Is it time to give up on my winter wardrobe?
Is it time to give up on my winter wardrobe?
Issue 21
What do you wear in February when it’s technically still the dead of winter but also 65 degrees, at least for a day or two? I fall somewhere in between the camps of “whatever you want, really” and “save spring for spring”.
Maybe you’re with me, but I have a tendency to get bored with my seasonal clothes well before the end of that season. I start flirting with my sweater when it’s 90 degrees in September and wonder why I’m sick of wearing the same three things when February rolls around.
Is it a big deal? No. But I’m giving all my sweaters side eye at the current moment and thinking romantic thoughts about my flowy dresses and jean shorts - romantic thoughts that will only betray me as there is still frost on the ground most mornings and two or three days of warm temperatures does not mean ditching my cashmere for thin cotton tees and linen dresses, however tempting it may be.
This seasonal in-between always makes me a little antsy - in my closet and otherwise. I’ve already worn everything a dozen ways. I’m not inspired in the least bit to get dressed or try to find a new way to wear something. It’s all a little boring and after months of black, I’m ready for something different. So here’s what I’m doing to push me through a little longer with my winter wardrobe and avoid the temptation to dive into spring too soon:
Reach for my lighter colors. I’m swapping my black denim for blue, and my black sweaters for shades of camels, pink, blue, and cream.
Denim on denim. I love a Canadian tuxedo and there’s something extra springy about it. My current favorite iteration is a relaxed wide leg jean and a heavy denim over shirt with only two of the buttons done. This doesn’t reveal too much (though I personally am unbothered with a little flash of stomach. You do you.) but gives the look more swing - we love movement around here - and shape -especially since it’s *a lot* of material. I wear mine with ballet flats for a feminine twist or a sneaker when I’m running around.
Cheating with a pair of shorts or two because I’m a sucker for a short and sweater outfit. And if there are at least four hours of the day when it’s warm enough for shorts and a sweater, why not let the legs see the light of day (and get an extra glance from the husband who loves the legs. Gotta keep it flirty, folks). I’m loving a boxer-style short with a cardigan over a tank top and a pair of ballet flats or sneakers at the moment.
Set aside time to clean the drawers and organize the closet. As soon as you start getting that spring-clothes-itch, it’s time to schedule an hour or two or organize what is already in your closet. This will remind you of things you’ve forgotten thus making your current closet more interesting, and it also spreads the work out so you’re less likely to get halfway through the project, ditch it, and succumb to living with half your closet on the floor before finally finding the time three weeks later to put everything back in drawers, boxes, and on hangers (I cannot be the only one who has done this time and time again. It’s not that we’re dirty, it’s that we have a poor scope of a project. But not this year, babes).
Accessorize like it’s 70 and sunny. Even as we plunge back into rainy and 40 degrees next week, I’ll be wearing my happy accessories - bright silk scarves, blush sunglasses, brown leather bags, and ruffled socks with my flats. The base may be close to the same as what I was wearing in December and January, but a little color and pattern tweak makes it all feel fresh and happy.
The Rundown:
Reading this: Wrong Place Wrong Time (and very much enjoying it).
Watching this: 1619 Project (I’ve recommended the podcast before and absolutely recommend this too).
Listening to this: Dinner with Friends Playlist - great for dinner, even better for background music while working. It has just enough classics, and the perfect amount of energy, but not so much you’re distracted.
This Week’s High: We had our first dinner party at the house last night! The den was transformed (thanks to the help of a folding table) into a cozy cafe with flickering candles, cherry blossoms from the side of the road, and great conversation. I’ve long dreamed of having a place we could regularly host and it’s very fun to see our home filled with so many people.
This Week’s Low: Nothing comes to mind! It’s been a wonderful week.
The Best Links of the Week:
Super Bowl: Rihanna’s bowls is on Sunday and I’m fully focused on the snacks. May I suggest these cookies, this buffalo chicken dip, and these brussels sprouts?
My hair is loving this conditioner. (A little bit goes a long way)
A renovation…that wasn’t really a renovation…ish (If you love NYC apartment tours, you’ll love this)
Valentines (fancy valentines is wonderful, but have you ever considered staying in with pizza and movies, an irresponsible amount of red wine, and maybe a blanket fort? 10/10 recommend. We started dating right around Valentine’s Day eight years ago. The pressure was weird so we stayed in with a movie and pizza, and thus one of my favorite traditions was born. We love this local Raleigh pizza spot.
I can’t stop thinking about these sunglasses.
We had friends over for dinner last night and made this chocolate torte for dessert. It’s a staple and never disappoints - 15 minutes to throw together, eat it warm or cool, decadent and delicious.
If you want an everyday bag that feels more special than Target but isn’t going to break the bank, then I think I found one for you.
It’s NYFW and the runways are getting a little bit more personal. I love to see it.
This is one of the better cocktails I’ve had! (Beware - it’s quite efficient)