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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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(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.

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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.

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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.

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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.