I’m assuming it’s because I’m a teacher, but the beginning of a new school year always feels more like the new year to me than January 1st…
THE STORY
…That might explain why it’s typically the end of Summer/beginning of Fall when every few years I get it in my head that I need to cut off all of my hair. You know, the whole “new year, new you thing”. Maybe that’s not the reason, but it’s as good of an explanation as any I suppose.
It’s not often that I get the itch to part with a substantial amount of my hair. I think the last time I did it was back in 2014. Sure I get regular trims and occasionally I’ll add more layers or change up the bangs, but to cut into a substantial amount is a rare thing indeed. I just feel more like myself with longer hair, and quite honestly very short hair is not a good look on me. I went that route back in my 20’s and trust me, it was tragic. The length it is right now is just about as short as I’m willing to go. My hair grows so crazy fast though, that if I didn’t touch the length between now and Spring it would be back to just about where it was before I cut it.
For whatever reason, a couple of weeks ago I decided I wanted to go all shagadelic and get a bunch of short choppy layers. A layered shag is a style that plays well with the natural texture of my hair…it’s super thick and super wavy so layers are definitely my friend. I had my stylist take off about six inches in length and add a bajillion more layers to it. As a whole new cut will often do, I felt like a new woman after losing about three pounds of hair. It’s really easy to style which is a very good thing, although even at its longest it’s never very labor intensive.
I explained back in April how about three times a year my hair color goes through a transitional phase where I re-do the red from top to bottom, then a few days later add the blonde back in followed by the pink/rose gold. These shots were taken at the midpoint of one of those transitions. I did the red the day before the cut, and since these shots, I have added back in the blonde and pink so now my hair is fully operational again.
I have to say that although long hair feels like “me”, this messy shaggy kinda rocker girl ‘do feels pretty “me” as well. I feel all sorts of sassy (like I’m not normally sassy…lol) and badass and that’s always a good thing. Few things in life offer such a huge and immediate mental pick me up as a big hair change, so if you’re thinking about trying something different, I say go for it…because seriously, I think we can all benefit from some sassy badassery every once in awhile.
THE OUTFIT
Well my friends, the time has come. I’m back to being required to put on actual clothes on a daily basis again. Today’s outfit comes to you compliments of our annual school open house last Thursday night. Tomorrow is our second inservice day and the kids come Tuesday, so it’s official…clothes wearing season has commenced.
Fortunately it was cool enough Thursday evening that I was able to wear this floral pencil skirt and striped men’s button down shirt combo without melting into a sad puddle of humanity. It’s no surprise that I love print mix so the striped shirt as opposed to my white button down was a no brainer. When it comes to button down shirts, I prefer to get mine from the men’s department because I prefer the looser slouchier fit that a man size shirt provides. The extra size also makes for an easier front tie like I did here.
My purple block heel sandals that I got from Target last Spring were the perfect match. Block heels are my heel of choice for work whether they be sandals, pumps or boots. I usually keep the height to no more than 3 inches. The lower height coupled with the stability of the shape make them comfortable when you have to be on your feet all day.
THE TIP
Today’s tip is a hair tip. If you are considering a change, whether it be a cut or color, go for it. Few things provide a confidence boost like new hair. When deciding on a new style be sure to keep your the texture and type of your hair in mind. Styling a new ‘do is so much easier if you work with your hair instead of against it. Also keep in mind the maintenance and upkeep involved. Since I do my own color it’s not an issue, but maintaining hair color can get pricey if you’re getting it done at the salon. Time is also a consideration so be sure to think about how often you’ll need trims and touch ups.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Skirt: Boohoo (Similar); Shirt: Kohl’s (Similar); Sandals: Target