Winter white

Ever since I was young, it has been engrained into my head that you don't wear white from Labor Day (September) until Memorial Day (May).  I never questioned it and always dutifully put away my white clothes until the summer months when they are "allowed" to be included in my wardrobe again.

Well, there's a new sheriff in town and guess what, I am banishing the white rule.  Snow is white, so why can't my pants be?  Case in point with one of my favorite outfits.  It looks fresh and season appropriate.  So, today I decided to break out the white pants.  I think the trick to wearing white in the winter is to layer it and pair it with season appropriate pieces.  Like my heavy shawl collar sweater and, wait for it, a turtleneck.  The chunky wide belt adds some substance and balances out the heaviness of the sweater.

Hair update:  I tried to do a small braid as an alternative to the twist. Who knew braiding your own hair was so hard?  I mean, it is really really hard.  My fingers and hands were all confused.  I can braid my daughter's hair in my sleep but apparently I can't braid my own on a full 8 hours.  To keep it real, I posted a nice close up for you to see.  Oh, and if it looks greasy, thank the styling balm I attempted to use.  Apparently the trick is to use just a dab.  Oops.

Daily Style File
Turtleneck:  Old Navy (Fall 2011) last worn here
Sweater: Vince. via T.J.Maxx (Fall 2009) last worn here
Pants: Gap (Summer 2011)
Belt: Gap (old) last worn here
Shoes:  Lucky Penny via Anthropologie (Spring 2011) last worn here

I Wore It Where?
preschool

Schooled

After yesterday's hair debacle, I decided to go the opposite route and do nothing today.  Say hello to what doing nothing to your hair looks like.  It certainly brings new meaning to the term effortless - or maybe less effort is more appropriate.  I need a haircut style but I am not sure what to do since I have an obvious lack of hair styling skill and time.  Plus, I am still desperately growing it out from my pixie cut two years ago.  Yes, 2 years! Do you see why there is hesitancy?  The kids will be in college before these locks are finally long.

Since I grew up with short hair, I really don't know what to do with long hair (see evidence in pretty much every picture I have ever posted).  Sometime last year I discovered online hair tutorials and have been watching them to teach myself how to do my little girl's hair.  In case you are wondering, Cute Girls Hairstyles is one of my favorites.   There are some mommy-friendly styles on there too (ummm, now you know where I learned my "fancy" side twists).  Along the way, I also stumbled upon the genius of Kate at The Small Things Blog who is a professional hair stylist who posts video's online.  Oh, and she lives in NC too.  Another local.  I like it.

So, let's see if 2012 can bring some better looking hairstyles around here.  Can I have a cheers for hairspray, curling irons and flat irons?!

P.S. If you don't see any changes in my pictures, it's because the attempt failed miserably and I had to shower out the evidence just like yesterday. Or, I couldn't get my act together to coordinate getting dressed and doing my hair.  I know you all would rather see me dressed with messy hair than naked with it styled to perfection.

Daily Style File
Sweater:  Gap (Spring 2010)
Top:  Gap (Winter 2011)
Skirt:  Old Navy (Fall 2011) last worn here
Bracelet:  Source unknown
Belt: Anthropologie (Spring 2011) last worn here
Boots:  Schuler & Sons Philadelphia via Anthropologie (Holiday 2011) last worn here

I Wore It Where?
preschool, errands