Spring Transition Week, and a no-chip update

It's in the 30s these days. But it's not the same kind of 30s it was two months ago; the ground is unfrozen now, and the wind is just not as bitter. As far as I am concerned, it is the beginning of spring, or at least the transition to it. It's not open-toed shoes warm yet, but the woolens and mittens and hats have been packed away. I even put my ice scraper in the trunk!

So this week is going to be all about Spring Transition outfits. Every day I will post the temperature and conditions, then show what I wore. I'm not defying the weather, I'm embracing it. This is a first for me in spring; usually I am cursing the skies for not conforming to what I am wearing. Let's hope this approach is more fun!


There are 3 basic rules to Spring Transition outfits:
1. Lighten up. Select lighter fabrics, scarves, sweater knits.
2. Brighten up. Go for a bright color once in a while, and shake off the winter blacks.
3. Show a little skin. If you can, remove your tights, roll up your sleeves, or just wear flats and let the tops of your feet poke out.

You're not in shorts and mini-dresses, it's still many of the same pieces you may have worn in the winter. But the combinations are likely new; maybe last time you wore that sweater it was with a thick-gauge turtleneck. Try it again with a sleeveless tank and a necklace!

Monday: in the 20s in the morning, up to mid-30s by mid-day. Sunny and bright all day long.



I hit all 3 rules today. Bright yellow Martin + Osa sweater over a Lauren Conrad layering tee and my yellow animal print scarf from Old Navy. It was just the blast of spring-y color people needed; I got compliments all day long.

But my favorite part of the outfit are my shoes. My "transition weather only" tweedy flats from Ann Taylor Factory. I paid about $8 for them 3 years ago, and their cost-per-year since then is probably $4. Now I've worn them twice in the last few days, and I will probably wear them a few more times this week if I can. They are PERFECT for just a few weeks a year, and I want to make the most of them!





Cute, and comfortable too!

++++++

No-chip manicure update: after two solid weeks with barely a dent, the manicure fell apart today. Mostly it was because it had grown out enough at my cuticles that the edges started to catch on things, and I ended up peeling two nails off in the office. So I stopped at the nail salon and had then remove the rest of it and give me a regular manicure with everyday pink polish (Essie's Mademoiselle).



Luckily, I did not have any of the same issues with weakened or ruined nails that Kate and Auburn did; the polish came off easily after a 5 minute soak, and she took the rest of it off gently with a scraper. My nails had grown nicely over the last two weeks, so I was glad they weren't trashed by the gel polish removal. See how nicely healthy they are?



I might get a no-chip manicure again, but not every week. (And NEVER that red again, haha!) I like changing up my polish weekly in the spring and summer. What I did really like about the gel polish was that even if it got scratched, all I needed to do was buff it a little on some fabric and it was good as new. Like a waxed car, LOL!