Fake It Til You Make It

It's obvious from my posts that Winter is far from my favourite season.   Hibernation has always seemed like a great idea to me - eat a whole bunch of food, sleep for 4 months, wake up thin, and it's Spring!  However, as I am a mostly responsible human being with a job, and not a bear, I need a coping strategy for the winter, and this particular winter has been especially brutal.

I took this shot with my camera phone after I finished shoveling the walk last night.

It's a challenge to put together an outfit when you have to dress warmly enough to protect against the 

- 20 to -25 degree wind chill in the mornings, but not so many layers that you have to completely change your outfit when you get to work.

I've always found it warmer to wear a skirt in the winter, with a thick pair of tights or leggings underneath, and an extra layer of knee socks or leg warmers if necessary, rather than a pair of pants.  This floofy one works because it allows for a lot of layering and still looks kind of girly.  The sweater is an old standby, made of thick, soft wool.  It is also my favourite shade of blue (teal?) and the front zipper detail and ribbing on the sleeves add visual interest.  Unfortunately, with the weight I've gained over the past couple of years, it's a snug fit, which I'm not so comfortable with, but I'm working on that (fewer baked goods, more visits to the gym).

With the addition of some fun accessories, I had an outfit that was cozy, and also made me feel kind of awesome (I believe those were my exact words when I asked my friend Heather to take these photos).  I think it's important to recognize, appreciate, and document those "feeling kind of awesome moments" when you have them, because at least for me, they have been few and far between this month.

Sweater - From Mars

Skirt - May Court Consignment Store

Felt Flower - The Fairies Pajamas

Leggings - Joe Fresh

Boots - Housing Works Thrift Store in NY

Yep, just fake it til you make it, I say.   There are some days when even faking it seems too much effort, but I know the day will go better for me, and everyone around me, if I at least give it my best shot.  

Oh, and since I thought we could all use a treat, it's time for another giveaway!

 

Remember the cool black and white plastic hair bow I purchased from Kayla Gibbens, and wore here?  Kayla generously offered to donate one of her creations to give away to one of my readers, so I have a green and black one (which is not fuzzy, despite being so in the photo above)  with a black plastic barrette style clip on the back to give away. You have until midnight, February 2nd, in which to indicate in a comment that you would like to be included in the draw.   It would be very helpful if you can include some way for me to contact you in your comment, whether it is a link to your blog/website, or your email address.  I will announce the winner on Monday, February 3rd.