The Thrifty Six Brighten Up January
Here we are in the deepest, coldest, grayest part of winter in the North Country and I am scrambling to type this post at the last minute hoping I don’t lose internet connection. I can hear this giant ice and snow storm pelting my house. It sounds sort of like someone is throwing rock salt against the windows with an unwavering consistency. I took a peek out into the darkness of 4:30 a.m. and the snow was blowing so wildly at about 40 mph that it looks like there some sort of apocalyptic event going on out there. The weather people are predicting total snow accumulations of 8-12 inches before tomorrow morning. Living in this super snowy place, I will admit that there is nothing more beautiful than a bright white dumping of snow to cover the place in a fresh newness.
But then you have to move the beautiful white fluffy stuff out of your way so you can get places. And that is a giant hassle. I hate snow removal more than anything. The only method of snow removal that doesn’t hurt my injured shoulder is if someone else is doing it for me. But I don’t always have someone else to do it for me. So I have to do it myself. I do always feel super accomplished after I’m done though, silently patting myself on the back as I sit and whine about the pain with a bag full of snow icing my achy shoulder. So while the snow might be pretty to look at it, as soon as you start moving that stuff around, it quickly becomes an ugly gray sludgy mess. The very worst part of winter, in my opinion.
So when Emma chose this month’s thrifty theme, Brighten Up January, I was more than happy to take some crazy bold neon colors out into the snowy wild to brighten things up a bit. I had no fear of blending into the background in this outfit, that’s for sure.
It’s no secret that color can impact our moods. But it also reflects our moods as well. Often when I am feeling dark and moody, I rely on black and deeply saturated colors to reflect that feeling. But I also reach for those same deep moody hues when I’m feeling kind of sexy and sassy, too. If I’m feeling silly and extra happy, I tend to reach for brighter, bolder colors in my wardrobe. It’s easy enough to dress according to the way you are feeling in that moment. But what about dressing the opposite of how you are feeling?
I am in my winter funk as I am every year at this time. If I don’t have to step outside of my house until spring, I would be completely okay with that. But that’s not really an option so I have to make the best of it. One way I do that is by forcing myself to get dressed in happy clothes when I am feeling not so colorful at all.
Color is like an instant mood booster, isn’t it? I couldn’t look in the mirror without smiling. Jeff couldn’t look at me without smiling. Within moments of clothing myself in as many bright colors as I could, there was an extra bounce in my step and an extra twinkle in my eyes that lasted all day long…despite the freezing cold temperatures and the winter blues.
Since this is a thrifted style challenge, let me run you through this outfit quickly. My neighbor, Dani, recently gave me this bright pink Michael Kors shirt dress that didn’t fit her. It is a size 8 and I thought there is no way it will fit me but I would try to sell it on Poshmark for her. But then I thought maybe I could wear it open as a jacket if it was a little tight. So I tried it on and to my surprise, it fit perfectly! So I don’t think I will be selling it on Poshmark now. Thanks for my new preloved dress, Dani!
For this bright theme, I knew that I wanted to share this neon yellow Zara sweater that I thrifted back in the fall. I layered and cinched it with an old pink belt. I was digging the idea of color blocking so I just started adding more bright colors in both thrifted and retail items. My orange men’s button down shirt is Calvin Klein and I picked it up for a few dollars on a thrifting adventure in the spring. I usually wear these oversized men’s shirts for lounging, but sometimes they make their way into actual outfits as well (like when The Thrifty Six Wrapped Up for Winter).
My green heart necklace is a thrifted piece that I have had for so many years I can’t even remember where or when I came upon it. And how fabulous is this neon scarf? Archie’s teacher made one for all 40 of her students for Christmas this year. Archie doesn’t wear scarves often, so I borrowed it and will keep it safely stored with my scarf collection for him!
How is your winter mood? Have been dressing according to your mood or in defiance of it?
Now let’s check out the bright colorful looks of my thrifty friends.
The Thrifty Six is a group of international fashion influencers who meet once a month in our little space on the internet to share our thrifty outfits. On the third Monday of every month, we will all share an outfit based on a theme that features preloved wardrobe pieces. Shopping and reselling preloved clothing is so much better for the environment and you can find some of the best fashions in thrift or charity shops. The Thrifty Six are here to inspire you to shop second hand!
The Stylish Thrifters:
- Emma of Style Splash
- Grace of Graceful Rags
- Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
- Lucy of Lucy Bertoldi
- Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
- Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge
Emma of Style Splash
“I always find January is such a dreary time of year – the festivities are over, the decorations packed away and spring is still a way off. It’s hardly a recipe for joy. But I’m fighting back with colourful outfits and a determination to stay positive. Let’s brighten up January and get through it with a smile!”
Emma
Grace of Graceful Rags
“What better way to brighten up January than a turquoise faux fur coat?! I am currently studying abroad in Scotland, so I took this month’s thrifty collaboration as the perfect opportunity to go to my first charity shop last week. This fun jewel-toned jacket was the perfect find and only 12 pounds! It reminds me of something Keely from the show ‘Ted Lasso’ would wear.”
