Lately I’ve been thinking about cutting my hair. I’ve been in the “growing out” phase for almost a year but felt that I needed a trim and some actual SHAPE to my hair. So I made an appointment for a trim and to (finally) get my eyebrows threaded (for the second time).
In the mirror, when I was there – it looked great. When I took these pictures after, it was raining… so it looks worse. But the more I look at it at home, the more I cry (on the inside).
A trim + long layers somehow equaled a few inches off my hair and lots of layers. It doesn’t look right doing what I usually do (lazy mode) or parted. Guys, I’m scared – I might actually have to “do” my hair. Which is a challenge in itself because it doesn’t curl or style, even with lots of product.
I suppose I’ll get used to it eventually. At the very least – I can still put it in a ponytail!
This is just a quick, casual outfit that I wore out and about. The coral and cream striped sweater is actually loose knit and kind of sheer, which I loved layered over the neckline of the surplice maxi dress. Cuter without the jacket, but I needed some protection from the weather! I guess I’ll have to wear it again.
Maybe I should stick to changing my hair color, not the style? But that is just as scary. I didn’t want to go back to the a-line cut just yet… but I might.
Oh something I keep neglecting to mention… On the 4th, A Well-Rounded Venture turned two! Exciting stuff. For some reason, I thought it was later this month. I’m humbled every day that people take the time to read my blog and comment here. I’ve met so many amazing people through this blog, fashion and FA communities and hope that continues. Thank you so much!
There will be a giveaway to “celebrate” sometime after the move.
Anyone have haircut suggestions or ideas for the next time I have this “urge”?
Ever have something you really want to do but the universe moves mountains to keep you from doing so? That’s what happened to me and taking pictures of the dress that IGIGI sent me to review in December. I’ve worn this dress four times. Yes, four times – with plans to take pictures each day and something happened the first three.
When given an opportunity like this, I attempt to move outside of my comfort zone and try something I wouldn’t normally buy. IGIGI has a fantastic range of clothing but many of their pieces (or the ones that always catch my eye!) tend to be cocktail & evening wear.
And lets face it – I telecommute for work and I’m a student. There are not a whole lot of opportunities for fancy party dresses but they do have several casual dresses that I would jump at the chance to add to my wardrobe – so I did.
Enter the Cate Sweater dress in Truffle, which challenges my usual style in two ways – it is maxi length and a sweater dress.
Last spring was the first time I bought and wore a maxi dress. The experience was good but maxi length still feels a bit awkward to me – not to mention very warm (this is a problem because I tend to run hot). But my favorite method for challenging myself is immersion – overcoming through doing.
First, a little about the dress. The fabric is lighter than I expected – in a good way. It is a heavier weight, heathered knit fabric but not what I think of when “sweater” dress is mentioned. Which is probably because I’m a knitter. It is lined in the bodice and skirt, with a light polyester but not in the sleeves.
After wearing this dress so many times, I can tell you that it works in all kinds of weather – I wore it from 80℉ to 45℉! This was a surprise to me, on the warmer days I thought it might be too hot but I was pleasantly surprised when I did not melt. I think the key was the unlined sleeves and breathable fabric.
The dress also kept me warm in Tahoe, where the pictures were taken but it was a little chilly without the coat! It was 45-50℉ where we were staying, but down by the water it was so cold that the rocks around the lake had lots of ice built up. Brr!
As far as fit goes, I fall somewhere in between a 22/24 and a 26/28 in dresses at IGIGI, so I opted for the larger size. The fabric is very stretchy and I think the smaller would have been a better fit. It says to buy based on your bust measurement, so I think this dress runs a little big in that area. In my experience, most IGIGI styles are for someone bustier than I!
The skirt looks relatively straight but is much fuller than expected. Is it just me or is there a learning curve to wearing so much fabric!?! I’m a klutz but I wasn’t stepping all over the dress too much. But it made getting in and out of the car… interesting.
The length is on the long side – as a maxi dress should be, right? I’m 5’6 and it is almost too long for me (my only “complaint” and easily dealt with). With flats, the dress is too close to the ground. With boots, it is just fine! Considering that I will be wearing this dress when it is cooler, it is pretty much a given that I’ll be wearing boots.
The verdict? If you’re looking for a fall/winter maxi dress that can transition into spring – this dress is for you! I love that it keeps me cozy in the cold but still lets my body breathe on warmer days. The Cate Sweater Dress also comes in a black/red colorway – it was tempting but I’ve been craving more browns in my wardrobe lately. At $160, the price is a little steep for my budget – college student and all, but over the last few years I’ve found that IGIGI pieces are worth investing in, especially the classics.
If you’re curious, I washed the dress (instead of dry cleaning, as recommended) and it came out perfect. On delicate, of course. The only dry cleaning I do is once a year for my wool winter coats!
Completely unrelated but here is Chris in his preferred state – hiding!
Okay, okay… now for the part you’ve been anxiously awaiting – the giveaway!
IGIGI is kindly offering a $50 gift card for A Well-Rounded Venture readers.
Open internationally.
There are a few different options for entering, you must do the first (comment on this post) to be eligible; the rest are optional/extra entries. I’m trying out this widget to keep track of things – let me know if it’s a pain! You can “log in” using your Facebook account OR your name and e-mail.
The winner will be selected on January 31st, 2012 and announced via the blog and Twitter. I will also contact the winner via e-mail. Thanks for entering!
What is your favorite IGIGI piece? If you won the giveaway, what would you buy and how would you style it?
Opinions – I have them and they are my own. This dress was given to me by IGIGI to review.
