Wearing Pastels in Wintertime
Silly Silly Rules
Like the silly “no white pants after Labor Day” rule, pastel colors have had a similar, if slightly less prescribed, code – and that was “wait until spring to wear your pastels.” But, also like white pants, pastels are LOVELY in the winter weather, when the world (at least where I am) is drab and barren and grey-brown.
Set yourself apart with color
What better way to set your style apart than to do the OPPOSITE of what everyone else is doing?? In a winter world awash with black, be a breath of fresh air in blush pink or robin’s egg blue or lilac.
Fall vs winter palette
I used to think of my “fall/winter” wardrobe as one entity, but I’m starting to sort of see it as two distinct and separate palettes. Warm spicy tones in the fall…and a more classically neutral (grey, black, white) with splashes of pastel in the winter as we head towards spring. Remind me I said that next year when I’m looking for “winter” clothes.
white with all the pastels
I did spring for this blush pink turtleneck right at the end of the year. I wore it for my New Year’s post but didn’t give any details on it. I knew I would love it over my white jeans. I’m also dying for an icy blue knit to wear the same way, but we’ll see. I’ve found myself on an unanticipated clothing shopping freeze this month with the whole moving thing.
(she’s complaining again)
Moving is expensive! I saw an ad for a place today that was very cute – the upstairs of a little bungalow, early 20th century, lots of original details, big windows, charming chandeliers, but still, a 1 bedroom apartment in the upstairs of someone’s house. The rent was $1500 a month and to move in they wanted first and last month’s rent, a one month’s rent security deposit and one month’s rent broker fee. That’s $6,000!!! My ex-husband and I BOUGHT houses with less money down than that! Sheesh! Anyway, I’m not spending THAT much, but…I still have to be really frugal right now. So no icy blue sweaters for me this winter.
who doesn’t love marshmallows??
I admit I feel a little like a poofy pink and white marshmallow in this outfit BUT it was so cozy and warm and it was Really Cold out that day.
the clash
AND I love the clashing pink and orange of my sweater and coat.
to avoid disappointment keep expectations low
I told you not to have high expectations of the location of Thursday’s blog post, Iris.
But I DID find where Christmas trees go to die.
Does your winter wardrobe include pastels?? If not, here are some great options…
WHAT I WORE
- Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda tapered jeans in Picket Fence White – if you can find these in white, buy them, because the white sells out really fast in the beginning of the year and then is very challenging to find for the rest of the year. I’m wearing size 22w short.
- BP Blush Pink Chunky Turtleneck from Nordstrom, size 4x. This color not currently available, but I see it right now in chestnut brown and a grapey purple.
- New Balance Fresh Foam Arisha trainers in grey.
- Land’s End Primaloft Coat in orange orange, 3x. This color and stitching pattern no longer available. This is a great winter coat. I think this is my 4th winter with it. Maybe more. It’s super lightweight and easy to move in and very warm. Primaloft is a brilliant vegan alternative to down. I have a primaloft comforter on my bed, too, and never need an extra blanket. Coat also available in straight and petite sizes.
Iris
Location – ha! Your locations are always interesting. This one looks like a ball field of some kind?? Pics are good too 🙂
Love the sweater! I do wear pastels all year long, but just haven’t been able to wear the white jeans in the winter. I’m working on it.
Grace & Peace, Iris
http://www.IrisOriginalsRamblings.com
bettyewp
I was hoping the red and white power plant stacks would help the photos a LITTLE bit, ha. I need to start getting braver about where I will shoot with the tripod. I’ll shoot anywhere with a human photographer. It’s much more awkward going where other people are and posing and smiling in front of a camera on a tripod.
Do you wear white jeans in the summer, Iris?
jodie filogomo
I adore the pastels right now and maybe because it’s the opposite of what you think about and what most people wear.
And then adding in that jacket is the bomb!!
I was just reading how the rent is crazy expensive here in Denver too and is almost more than other cities….but after reading your story, I bet that takes the cake!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
bettyewp
I keep hoping that house prices will come down a little cuz then rents will come down a little. It’s out of control. Someone wanted to rent me a room – a ROOM – in his house for $1000. Just a room. No bathroom, no kitchen – I mean, I’d have to share HIS, but. No thank you. $1000!!! You can get a room in Brooklyn for less than that!!!
staceykaye
ha – yes moving is expensive. 3 months rent up front is ‘normal’ here. but some brokers now want a percentage of the 1st YEARS rent ! like 15$% – crazy. I have 3 months rent sitting in a bank account in the off chance i find something wonderful ( wont happen and I have stopped looking). It would be cheaper for me to move to Hawaii and live on a volcano ( seriously ) – I am considering it.
stacey k.
bettyewp
I bet the volcano would have a great view. Better even than the landlord’s tomato garden 😉 Wow, I’m impressed that you have 3 months rent saved up! I FINALLY got some money saved in the past year and it’s almost all going towards getting into this apartment. And my rent will be higher so “re-saving” will take longer. But at least Janey and I have a place to live, so…
stacey
yeah – i’ve been living like a pauper. work then home. I want to be able to retire someday. You’ve seen my apt – i’ll never find this much space ever again. getting ready to start selling ‘everything’ again.
stacey k.
Daenel T.
I have a sweater in a similar color and – I don’t know why – it always makes me feel cozy. The color is relaxing, I think. Anyway, the clash with your coat is fabulous.
And, yes, moving is super expensive.