Vail Daily fashion column: Must-haves for the 2015 World Championships

If you haven’t noticed the spanking-brand-new “Welcome to Vail” signs and recent installment of flashing pedestrian crosswalks in Avon, then something is seriously awry on your alpine radar. The 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships have arrived! Featuring more than 700 athletes from more than 70 nations, the Championships exemplify the most notable snapshot of ski racing super-athletes from all around the world, second only to the Olympics. And, just as the Academy Awards red carpet showcases the hautest H’wood trends, the slopes in Beaver Creek and Vail during 2015 will be THE high-altitude catwalk. Ditch your fantasies of being a full-blown hibernator this winter and venture out into the international buzz with picture-perfect products and layer-friendly fashions that will surely turn heads in the Vail Valley.

While keeping eyes on Vonn, Fenninger, Gut and Weirather and sending warmth via osmosis to athletes from Brazil, Greece and South Africa, give yourself the gift of luxury and on-the-slope style with fur. As the runways would have it, anything and everything furry is the trendiest detail to your winter weather ensemble. Slow down, veggies, we are not talking about those downy-soft wildlife friends — ersatz fur is just as opulent and warm as the real deal. Snow Sugar Flurry Boot Covers ($75, Snow Sugar) fit perfectly on the top of your boots to shield your feet from snow and bone-chilling temps.

If you’re coming in from Denver and forgot your water bottle, then make a pit stop at Vitamin Cottage in Dillon and invest in a crack-resistant, reusable SIGG Bottle ($15.99-$22.99, Vitamin Cottage) or in between runs head into Patagonia Vail Village for the Klean Kanteen ($29.95, Patagonia Vail Village). The Klean Kanteen will keep your liquids hot or cold for up to six hours — perfect for an ice-cold martini or hot toddy after hours.

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LAYER UP

Heat up your body while watching the women’s downhill or men’s giant slalom with the Faux Fur Hot Water Bottle Heater ($115, Slifer Designs). Made in France, this hot water bottle is an indulgence that your fashionista foes will envy.

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Don’t drag your mophie to the racecourse — charge your smartphone in the small but fearless Mighty Purse ($165-$200, Slifer Designs). The Mighty Purse allows you to charge your phone while sporting the super-cute clutch. When not slipping the course, tote your must-bring-essentials in the Juan Antonio Purse ($450 and up, Brush Creek Dry Goods in Edwards). These beautifully, handcrafted handbags come in a variety of leathers and colors and are exactly what you need for transporting any off-mountain business needs, or use it after-hours for an overnight hot date. Either bag has room to pop in a Sara Happ Lip Scrub ($30, Blitz) or Sara Happ Lip Slip ($30, Blitz). The Lip Slip has grapeseed oil and vitamin E and will keep you pout from becoming parched.

If Mother Nature decides to play hide and seek with the sun, then wrap you and your boyfriend in the superbly-cozy Red, White and Blue Throw ($112, Slifer Designs), which is made with a luxuriously-soft cotton blend.

Looking hot when it’s crazy cold doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice warmth — simply layer up. The Voormi Access Pullover ($199, Base Mountain Sports) is ideal for a cold aerobic day, but is also the answer to keeping you toasty-warm as you watch the races. This Wendy-workout pullover is super-sporty and made from Voormi’s patent-pending Surface Hardened Wool, which is domestically sourced in the Rocky Mountains. Lole, a brand inspired by striving for balance and well-being, is our go-to for warmth while basking in the VIP World Championships tent. Chase the chills with both the feather-light Gisele 3 Jacket ($260, Ptarmigan Sports, Aria Spa) and the Elena 3 Jacket ($220, Ptarmigan Sports). These are wafer-thin, quilted down coats featuring Downglo 500 insulation (now, that’s cozy!). If Olympic alpine snowboarder Ariane Lavigne gives the Alta Jacket ($400, Ptarmigan Sports) a thumbs up, then the windproof, waterproof jacket is a fabulous choice for the women’s slalom on Valentine’s Day.

Don’t forget accessories on and off the mountain during the races. The quick-drying Burton Midweight Infinity Scarf ($34.95, Burton) gives you that snow bunny chic je ne sais quoi for chilly afternoons. During apres ski and before awards ceremonies the sun will still be at its brightest. Sport the TOMS Navigator Sunglasses ($139, Fringe) and give your “Top Gun” style a modern perk.

Haute Alpine Couture quenches your thirst with a cocktail of cravings that turns an “insider’s favorite” into your monthly buzz. With an eye for uncovering the most sought-after trends, Jennifer Geisman is a self-professed product junky. Geisman fuses her expertise in PR and the beauty and fashion worlds to deliver quintessentially modern hot spots, styles and trends. Email comments about this story to cschnell@vaildaily.com.