What to Wear on a Cold Spring Day & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #215
Spring has officially arrived this weekend and with it came some beautiful sunshine filled days and warm enough temperatures to spend extra time outdoors. I hadn’t realized just how much my body and mind were craving the rejuvenating properties of the sunshine. I added a daily Vitamin D supplement a few months ago and it really has helped my mental health and mood stabilization in wonderful ways. But despite taking the supplement, I still was finding myself completely wiped out by the early evening hours…when the sun would begin to set.
Then Daylight Savings came upon us last week granting us an extra hour in the evening to enjoy the sunlight. But with the extra hour on one end of the day, we lost an hour in the earlier part of the day which completely kicked my arse last week! I don’t think I have ever struggled so much with a one hour time adjustment as I did this year. There were a total of 3 nights during the past week when I climbed into bed and promptly fell asleep before 8:00 p.m. and slept past 5:00 a.m. Apparently, I needed some serious rest.
Then the weekend came bringing even more sunshine and the longer I stayed outside, absorbing all the goodness from the sun, the more energized I felt. It seems the more years I live on this planet, the more I become effected by the cycles of all the planets including our own. When the sun begins to set, my body wants to sleep. When the sun is shining bright, I am filled with more energy than I ever thought a woman of my age could possess. And so I welcome this sweet beautiful springtime weather into my life with much enthusiasm!
However, I am a realist and I have eight years of experience living in this strange climate of Northern New York State. So I have learned that the first days of spring weather are merely a tease before we enter another few weeks or months of just too darn cold weather. I am looking forward to all of the days this week as we will be blessed with the most perfect mild sunshiny days. I have every intention of enjoying the outdoors and absorbing all of the natural Vitamin D that I can before winter weather returns on the weekend. Temperatures will be dropping back below freezing and there is more snow coming.
So what is a girl to do when the springtime mood strikes and makes me want to wear all the springtime clothes, but it is still just too darn cold to wear actual spring outfits? What I do is combine spring and winter pieces to create the perfect layered look that speaks to spring but keeps me warm.
Let me start with the dress. I have always been drawn to floral prints especially ones that appear in a very unnatural color palette. Like black flowers on a white background! When I spotted this adorable Zara dress on the thrift store rack a few weeks ago, I knew that it would be the perfect addition to my spring and summer wardrobe. But I also knew that it would lend itself nicely to winter layering as well.
I recently picked up this Cozy Oversized Bouclé Crew-Neck Sweater from Old Navy in Mountain Dusk as well as a rust colored one which I will share on Friday. This sweater is currently on sale for 50% off and I have to say that is worth grabbing a few different colors. It is seriously the coziest sweater I own and I own quite a few really cozy sweaters. I love the oversized fit and the heavy knit. So much so that I have been wearing this for days in a row between washes. I am really glad that I grabbed a second one and am considering some more colors when Super Cash time comes around starting on April 10.
I already shared these amazing Steve Madden boots with you in last week’s post with my Clueless outfit. They are proving to be super versatile (although I guess most tall black boots would inherently be versatile). During the seasonal transition, pairing tall boots with a lightweight dress is another fabulous way to bring your spring wardrobe out to play earlier than the weather may permit.
Since I am perpetually cold even as the weather begins to warm, I generally wear hats because they really do maintain my body heat and make me much more comfortable. I have been wanting a winter white beanie because I really like the bold contrast with my dark hair. I never seem to find any that I like in shades of white or ivory until I spotted this cute pompom beanie at Wona Trading and knew it would be perfect.
That’s all I have for today. What have you been wearing during the transition into spring?
Featured Favorites
Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)
Kathrine of Kathrine Eldridge Wardrobe Stylist shared her post, Midi Dress Magic with Embroidery and Polka Dots. This is such a beautiful bohemian look as we transition from the longest winter ever into the most beautiful springtime weather. I really love Kathrine’s tall boots paired with this lovely dress!
Fashion Favorite
Lizzie of Lizzie in Lace shared her post, Designer Profile: Interview with Syra J., featuring this beautiful dress along with a wonderfully inspiring interview with the dress designer. You also get a sneak peek at Syra J.’s Fall/Winter 2021 Collection which is absolutely exquisite!
