Sari Tuschman/Courtesy photo
Few things say Aspen at the holidays the way Snow Polo does.
Why, you may ask? Because it’s festive? Eh, not really. Is it because it’s as unbelievable to witness people hitting a ball with a mallet while also riding a horse, as it is to believe Santa could hit all those houses in one night? Sorta.
But really, it’s because the outfits on display are a microcosm of what happens to this town when mid-December hits. The event saw people dressed to the nines in outfits clearly saved for “Aspen trips.” There was fur in every incarnation possible and more cowboy hats than there were horses. There were Aztec prints, luxury logos, and people in ski clothes. Some of the footwear on display made literally zero sense on snow, and some of the people present made even less. Attendees were cheering on the action on the field, and others (me) were just watching Prince Harry. It was the perfect mishmash of decadence, athleticism, and madness. Welcome to winter in Aspen!
This week, we have the CELINE pop-up still in full swing in the Aspen Times Building at the Hotel Jerome (through Dec. 31). Make sure to stop by if you haven’t already. Speaking of pop-ups, STAUD has arrived in Mountain Plaza at the St. Regis, adjacent to the hotel’s pool. The brand has created a cozy STAUD retail experience, featuring a winter capsule collection inspired by Aspen and alpine fashion. The featured items include three exclusives: a shearling purse, a printed fleece pullover, and a long-sleeve tee. The boutique is open daily through Jan. 19.
On Saturday, Dec. 27, O2 Aspen will host an après ski event from 3-5 p.m. to celebrate the season and the launch of the Stowe, Vermont-based women’s skiwear line JORDE in the workout studio-slash-retail space. JORDE launched last year, and I personally wore a full Kelly-Green suit by the brand all winter, causing countless people to cross streets in town or ski over to me on the hill to ask what I was wearing. The collection of colorful jackets, pants, bibs, full pieces, vests, and more is technical, flattering, and thoughtfully designed. I am a HUGE fan, and I’m willing to bet you will be, too. Stop by the O2 party on Saturday to meet the brand’s founder, former ski racer Jordan Watts, and check out the current collection. If you miss it, don’t fret: The collection will be available at O2 all winter long.
Lastly, I need to give a much-deserved shoutout to Pitkin County Dry Goods. This past week, I had the pleasure of spending several hours in the store to support the JACQUES trunk show. I have truly never seen a store so consistently packed — and I mean packed — throughout the day. Tourists and locals alike were constantly streaming in, greeting their devoted salespeople with warm hugs as if they were long-lost family members, and leaving with multiple wrapped gifts for loved ones. It was so busy for so long, it was as if they were giving away Aspen real estate with each purchase.
Working at Pitkin was my first job out of college, and some of the devoted staff from my time there (more than two decades ago) are still there, still working hard, still ensuring one of Aspen’s last remaining truly local businesses continues to succeed. Being there this week felt more like hanging out in a community clubhouse than it did a multibrand boutique. It was heartwarming to see such a local gem not only surviving, but also absolutely thriving.
It’s been a joy starting this column this year. Here’s to hoping 2026 brings even more fashion trends, events, and faux pas for me to cover for you here. Here’s to hoping Aspen tourists wear less Western in one go (a girl can dream). Here’s to hoping you continue reading along. Happy New Year!