I Take One More Breath

Black cowl-neck sweater: Old Navy, remixed * Wool tartan skirt: Gap, remixed * Leggings: Nordstrom Rack, remixed * Boots: Dolce Vita for Target, remixed * Brown cowl: self-made * Rothco messenger bag: c/o ClothesOutSale.com

I didn't grow up around big bodies of water. I spent my time in forests and mountains, but rarely along shorelines, unless I was on vacation. I saw my fair share of the ocean, on those vacations, and I felt relatively familiar with the way that water behaves in various settings. But I never lived along a coastline, and I certainly never spent time along the water in the winter. So, despite the fact that I'm going into my fourth winter in Chicago this year, I'm still very much not used to seeing snow along the shore. I just haven't gotten used to snow alongside such a massive expanse of water. And when the lake starts freezing over its even stranger for me. Strange but beautiful.

I always find the lake to be stunning, no matter what time of year it is. I love how the coast of the lake accentuates whatever weather patterns are rolling through Chicago. If it's snowing in the city, it's a white winter wonderland along the lake. If it's raining and windy in the Loop, it's torrential along the water. If it's sunny in town, it's dazzlingly bright at the shore. That's what it was like yesterday, when I trekked out to the lake to get some pictures and clear my head. I've taken to taking long walks on the weekends, whether in Chicago or visiting Joe, and they've helped me think more clearly about my weekend, the days ahead, and my general mental state. So yesterday I went out to do some walking, and thinking, and ended up along the coast, mesmerized by the water and snow.

It was cold, of course (my weather widget said it "felt like" 16 degrees when I left the apartment!), but I was bundled, and the bright sun was deceivingly warm. I wore my sturdy cowl-neck sweater, and then doubled up the neck protection by adding the alpaca cowl I knitted a few years ago. I was cozy, and I like the mirroring effect the brown cowl had with the earthy tones in my wool skirt. I rarely wear leggings instead of tights, since the seam along the side drives me crazy, but my warmest tights were in the wash, and I knew anything thinner would be super uncomfortable. I really love how the dark, muted color palette turned out against the dazzlingly bright sun, snow, and surf.

My final accessory was this fantastic Rothco Messenger Bag that I received in the mail last week, courtesy of Clothes Out Sale (yes, it's a bit of a goobery name, but I love this bag!). I've always been a sucker for messenger bags, and I fell hard for the on-trend utilitarian vibe of this one. It's big enough to fit almost anything I'd need, even my laptop (though it doesn't have a laptop sleeve, so I'll probably use it more for bringing heels and lunches to and from work). I love the deep olive color, the brass snaps on the pockets, and the adjustable strap (I often have issues with bags with adjustable straps, as they frequently "adjust" for someone 5'5" or taller, which I am not. This one can be made to fit someone just my size). I've never been much of a bag person, and I quite honestly don't understand spending more than $20 on a bag, but at less than that, I feel like the Rothco bag is a pretty sweet deal. Easy for me to say, of course, since mine was free...

But! Check in again later this evening for a Rothco Messenger Bag giveaway. It'll give you a chance to save your $19.99 for Christmas presents. :)

* Clothes Out Sale gave me the Rothco bag for this review. All opinions are mine.

Title song: Buffalo Dan, "Frozen Lake"