I don’t know about you, but this weather is dragging me up and down with each random peak and pit of the temps. One day it’s below zero, the next it’s fifty-five degrees. The earth is so bipolar right now.
Couple that with the anniversary of some difficult life events: my father’s death eight years ago, plus a botched up surgery that altered my life three years ago (more on that sometime this month); then add a stubborn,stuffy winter cold, and I have an official case of the winter blah’s.
It’s like my body and spirit remember past events even though I’m not presently nor consciously mourning..
Yep, I’m feeling somewhat heavy in (every sense of the word..no more Christmas cookies for this chica!), but I want to keep it light with you, my bellisima friends, so I’ve compiled some fashion tips and myths to dispel any SAD emotional and wardrobe conditions.
Fashion Fib #1: Certain colors are seasonal. Light for spring. Dark for winter.
Well…blegh and blah!
Debunked: A light color on a dark day can be a breath of fresh air.
Silk capris and satin jacket I purchased this summer, then winterized with scarf, belt and accessories.
Pair a darker, anchor color in your shoes and accessories with a pastel color palette to update an outfit for winter.
Layer on several textures, like satin and silk with a sparkling knit, for added warmth and interest.
Even white can be wintry, but in a heavier fabric like wool or broadcloth.
Fashion Fib #2: Certain wardrobe pieces are seasonal and should be stuffed away until spring.
Psychologically, this has innumerable depressing undertones. I say bring forth spring, my friends!
Found this on clearance at H&M after Christmas. Love the rose color.
Debunked: Keep a few seasonal prints and pieces in your closet year-round. Also, hit up clearance racks to find off-season pieces you can layer over and under for warmth.
Wear your fave capris with thick socks and knee-high boots.
Layer a little jacket and warm scarf over a fitted tee.
Wear a spring dress with opaque tights and boots.
Fashion Fib #3: Certain hemlines, styles and prints are not age appropriate.
Well, no wonder you are depressed! Who wants to look like a funeral director headed to an…er…funeral.
Waiting to die because you’re afraid of dye? Well, bury that thought.
Debunked: If you love it, wear it somehow, but do so appropriately.
Rose dress paired with an open cardigan, black leggings and velvet booties.
A short/sleeveless dress looks perfectly appropriate with thick leggings, a cardi and boots. Though I’d never wear a short dress by itself, worn like this it acts like a tunic.
Wear a fun trend, like animal print or checkered *leggings in surprisingly sophisticated ways.
*Side note, I don’t care how old you are here’s a definite fashion DON’T: Wearing thin, tight, printed cotton leggings solo, like as your pants. Yikes!
This spring dress in a bold print was on clearance for $9 at Dillard’s! It can be worn with opaque hose/leggings and ankle length cowboy boots.
Prissy in the front:
Yep! Same rose dress with a light cardi and a pop of yellow. But wait…
Party in the back:
Surprise! Animal print gone wild.
Fashion Fib #4: Everything must match perfectly in style and color…zzzzz.
This one I’m rather snobbish about, but for fashion’s sake, take a few color and style risks!
Debunked: Remember the design tip to add “accent” to a room or wall with a well-placed pop of color? Well, the same rule applies to your outfit.
Bold color on color, but all in the same green & blue family.
Accent with a completely contrasting color in your accessories.
Wear shades of the same color but in contrasting hues.
Mix ethnic and western styles together.
Marry a sweet dress with rocker lace-ups and leather.
Yes, those are studded lace up boots. You can do it if you keep everything else more subtle.
Fashion Fib #5: Winter complexions are dull and ugly.
Debunked: Sure, fat looks better browned (sorry for the visual..hehe), but your winter white skin can be brightened up in healthier ways than year-round-tanning.
Add a touch of sparkle to your shoulders and collar bone with a shimmery lotion.
Brighten up your face with a touch of bronzer applied to the apples of your cheeks and bridge of your nose.
Wear a bright red lipstick to add a pop of retro-color to your pale facade.
Add a vivid necklace or scarf to contrast against creamy skin.
Here I am trying to practice what I preach by faking a warm weather glow. You should have the seen the before pic I “accidentally” erased…;).
Still have the winter blues? Stay tuned for a fresh hair tutorial tomorrow, and let me know in your comments if there is anything else I can teach you to help you be your most beautiful self.
Blessings of color and joy to all my fellow fashionistas!