My hair is currently in what I like to think of as it’s “transitional phase”…
THE STORY
…It actually has about three of these transitional phases a year. I color my own hair and have to redo the roots about every three weeks because it grows like a weed with a Miracle Gro addiction. I only do all of the red maybe five times a year. But the big transitional phases only happen when it’s time to touch up the blonde ombre on the ends…and that I only do three times per year because a) it’s not exactly gentle on the hair, and b) it’s a ginormous pain in my butt.
I try to time the blonde touch ups around my cut/trim appointments. That way there’s that run of a few days when the color is all fresh, the cut is fresh and the hair gods are happy. Obviously, I don’t typically accomplish this entire process in one day; although if there isn’t a cut involved I have been known to be ambitious enough to both the red and the blonde all at once. Here’s the thing, if I got all of this done at the salon it would feel like pampering. But doing it myself it feels more like a chore.
Currently my red is all freshly done and tomorrow I have an appointment for a cut so sometime in the next few days the blonde will get redone as well. After that, from time to time I’ll throw in my pink/coral blend to make the rose gold shade (which is actually surprisingly quick and easy) and all will be well until the end of Summer when I repeat the process over all over again.
I never feel exactly like myself until the entire process is complete. Even though the coloring part can be tiresome, nothing feels quite like having freshly colored and cut hair. When the hair is good, it feels like I can take on the world. My hair is such a big part of my identity that it’s like something is missing when all of the pieces aren’t in place.
It used to be that I would change my hair color on a whim; it ranged from shades of blonde to shades of red with the occasional brown with highlights thrown in. Once I even went super light blonde with a black under-layer which was actually pretty cool. It was all just a fun adventure. Somehow though, the red with blonde (and now pink) has become kind of like a trademark. People often know me by my hair since it’s definitely not a shade that blends in with the crowd.
Perhaps it has to do with age. When I was young I was still figuring out exactly who I was and different hair colors were an easy way to try on different personas. Now that I’m confident in who I am, I’ve found the hair that matches the final product. My hair, like my clothing is an extension of my personality, hence the reason I don’t feel fully like “me” until the entire process is complete. What are your thoughts on the subject? Is your hair a big part of your identity?
THE OUTFIT
This is one of my comfortable yet still presentable outfits. Some may argue that even with pumps and jewelry sweatshirts aren’t work appropriate. I would argue…hell, I’m not going to argue. I like it, it’s comfortable and I feel good in it, so therefore, it’s work appropriate for me.
Any shade of pink paired with olive green or camo is one of my favorite combinations. I can’t tell you why exactly, I just really love how they look together. I originally picked this particular sweatshirt up at the Aerie outlet in both olive green and gray for my mini and I to share. It is seriously one of the softest most comfortable sweatshirts that I’ve ever owned, so I also nabbed the blush and white when I saw that they were on sale. Speaking of which, it’s currently on sale for $25 so if you’re on the market for the perfect sweatshirt then you’re in luck.
To keep with the blush/olive combo, I finished it off with my favorite blush studded slingbacks. The kitten heel makes them wearable for a full day at work while still adding a little lift. And they help to elevate an otherwise casual look, so that’s a bonus.
THE TIP
It is possible to dress up a basic sweatshirt. It’s all in what you pair it with. Think pumps instead of sneakers and pants or a skirt instead of jeans. Add on a few pieces of bling and your good to go.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Sweatshirt: Aerie; Pants: JCPenney (Similar); Shoes: Rialto Shoes (Similar)
