Freshen Up...Your Look for Summer

We've had a few warm weather days around here recently, so I'm pretty much itching for it to get here permanently. The other night, when we left Ryan's dad's house after helping him work, we felt like we were forgetting something. Then we realized...it was a coat! We hadn't worn a coat that day because it was warm enough to get away with just a t-shirt! I'm ready to pack away the coats, scarves, and boots for a good number of months now and enjoy some warmth and fun! 

And of course...that means I'm ready to freshen up my look for summer. I guess I treat my person like I treat my house: new season, new look! I don't know why, but it somehow makes me feel refreshed. Anyone else? Anyone?

Here's how I like to freshen up my look for summer:

1. New hair color and/or cut.

Okay, so truth be told, I do this because the old hair color is usually turning white, but I really do like to get something new and different when we transition into spring/summer. Fresh highlights, maybe a little bit different tint, or I could always go crazy and pull a Bekah-goes-neon-orange. That's always a classic. (Don't worry. I'm not actually going to do it.)

I visited the salon this week for my latest hair overhaul. The color I had actually held up surprisingly well, but I had about an inch of decidedly gray/white roots beaming there next to my scalp, so it was time to go get help. I feel springy with my updated highlights in bright blond and lowlights in dark brown. :) I also felt updated with the beach waves she gave me before I left the salon, but alas, I haven't mastered those yet. Whenever I try to recreate them, they come out very poodle-esque. Not quite what I'm hoping for.

I didn't get a cut this time (other than my bangs) but I've sometimes cut it off in the summer for a cooler, bouncier feel. (And conversely, I've sometimes grown it long in the summer just so I can put it up in a ponytail!)

2. Find some fun, new clothes!

Yes, I'm still trying to keep my wardrobe at a minimum. But the truth is, I wear my summer clothes year round. Because I so easily overheat, it's not unusual for me to wear t-shirts, tank tops, and sleeveless dresses in the dead of winter, and just cover them with sweaters, jackets, and scarves that can be easily removed if I get too warm.

Because of that, I get tired of my summer clothes more quickly than the winter ensembles. So normally around this time of year, I like to visit the Goodwill (or garage sales) to see if I can find some new shirts, skirts, and capris/shorts to brighten up the summer. I also found my season's supply of new dresses last month when we shopped for Ryan's mom's viewing and funeral. When I chose those dresses, I didn't go for mournful as much as I went for something Nita would have loved and something I could wear throughout the summer. (And they were on sale, so YAY!!!)

3. Bright nail polish!

I do my own nails at home using my Shellac/gel polish system. I think Ryan bought me that system the first or second Christmas we were married, and it's been a great investment for us! The polish is a little pricey, but it lasts quite a while. I'm still building a color arsenal, but I almost always get one new color at the start of the summer season. I try to get something bright and beachy-looking, even though I live nowhere near a beach. :) I use regular polish on my toes, and I really need to get a springy addition for that collection this year. I haven't gotten new plain polish for quite a while, and I'm getting bored with my rotation.

I always get tons of compliments on my nails, especially when I wear the bright colors, so I feel like it's money well spent! (The color above was quite a hit this last time I wore it. Maybe everyone is ready for spring.)

4. SUNGLASSES!!

I know some people like to buy a good (read: expensive) pair of sunglasses and wear them all the time. I prefer to purchase cheaper ones (read: Meijer) and change them up often. Plus, I don't feel as guilty if they get broken in my purse or dropped somewhere. They probably only cost $10 max.

I wear sunglasses year round, but I especially like getting a sporty new pair in the summer, because it makes all the pictures more fun to look at! You know...I can identify my life season by my weight, hair color, AND sunglasses. The ones I have right now have a pink tint to them, and I really like them. I do have to remember they aren't mirrored, though, in case I cast a questioning glance at a passing driver. HA!)

(I've been known to have 2-3 pairs at a time before, but right now I just have one.)

5. Hats!

When I worked at WBCL, Lynne was the queen of the summer hat. She loved being outside working in her garden (or working events for the station) but she was careful to wear her hat and protect her face. She talked me into getting a big floppy sun hat, and while I can't pull it off with the same finesse she can, I do always feel like my updated summer look has arrived when I pull out the summer hat.

In truth, it can make me a bit hot if I wear it too long. I wore it one afternoon last summer on a SUPER hot day when I was out mowing, and it very nearly melted my face straight off my head. I had to take it off to get a breeze.

But hats are summery and fun, and I think they can spruce up your look and your outlook! (Also: This is a TERRIBLE photo of me, but it's the only one I could find where I was wearing the hat.)


Happy look-freshening to all of you. And please, oh please, warmth??? COME TO STAY!!!