Non-Fashion Favorite
Jacqui of Mummabstylish shared her post, My Bitter-Sweet Week, where she discusses a heart breaking loss that was followed by the most joyous of things to celebrate. I am sending Jacqui all sorts of virtual hugs for all the things…for the sadness that needs comfort and for the joyfulness that needs celebration!
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Shop my look…
Outfit Details: Hat-Wona Trading / Sweater-Old Navy / Dress-Zara (Thrifted) / Boots-Steve Madden (DSW) / Gloves-Isotoner / Earrings and Necklace-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.
74 Comments
Joanne
I was just saying the same thing about our weather to my husband! It’s beautiful now but I would be amazed if we didn’t have another cold spell or two and probably even a few small storms. I know it is far too early for spring to be here to stay. I too notice a huge difference in my mood, my activity level, and just my overall well being when it’s warm and sunny and I can spent time outside!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It is so crazy, isn’t it, Joanne? We probably stand the chance of another big snow storm before the spring weather is here to stay. As the temperatures warm up, the lake warms up, and then a cold spell will hit, a storm will move in over the lake, pull all the moisture up, and dump it on us in the form of snow! We are not free and clear from the white stuff at least until May! I always struggle at this time of year as we transition out of the cold darkness of winter, but this year obviously was more difficult than most. Hang in there, my friend, eventually we will have some extended warm weather!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
I love the color mix and layering in this look Shelbee! I think you found the perfect solution for transitioning into spring. Thanks so much for the feature and for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! I was determined to layer one of these cozy oversized sweaters with a spring dress, but I had to try about 5 different dresses before I made it work! All the others were complete frumpville when I layered the sweater on top. Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Pamela
What a glorious pink??? Love it and it’s strong enough to take on the black and white, a genius pairing!
Pamela x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Pamela, thanks so much! Oooh, I do love that kind of feedback. I am not at all well versed in color analysis, but I do know which colors work for me when I look in the mirror. I hope you have a fabulous week, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Thanks so much for hosting! I’m linking up with OUTSTANDING BLOGGER AWARD – DELIGHTFUL REPAST and HAVE YOU EVER HAD COKE WITH PEANUTS?
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Dee! I look forward to reading them!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kellyann Rohr
I am so happy to hear about your sunshine and nice weather. Vitamin D directly from the sun is life changing and so much better than a supplement when you can actually get it! I hope whatever is left of your winter weather ends soon!
xo,
Kellyann
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Kellyann! It really is different when you get Vitamin D from the direct sunlight compared to a supplement. I really enjoy sitting on my front porch to work as well. But even though it is nice out now, it is still too cold to just sit out there. I need to be moving around outside to keep warm. But it will be warm enough soon and I am excited for it more than any other year, it seems. Have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
I love your layers and this cozy-chic spring look! Perfect way to have the spring vibes and still stay warm!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jill! I definitely won’t be sharing very springlike outfits for a while longer!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
The time change was hard for me too and it usually isn’t this hard. Love the pink and polka dots together!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Jennifer! I am still struggling this week with the time change. I went to bed again last night before 8:00. I can’t snap out of it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica
Such a cosy pink knit! I like how it looks layered with the dress and is a nice touch of spring colour with the black and white! 🙂 It’s nice you got to enjoy some sunshine and warm weather even if it won’t stay around for long!
Thank you for the link up 🙂 Hope you are having a good start to the week! The rain continues here but we aren’t flooded in yet thankfully.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Mica, thanks so much! Layering is key where I live. As you are coming into cold and wet days, I finally have some hope of warmer days here. I am glad that you aren’t flooded! I hope it remains that way for you.
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellie
The sweater is so perfect for chilly spring days! Love it paired with the dress and such a great shade of pink too!!
We had a beautiful sunny first spring weekend over here and it was so nice to spend some time outside without being cold! But like you, I know we’ll have more chilly days ahead of us here in Illinois!
Thanks for hosting the linkup!
