hooded long puffer at the Gap and another at Victoria’s Secret. Of course you don’t have to chose a puffer coat. A nice wool coat does the trick as well- like this Banana Republic toggle coat and this Martin +Osa pea-coat.

Hats: I’m a huge fan of hats! This  J.Crew ribbed cashmere hat is great and I just bought this navy hat from American Eagle for $15.

Scarves: A good scarf is key. This Banana Republic cable knit scarf has a cute pocket . Echo makes the best scarves- I like their infinity style – which is the newest thing this year.

Gloves: No need to pull out your ski gloves or borrow your kid’s mittens (remember Freezy Freakies from the ’80′s- wish they were still around!) Get a less bulky knit or cashmere pair. I like these white long gloves from Lands’ End- the length will keep any cold air from hitting your wrists.

I am sure most of you have all the gear you need for this year – but why not shop for next winter? You can certainly save yourself money by thinking ahead- did you notice… every item I mentioned is on sale!

* image above from the movie A Christmas Story

Now, here’s your chance to tell everyone how perfect Jergens makes your skin feel throughout all seasons. Upload a video at jergens.com, explaining your tricks for fending off the effects of winter’s elements. Why? You could win a $5,000 contract to film “winterless weather forecasts” for jergens.com, a luxury trip to New York City and chance to meet Al Roker, plus $1,000 cash.