I was in an elevator the other night with a woman wearing open-toed shoes. The low that night was 25 degrees. Not to mention the building we were leaving was next to the river so it was probably even colder and definitely very windy.

Seeing as the lady and I were coming from the same function I thought it wouldn’t be too weird if I remarked about the status of her feet.

Me: “Wow, you’re wearing open-toed shoes. You’re feet must be chilly!”

Her: “Oh, no. See I’m wearing nylons.”

Me: “Forgive me. It’s my first New York winter.”

But I still know her feet were cold! I’m pretty sure nylons are the thinnest piece of material you could put on and still be able to say you are actually wearing something. As a stand-alone item in below freezing temperatures, I am certain they don’t have any warmth potential.

How do I know?

Well, before I came east I was under the assumption that jeans were the warmest, thickest pair of pants a girl could need. As I happily outfitted myself for the "brutal" winter ahead I purchased wool sweaters, gloves, scarves, and puffy jackets.

Pants never came into consideration. That is, not until the first time I left the house without them.

Sort of.

Well actually not at all. I was wearing a pair of jeans…it just didn’t feel like it. In fact it felt like I was naked from the waist down! The freezing wind had the power to annihilate my pants. I literally had to look down to confirm my jeans weren’t ripped off in some embarrassing accident.

And that is how I know that woman’s feet were cold and her nylons sure as heck weren’t helping.

Now as for what pants keep you warm in the winter. I’m at a loss. My temporary solution has been to wear legwarmers under everything. They’re comfy…plus I’m ready for the 80’s at a moment’s notice!