Ellie
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ellie! Today felt warm enough for me to tolerate bare feet and paint my toenails! But as I am sitting here with my toes exposed, I am freezing! But at least I have pretty toes once again as we head into cold days next week. Hang in there, my friend, Spring will come to stay soon!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Can’t wait for better weather to come. It would be so much better for my lungs! And I hear a lot of peope saying they are so tired. A bit of sunshine would help for that too! And now I am going to figure out what I will be wearing tonight!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! I have been so tired from this silly one hour time change…still even into this week. I slept 10 hours again last night! Oooh, are we dressing up for our zoom call? Did we pick a theme or something? I might have missed it in the email thread!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
What a fun spring look! These chilly am’s throw me off!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Tamar! They throw me off, too! I never quite know how to dress for the weather.
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy
You would absolutely love it here in the Algarve at the moment, Shelbee. Glorious warm sunshine and vivid blues skies! I rook some photos this morning and I was so warm, it was gorgeous! I’m not sure I could cope with your freezing temperatures for so long. I do love the winter, and I love the cold, but once Spring is here, I am ready for it lol! But nighttimes are still chilly and the past few nights we’ve been huddling under a blanket while we watch TV. I don’t want to light a fire because I cleaned the fire out and put candles in it last week lol!
You look fabulous, I’ve been wanting to get a jumper in that kind of pinky shade. I wonder if we have Old Navy here in Europe. I’m off to have a look!
Huge hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Suzy! I just checked the Old Navy website and they don’t even ship internationally. Boo. What a bummer! This is the time of year for me where it is much colder in my house than it is outside! Which is a great quality about my home when summer arrives because I rarely ever need to turn on an air conditioner to keep cool. But summers are short and fleeting here! I bet I would love the climate in Algarve. Maybe one day I will get to travel there!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy Turner
I hope so, Shelbee! But perhaps I’ll get over to New York state before then and we can meet up in the US! That is on my bucket list—to meet you one day, my friend!
Hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Yay! It is on my bucket list to meet you in real life one day as well! But in the meantime, do you want to set up a virtual chat sometime?!
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
BOy it looks a bit windy! Oh we have had some of those days where the sun is out and yet the wind blows. I love the pink with black and white, such a fun combo, and I am a fan of the long boots with long skirts or dresses. I have been wearing a dress or two with jean jackets or some new jeans I bought on Poshmark.. It is going to be warmer here this week, so we start Vineyard hopping on the weekend with my mom.
Have a great day!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Jess! It was super windy the day we shot these photos! The wind has a way of ruining a beautiful sunny day! But at least I will have a few weeks to wear my spring dresses with tall boots! Vineyard hopping sounds like the perfect solution to the winter blues. I hope you all enjoy it so very much!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rosemary Davis
So happy that you are finally getting a wee bit of spring your way. You look amazing in your pinks. So fresh and springlike.
Thanks, for the link-up!
Rosemary
Distinctly Southern Style
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Rosemary! I am so glad that it is warming up, too. I am going to head outside today for a bit before the snow comes back! I hope you have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
I’ve really love adding sweater over dresses this winter. I am always amazed at the difference in my mood on sunny days. I try to eat outside then, and spend at least a couple hours outdoors.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It really transforms our dresses, doesn’t it?! I love being able to wear them in different ways. I definitely need to get outside today! It is so gorgeous! It is 63 degrees right now and will be back in the 20’s by the weekend so I better go enjoy it now. Have a great day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nora Minassian
Love this color combo Shelbee and you have found the perfect solution to stay warm with that cozy pink sweater. Isn’t it a pain shooting when its windy? It has been really windy around us and our shoots have been a pain…
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Nora! Oh my goodness, the wind can be so brutal here! I have to remember to tie my hair back or wear braids or a hat if I plan to shoot on a windy day. But honestly, I usually forget to check the wind before I get dressed! I was grateful that I remembered to wear a hat for this one!
xoxo
Shelbee
Christina Morley
Happy clothes and a lovely smile to go with them! I’m glad you’re not letting the back and forth weather stop you from enjoying spring. Blessings, Tina
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Tina! I am going to enjoy every drop of the good weather when it does come my way! I hope you are having a wonderful week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Barbara
Hey! I totally get you on trusting the rejuvenating powers of the UV-rays! What I love about this look is that it looks both feminine and comfy. Enjoy these precious early days of the season!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Barbara! I don’t like super hot summers, so this is the trade off I have to pay to get the most beautiful summer weather ever…I have to deal with the longest winters ever! Haha. I am enjoying the cool fresh brisk air right now, for sure! I hope you are having a wonderful week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee
Valerie Hansen
Hi Shelby!
