Cozy Stripes

Outfit Notes: Sweatshirt-Target // Leggings-Kohls // Necklace-Target clearance // Boots-old

Recently, Simon got some new fall/winter clothes. When I dress him on chilly mornings, I find myself jealous of his selection of baggy, cozy sweatshirts. I kept wishing they were in my size so I could borrow them. Is it wrong to borrow clothes from your child? I think it is supposed to go the other way around. (In middle school I lived in my Dad’s big, baggy flannels, which I wore with my intentionally ripped up jeans.) Thank goodness Simon wears a 3T, so I don;t have to wrestle with that temptation.

Anyway, when I was at Target the other day I spotted this cozy striped top, and I intentionally bought it in a too-big size. I have been living in it ever since. It is so comforting to be completely enveloped in a warm, loose sweatshirt. I am addicted and may be reverting back to my middle-school baggy clothes ways.

Double Plaid

I recently wore my thrifted plaid tunic in two different casual ensembles:

Outfit Notes: Cardigan Sweater-Gift // Plaid Tunic-Thrifted // Necklace-Gift // Jeans-Old Navy // Shoes-Monnetonka, at TJ Maxx // Bag-Mexicali Blues

Outfit Notes: Plaid tunic-Thrifted // Denim Skirt-Target, old // Leggings-Target // Shoes-Minnetonka, from TJ Maxx // Bag-Mexicali Blues

The first outfit was for a weekend day, and the second one was actually worn to work at the library. I love this tunic because it is super comfortable. I sometimes worry that it looks a bit like a maternity shirt, because it is so loose and flowy in the waist, but that same “flowy-ness” is also why I like it.

Even though the tunic is plaid, it is black and white so it acts like a neutral to my outfits. I like to add a pop of color with it, as I did with the shoes and necklace here.

See other ways I have remixed this tunic here and here.

(Linked up at The Pleated Poppy)

No Socks!

(Outfit Notes: Cardigan-Target // Tank-Old Navy, on sale for $2 // Skirt-Thrifted, H$M brand // Leggings-Sears, when my local store went out of business // Flats-Target, old // Scarf-too old to remember)

Today was the first time all year that it was warm enough outside to wear flats with no socks. I also did not need a coat or jacket, my cardigan and scarf were sufficient. This was very fitting, since this weekend as a family we celebrate the return of Spring.

We spent a bit of our time in the outdoors at my parent’s house, and I was soaking in as much vitamin D from the sun as I could. The warmth and sunshine really brighten up my mood and make me feel optimistic.

Cozy in Green

(Outfit Notes: Earrings-too old to remember //Sweater-Thrifted // Tank-Sears clearance years ago // Belt-Target last year // Leggings-Kohls // Boots, Target clearance last year //  Scarf-too old to remember)

Today I spent most of my day cleaning up messes around the house that my toddler made. I didn’t even get dressed until he went down for his nap at 1 o’clock in the afternoon. By then, I was cranky and already exhausted, but I had to get ready for work. I wanted to wear something comfy and cozy, but still work appropriate, so I grabbed this big, snuggly sweater that was a recent thrift find. It is 100% alpaca wool, from Eileen Fisher, and probably would have originally cost 200 bucks (or more). I got it for a mere 7 dollars! I usually stay away from things that I have to hand wash, but since it was so affordable, I felt it was worth it. Plus, green is my favorite color.

(Linked at The Pleated Poppy)

Spring Green

 

(Outfit Notes: Earrings-have had for years // Cardigan-JC Penny //  Plaid Tunic-Thrifted //  Leggings-Kohls // Boots-Target Clearance)

Green is my very favorite color, so when I saw this bright, happy-colored, cardigan for only 16 dollars at JC Penney, I knew it would be an addition to my wardrobe that I would want to wear all the time. Technically, this is a Winter outfit; but today I went out with no coat on for the first time all year, and the sun was shining warmly. Considering that, and how bright and fresh this particular shade is, I call it “spring green”.

A Good Hair Day

(Outfit Notes: Earrings-Old Navy, years ago // Top-Kohls, several years old // Skirt-Target, years ago // Leggings-Sears, when my local store went out of business last year // Bracelet-Vintage, passed down to me // Boots-Target clearance last year)

Today I tried out a new “beauty” product for my scalp. Ever since I had my son I have experienced dandruff, and my scalp is insanely itchy all the time. (I wrote about this a while back, here.) I have tried switching to dandruff shampoos a few times, but they never seemed to help.