Grace
Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
“Blue and green should never be seen?!?…An old saying without any real reason? I bring you electric blue accessorised with turquoise, aqua and forest green…is it so terrible? I feel like an angel in azure when I wear this striking evening dress…It’s a feast for the eye and perfect for the Thrifty Six ‘Brighten up January’ theme!”
Jane
Lucy of Lucy Bertoldi
“I’ve inherited this scarf years ago (the 80’s to be exact)…and all I did was wear it a few times. Why? Well for one thing, when you start wearing white in Canada, it’s basically no longer time for scarves- because it means we are straight into heat wave season. But not here in Southern Florida, where January makes it oh-so-perfect to wear! I love blue and white…oh so bright! Unless of course, January in Florida is too early for white?!”
Lucy
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
“You all know I am not the most colorful person, on the outside that is lol, but this sweater feels really colorful to me. I love a dark floral print. With a bit of glitter too. I bought recently three pre loved sweaters and this is my favorite one. I couldn’t resist wearing it with an also pre loved black maxi skirt . But I chose colorful ankle boots too!”
Nancy
And me!
“When Emma said brighten up January, I went full on bright color blocking because it is so gray and dreary here. This preloved pink shirt dress was just handed down to me from my neighbor because it didn’t fit her anymore. This amazing scarf was borrowed stolen from my son. My neon Zara sweater, orange button down shirt, and green heart necklace were all thrifted. I felt like a box of 1980’s neon crayons and it made me so happy!”
Shelbee
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Shirt (Clavin Klein), Sweater (Zara), Necklace-Thrifted / Dress (Michael Kors)-Preloved / Scarf-Handmade / Tights and Socks-Sock Dreams / Boots-ShoeDazzle / Hat-Wona Trading / Coat-Torrid / Bag-Kohl’s / Earrings, Belt, and Gloves-Old
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
44 Comments
Barbara
We never get this kind of weather where I live, so I kind of like these crazy weather reports u r sharing!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Barbara! We do get some really crazy weather here. It is pretty awe-inspiring to witness sometimes. But frustrating when the snow accumulates faster than you can shovel it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Even if you wore white you would not blend in! Luckely not! But this is super colorful! I think you used every color there is! Wonderful!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Haha, thanks, Nancy! Jeff said he needed sunglasses just to look at me! This sweater is super neon! This was such a great theme for January. I am loving all the bright outfits!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar Strauss-Benjamin
Love that pop of color!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Tamar!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Christensen
I grew up near Buffalo, NY, so we had many “apocalyptic” snow storms and it always made my writer’s immagination go wild. Living in this part of Ohio we hardly get any snow, let alone the wonderfully dramatic kind. But you are right. I spend many days as a kid and teenager helping shovel the drive. Thankfully, my brother, who still lives near my mom, takes care of that for her now. I absolutley love this outfit. There are many times I will dress the opposite of how I feel, to try to counteract the Seasonal Affective Disorder or the winter blues. It is fun to create something colorful in the midst of the dreary. You are a beautiful, walking rainbow. Thanks for spreading your joy! – Amy
https://stylingrannymama.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my word, Amy, thank you so much for his lovely comment! You just made me smile so big! I felt like a walking rainbow and it was making me glow from the outside in or the inside out or whichever, but it was definitely proof of the impact that a bright burst of vibrant color can have. The snow here really is dramatically beautiful. I remember the first lake effect snowstorm that I witnessed and I was completely awestruck by it. I still am when it starts falling at inches per hour. It really demonstrates the great power that nature has over us. It’s humbling, to say the least. I am glad to hear that your brother lives near your mom to help with this winter business. We are heading south once the kids finish school. Each winter feels colder and longer and hurts more than the last!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lucy Bertoldi
Shelbee you look amazing!! And these up north temps are nuts- feeling so blessed to finally get away after 2 1/2 years to a sunny place. But let’s just say that your outfit brings so much joy to this otherwise cold and dreary month- loving it so much!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lucy! I am so excited for you that you finally made it to the sunny south! I am heading to North Carolina in about 5 weeks and I cannot wait to get out of this snow and cold for a week. Enjoy the milder weather, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
FASHION TALES
Wow, such wonderful pops of colour. Love the inspiration!
FASHION TALES
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much! I really appreciate that.
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Very cool. So very bright and colorful there. Looking very nice. Hope the snow isn’t too bad for you.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick! The storm ended up not being as treacherous as predicted!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ashley
I love all the fun, bold colors in your outfit! The rest of the ladies have beautiful outfits, too!
We got a bunch of that white, fluffy stuff last night! I much prefer warmer weather and absolutely no snow, haha.
Hope you have an amazing week, friend!
Make Life Marvelous
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ashley! This was a great theme to brighten up these dreary winter days. I am much preferring warmer weather the older I get.
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
Ah, I love snow…just like the kind you are getting. We have gotten a couple of dustings with none in the forecast. I always tell Nigel we need to move to a) a place where it snows a lot and b) a more liberal place than Indiana! I love this outfit so very much! I especially loved the different colored bands in your hair! And, yes, I totally believe color can make us feel better. I need to remember that and pull out the bright colors in the weeks and months that are January and February!
