Patti Mac in front of Mega Laundromat on Bushwick & Varet. Click for more. — Photos by Nicole Wasilewicz.

With the looming possibility of snow flurries in our future, you’ve probably noticed the mass arrival of knit hats emerging from winter storage boxes and out onto the streets. As we all tuck our hair into a slumpy ball of yarn to keep our ears warm, we unwittingly don a uniform making it impossible to decipher who’s who from a distance — a bustling street full of crocheted Crayons. This week, as I wrapped myself in knitwear to escape the bitter wind, I was reminded that it’s possible to stay warm and still look absolutely fabulous.

Patti Mac, 24, Artist

Walking down the often potato chip bag-littered Bushwick Avenue, I spotted Patti looking as graceful as could in the freezing breeze. With vintage fur accessories (hat $8, boots $20) and a luxurious asymmetrical wrap coat trimmed with calfskin leather, one would never know that below this chic exterior was a simple jean, t-shirt, and cardigan sweater ensemble. While taking a risk with a Cossack-inspired papakha, Patti’s winter weather frocks are both elegant and comfortable — proving that if us ladies took some time to flip through a French Vogue every once in a while, sartorial sophistication might come with better ease.

So do you live in Bushwick?
Nope, I live in Paris but Bushwick is my home away from home when I’m in New York.

When it comes to your style, do you think NY or Paris inspires you more?
Probably New York, I think. I wish I could look like a Parisian woman, but I don’t have the discipline. I have to say that I like the New York rough around the edges look more than the polished Paris look though.

If you had to describe your look in three words or less, what would you call it?
Black Gray Comfort

Whenever I ask girls to describe their style, I’m surprised how often they say they are comfortable. Do you think women in Paris are less comfortable?
Actually, I think that comfort in fashion is kind of overrated because I find that a lot of times I feel the most beautiful when I take an uncomfortable risk. Whether I’m in Paris or New York, [I like] wearing really insane shoes or doing something that doesn’t feel comfortable, like cinched waists and all that stuff. It isn’t supposed to feel comfortable, it’s just supposed to look hot.

Why do you think you look great today?
I really like the different textures, that’s something that I try to look at — details like the threads or different shiny reflections from the leather. And a touch of fur to complete what I think is winter chic. And also, I’m feeling particularly great today because I got an amazing haircut yesterday at Medusa Salon by Mary in Park Slope — the ultimate recession haircut.

Who would you say is the biggest influence on you fashion-wise?
My mom is basically my personal shopper. She buys clothes for me that are better for me than anything I would ever buy for myself. Again, probably the comfort thing. I tend to oscillate towards comfortable things, whereas she buys me just, like, awesome, crazy, sexy stuff like this coat which she got on eBay which I love because of its huge hood. The designer’s name is Maria Severyna. She’s from New York, but I guess nobody knows who she is — totally elusive. Her stuff is absolutely amazing.

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