Happy Tuesday, I love love your spring style for cold weather…its been cold here too, but warming up today! I cant wait to leave Seattle and move to the Southwest this summer..year around warm..yay!
The pink sweater is too cute..!
xo
Valerie
http://www.mapleleopard.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Valerie, thanks so much! It was so beautiful here yesterday that I spent most of my day sitting outside. It was wonderful (except for the spring allergens!) How exciting for you that are you moving to a warmer climate! We were discussing a similar move upon my husband’s retirement but then decided that we hate moving and would rather stay put here in this arctic tundra at least until the kids finish school…so that’s at least another decade! But I wouldn’t go too far south as I do still prefer cooler weather over too hot!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ashley
It took me longer this year to adjust to Daylight Savings- I love the extra hour of daylight in the evening, but man I was thrown off!
Loving this cold spring outfit- KC can def be the same; we’ll have some warm weather and then we regress back into basically winter for a bit. Having spring-hued sweaters on hand is so smart!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Ashley! This year was a particularly bad one for the time adjustment. I am not certain why. But it is nice to know that I am not alone in the struggle. Usually, I am good after the first week, but here we are nearly 2 weeks after the time change and I am still struggling. Spring colored sweaters will be my jam for the next few weeks, for sure!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
It’s so hard seeing everyone farther south enjoy their warmer weather when it’s far from consistent in our climate! Love your spring layers and that pretty pink on you though! You are certainly making the best of it! And looking the best too!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laura! All our southern friends are bringing out all the pretty spring dresses and kimonos and all my favorite things. It is hard to stay motivated to create fashionable outfits for spring when it is still snowing! But that’s what we do as bloggers, right? Find ways to inspire and be inspired regardless of the crazy world and weather around us! I hope you are having a wonderful week.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
Great colour combo Shelbee, Love the pink jumper Hun. Have a super week. Jacqui x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jacqui! Have a wonderful day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Darlene
I love the way you styled that adorable floral dress, Shelbee! The pink sweater is perfect as are the boots and beanie, my friend! I do SO much better in sunny weather and Vitamin D is a serious problem in climates with long winter months! SO good for you adding that supplement!
xx Darlene
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Darlene! It really is amazing the impact of the extra Vitamin D. I can’t believe it took me nearly 8 years in this climate to add the supplements! I am very stubborn sometimes even to my own detriment. Ha. I am looking forward to our Zoom chat next week! Have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
At first I thought you had on a skirt, but I love how you can see the collar of the dress over the pink sweater. So pretty and a perfect early Spring outfit. I know, STL is so bad about teasing us with some warm days and then it is all back to winter again!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Carrie! I tried about 6 different dresses layered with a sweater before settling on this one. All the others were complete frumpville when I added the sweater! I was digging the cute little collar over peeking out from the sweater, too! Hehe. Anything we can do to stay upbeat amidst the crazy weather patterns!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking so very nice.
The weather is strange here in the San Francisco Bay Area also these days. We had rain last week and this week, we are having sun but it is cooler and with a lot of wind. Big wind gusts which blows pollen everywhere and messes up my allergies. It is what it is.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful Wednesday.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick! Oh, don’t even get me started on the allergies! I sat outside for a good portion of the day yesterday and by evening time I had a sore throat, runny nose, watery eyes, and itchy skin…which kept me awake all night! It’s an awful tradeoff for the spring weather. I hope it gets bette for us both!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lovely
what a beautiful combo! Love the layering! You totally rock this look!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lovely! I was definitely in my comfort zone in this outfit!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
I absolutely hate changing the clocks—it makes me so cranky for like 2 weeks straight. Isn’t it time that we outlaw this antiquated process? We no longer need to conserve energy at night! Do love your pink sweater though 😉
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Cheryl! I am so glad that I am not alone on that! I have often wondered what the purpose of Daylight Savings is in these modern times. I wonder if we can start a petition or something! Haha. Hopefully by next week, you and I will be back on track from the silly time change. Have a great day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
I’ve always joked that I am solar powered. And while I may say it to be funny, there is also some truth to it. I generally feel more enthused as the days get longer. So I get it. Very cute outfit! That pink sweater looks so nice on you.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! I was just joking the other day telling Jeff that I am actually the sun itself and that is why when the sun is up, I am alive and alert and when it is down, I am dead…because I am the sun and the sun is me! How profound (and narcissistic is that?!) Haha. I think I’ll go with your solar powered angle next time! It is much less narcissistic than my joke!