A couple of days ago, I went shopping out of town with a friend. She was in search of a dress to wear to a wedding, and I was going along to help and keep her company. Lush recently opened a store in the mall we were at, and we stopped in for a moment to check it out. From the moment we walked in, I was smitten by the displays of cosmetic products that looked so pretty and delicious. I wanted to touch, try, pick up, and smell everything! The sales girl asked if we were looking for anything in particular, and on a whim I asked her what they had for dandruff. She showed me several products designed for that very problem, and I chose to try the Soak and Float shampoo bar, because I liked the ease of using it over some of the other products which require time to sit on your head.

Today was a hair washing day (I wash my hair as infrequently as I can get away with, because it is better for your hair), so I finally got to put my bar to the test. I got in the shower, got my hair wet, and ran the bar from top of my head down my hair a few times to deposit the soap. Then, I ran my hands through my hair to lather. I have to say, the lather was awesome! I had fistfuls of foam worked into my hair! Then, I rinsed very well, and followed up with my favorite conditioner.

As my hair dried, I noticed right away that I had gotten a volume boost from the washing. But, more importantly, I also noticed less itching. Some days, my scalp itches right after washing and there was none of that this time. As the day went on, my scalp continued to feel good, only having a couple of itches as it became evening, instead of driving me crazy like usual.

The real test will be how it feels over the next couple of days, since I won’t be washing my hair. I also want to see how well it works as time goes on. I have read great reviews, and so far, I am pretty pleased.

Despite the wind making it frizzy, I definitely felt like I was having a good hair day! 🙂

My Happy Sweater

 

(Outfit Notes: Earrings-a gift // Sweater-JC Penney // Skirt-way too old to remember // Leggings-Sears, bought when the one in my town went out of business // Boots-Target, clearance last year)

I had a little extra money for shopping this week and this bright, turquoise sweater was one of my purchases. Turquoise is one of my very favorite colors, and this shade seemed so Springy to me. Also, it is a very versatile piece, that can be mixed, matched, and layered in a variety of ways.

Mostly though, the color of it just makes me feel happy. I felt good wearing it, and that is what I think our clothes should do for us.

What colors make you feel happy?

Cozy Sunday

(Outfit Notes: Hat-really, really old, from Gap // Top-Modcloth, bought on sale last year // Skirt-Target clearance rack // Leggings-Target // Boots-Target clearance last year)

I look far too serious in this picture, but all of the ones in which I was smiling were too washed out.

This is what I wore yesterday, for a day of church, a cast meeting for The Vagina Monologues (I am co-directing!), and time loafing around at home with Jeramy and Simon. This skirt is stretchy and comfortable, and when paired with leggings and a top makes a cozy but cute winter outfit. I wore the hat all day because I didn’t have time to wash my hair before I had to be out of the house. Sundays are for being as lazy as possible, right?

Deja Vu

  Hi there! Sorry I haven’t been around here much this winter. The truth is, most of the time I have looked a lot like this:

image credit: Todd Baxter Photography

Bundled up in as many pairs of socks, sweaters, scarves, coats, etc. as I can. I get dressed much more for warmth in the Maine winter, and a lot less for fun. Also, with it getting darker earlier  (though that is improving!), by the time I have a chance to get my husband Jeramy to snap a picture it is too dark outside, and the photo quality inside is terrible. I need to come up with a better method for taking indoor outfit pictures with my tripod during the day while there is still natural light.

Anyway, I am back today to share a recent outfit.

(Outfit Notes: Necklace-Target // Dress: Mexicali Blues// Long-sleeved tee: Target Clearance rack last year// Leggings-Target// Boots-Target clearance over a year ago)

This outfit was worn for Jeramy’s Grandmother’s 75th birthday party. I wanted to wear a dress or skirt for the occasion, and to wear something colorful, but I also wanted to be comfortable and warm. Layering a long-sleeved tee under the dress, and wearing leggings instead of thinner tights with my boots made this work for winter.

You might remember this dress from back in the fall, when I wore it in a black and brown color combo, and styled it very similarly. I own the dress in two colors because I bought the green one, and a friend gifted me the black one. At first I thought about returning one of them, but then I couldn’t decide which one to part with so I kept them both. I still can’t decide which one I like better, but I do seem to have a favorite way of wearing it: over a long-sleeved tee with tights or leggings and boots.

Hopefully it won’t be as long until I am back again.