Thanks for sharing this, Shelbee!
https://marshainthemiddle.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Marsha! Oh you can have some of this snow! I am quite done with it. I have to go clean the car off soon to get the kids to school. That’s the one problem with living in a super snowy place…the kids don’t get very many snow days. We have to get at least a foot of snow for school to be canceled. And there have been times when it hasn’t been canceled for that much snow!
I am digging the bright colors so much right now! I just bought 4 new sweaters at Target in bright colors. I think I might wear one today!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica - Away From Blue
I love how bright and colourful your neon outfit is! Like a rainbow against the snow! 🙂 I find colour really boosts my mood too – fashion can make such a difference to our days! 🙂
Hope that your week is off to a good start and the snow storm wasn’t too bad!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mica! This was a super fun outfit and really did boost my mood! The storm ended up being not as terrible as predicted, but there was still lots of snow removal to tend to!
xoxo
Shelbee
Anita Ojeda
Your outfit makes me happy just looking at it! I have a pair of shiny red patent leather Danskos I wear whenever it snows or rains. They always cheer me up!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Anita! That is exactly the response I was going for! And shiny red shoes are one of the most perfect things to wear on an icky day. Especially since when it is raining or snowing, we generally tilt our heads downward to protect our faces…and that glimpse at shiny red shoes on your feet is just the thing to add an extra bounce to your step!
xoxo
Shelbee
Pamela
Winter is just a backgroud it needs dressing up! You’ve brought a smile to my face to match your own with that technicolor dreamcoat of an outfit. And what better gift could you offer us today?? Keep smiling and keep safe in that appalling weather.
Pamela x
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Pamela! I love that phrasing…”technicolor dreamcoat”! It really is the most cheerful, smilingest outfit ever and it made me shine from the inside out (or the outside in?).
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I love all the colours in your outfit!!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Jennifer!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laurie
I really enjoy thrifting.
I’m glad you found some fun and bright ways to lighted up your winter blues.
Thanks for sharing at the Sunday Sunshine Blog Hop!
Blessings,
Laurie
Ridge Haven Homestead
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Laurie! I have been an avid thrifter for over 30 years. It is one of my favorite creative things to do!
xoxo
Shelbee
Grace
You definitely win this month’s theme, Shelbee! So colorful! And I absolutely love how you did your hair with the coordinating rainbow hair ties. Can’t believe how much snow you are getting, though! I loved your writing, I felt like I was in the room with you.
Miles of smiles,
Grace
gracefulrags.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Grace, thank you so much! The colored hair ties were an afterthought so I just added them on top of the black ties that I already had in my hair. But I thought it was a fun touch! Thanks for noticing it.
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
Thanks for these cheerful bright outfits – the colors are wonderful and it cheered me up no end! I know you get a bit bored with snow -send some to us, we haven’t had a decent drop in London since about 2010!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gail! I would gladly send you most of it if I could! I am photographing an outfit for Style Imitating Art today and I wanted a black background. I looked out the window and said to my husband, “I guess I’ll have to settle for a white background!” From now until May! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle,
You know I adore this fabulously bright and cheerful outfit! Colors totally affect my mood, which is why I’m painting my interior walls, and why quilting is such a favorite hobby. And I’ve wondered if it’s why I’ve found myself reaching for red so often lately to offset the greater number of cloudy days we have here. I dont recall wearing much red in Vegas. Heck, I’ve even ordered some pre-loved red cords from Poshmark.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, my friend! I am all about getting some colors on my interior walls as well! I am pretty set on doing a colorful accent wall in every room. Red is such a great pick-me-up color. I have been reaching for bright pinks lately especially in my loungewear. It just makes me smile. I look forward to seeing your new red cords styled!
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
I adore this fabulous colourful outfit Shelbee! Wearing bright colours really does wonders for the spirits, especially at this time of year!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Emma! This was such a wonderful theme for January! I needed a little color boost and it worked perfectly for uplifting my mood!
xoxo
Shelbee
Carol
I’m a huge fan of bright colors in winter. Winter clothing is often too heavy on the black, gray, and camel end of the color spectrum. I love the way you mixed the bright, neon colors in this outfit. It brightens up the cold, winter scene.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Carol! Winter clothing does tend to lean towards the dark and gloomy, doesn’t it? I just scooped up a few really bright chunky knit sweaters though to brighten things up! The colors really do impact our mood!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rena
It’s a full-on kaleidoscope of colors! Just what is needed on a cold, dark winter’s day.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Rena! This was super fun to wear out on this particular cold, gray day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Chickenruby
I tend to wear brighter colours in the summer, my winter wardrobe is drab apart from a yellow neon coat.
Thanks for linking with #pocolo, sorry for the delay with commenting and sharing. Hope to see you back soon.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Suzanne! A yellow neon coat sounds like a fabulous winter garment o brighten things up! I think most people tend to lean towards darker, more neutral wardrobes in the winter. But every once in a while a bright splash of color is necessary to lighten up the winter blues!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
If ever there was a month requiring lots of color…
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I agree! I am cuddled on my couch right now wearing tie dye leggings and bright confetti colored turtleneck sweater! I wish to not step outside today!
xoxo
Shelbee