Twirling in the Park

These pictures are from the other evening after work, up at Volunteer Park. When it's cold outside, layering is a must for me even if it means bulky hiking boots, cold toes all day are just not worth any of my other shoes! This dress is very twirly and fun so when I wear it at work I smile and spin all day.

Ok, have you ever been excited about a small accomplishment but when you say it out loud it sounds weird and not that big of a deal? I'm having one of those moments with these pants... I bought them six years ago and never once wore them. Still had the tags on up until this winter when I finally, finally started wearing them and now I love them! Or rather, love that they finally fit ; ) I think grey is my favorite neutral, I love how it just works beautifully with every color. 

Do you like my new armwarmers?! I have a few short pairs that I've been acquired over winter but I really wanted a longer, sturdier pair. This black and white pair are recycled cashmere, from Vintage Creations at the market. I fell immediately in love with the pattern and knew it was my pair! One of my favorite things about this sweat shirt is the hood - it's lined with stars! 

Red Orage Roses

Winter at work is cold, and boring. And cold. Layers are important, so is sanity. If the only pleasure I can accomplish for myself throughout the day is wearing a twirly dress and consequently twirling all day then so be it. Being fairly exposed all day means layers, layers, layers! Some things I can't escape despite 'dressing warm,' like wind burn on my face and knotted hair at the end of the day. I know sometimes I look completely ridiculous with 3 jackets, scarf, hat and bags. Probably like a crazy lady. I accept it.

This outfit feels more like October with the deep reds, orange, brown and black but I actually like the jumble of colors. I suppose this outfit came together, considering how many layers are here - boots with wool socks, Underarmer leggings, pants, thermal, tank, long sleeve shirt, dress, sweater, coat and hat. Not pictured is the additional 'real' jacket that goes on top of it all - puffy to say the least and my apologies to anyone who tries to sit next to me on the bus, ha! Warmth definitely beats out 'fashion' and it really becomes about how much I can put on that even remotely goes well. Most days it's just sweatshirts over sweatshirts but my own lack of imagination makes me feel even frumpier so I attempt to make the outfit fun or bright or something not so boring. I've rekindled a love for dresses as they are wonderfully efficient, adding both a top and bottom layer.

The orange and brown sweater above was another recent thrift that I'm enjoying. Coozzzyy! I've definitely been adding sweaters to my collection. I have a TON of baggy sweatshirts but with their hoods and bulk, its actually hard to fit under layers and since I usually wear 2 jackets at work...sweaters are the way to go.

When I bought this necklace originally I had hopped to put some pressed mushrooms inside its locket space. Alas, mushrooms weren't really available in my area but now that I'm in the PNW I really hope to get some in there!