xoxo
Shelbee
Sandy
I love this look! I think it’s perfect for the chilly early Spring – the pretty floral dress teamed with the warm jumper. I too feel the cold and will be adding a woolly jumper or warm sweatshirt/hoodie to my Spring clothes. The hat is a good idea too, especially in those cold winds.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Sandy! I am definitely ready to start shedding some layers, but the weather is not so ready to permit me! So I am relying on cozy sweaters in bright spring colors for the next few weeks or so. I hope you have a fabulous day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lisa DeArmas
This look is so cute for transitioning into spring. I sometimes wish I lived somewhere that I could actually see the seasons. Here in So Cal it is beautiful but we definitely dont feel or see the seasons change.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lisa! I definitely enjoy that we have 4 seasons here, I just wish winter didn’t take up 3/4 of those seasons! I really do love the change of seasons, especially from winter to spring and summer to fall. And as beautiful as So Cal is, I do think I prefer life in the northeast! Although a visit every now and then to your part of the country is always a welcomed adventure and escape!
xoxo
Shelbee
Rena
What a fabulous look! Perfect for unpredictable early Spring weather. I can’t wait to see more of your dress as the weather warms up.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Rena! I definitely need to style this dress again without the sweater because it is really cute! It will work great as a duster style jacket as well. I have lots of ideas for it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Emma Peach
I love the black and white print with the pink sweater! It’s the perfect outfit for this tricky time of year when we seem to yoyo back and forth between winter and spring. I always feel more energised when it’s sunny – it makes a huge difference to my motivation. Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Emma! This time of year is always a struggle with outfit creativity, isn’t it? I am so ready to shed the layers, but I am just too cold still to do it! The sunshine is definitely helping me to have energy longer into the evening hours so that is a huge advantage for me right now.
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
I LOVE this outfit – it’s just…perfect. That dusty pink is such a lovely colour and totally suits you, Shelbee. Love the black and white with it, and I think you know I adore those boots!
Spring is here, and we’ve had high winds, hail and rain. Rainy season, hooray.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Sheila, thanks so much! I never wore much pink before I started blogging and realized what a great color it is on me! Now I have piles of pink things! We have rainy mud season going on here right now as well! It makes me miss the snow a little bit. Haha. Not really.
xoxo
Shelbee
melissa williams
OK. This is a great post- we don’t all live in dallas TX right? LOL (raising hand from Colorado) Love all the pink and the way you layered everything. Very pretty.
~Melissa xx
https://freshairandfalselashes.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Melissa, thanks so much! I’ll be standing in the snow taking my swim suit photos soon, too, if it doesn’t get warm here soon! Actually, we did just have a beautiful week of warmth and sunshine that melted nearly all of our snow…just in time for more to come next week! By the way, I featured your swim suit post in Friday’s link up! Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
JC
Love this outfit Shelbee! That shade of pink is right up my alley but I’ve never thought to layer it over a flowy blaack and white dress like that, and what a lovely result. I need to take Vitamin D too, definitely notice the difference it makes x
https://jcandwinnie.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
JC, thank you so much! Black and white is my favorite foundation for adding splashes of color! I just started taking Vitamin D in January, but now I am unsure if you are supposed to take it all year round or just during the winter months when we are stuck indoors for so long. I need to go research that topic now. Haha. Have a lovely weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Grace
Such a cute spring outfit! I love the pink sweater and that patterned dress underneath – like a Dalmatian!
Miles of smiles,
Grace
gracefulrags.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Grace! Like a Dalmatian! I love that analogy! I hope you are having a wonderful week, my friend.
xoxo
Shelbee