Oh goodness friends.
We’re already a week into December.
You’ll hear this a lot from me this month because it’s kind of consuming me at the moment, but parenting is just kicking my butt right now and I’m honestly hazy on where the last week has gone.
As I’m writing this right now, Kit is screaming in her room in protest of bedtime.
We’ve been attempting to wean her from her pacifier and it has literally been a horrible, horrible transition.
I’m not kidding.
I truly didn’t realize how much she was relying on it for emotional support until now, which has me completely unsure of how to handle her behavior. I mean, I 100% understand where its coming from, but its also incredibly frustrating and not okay.
Sigh.
So I’m a bit preoccupied with my off screen life right now…
which means that all of my aspirations to do Dressember and talk about it frequently have pretty much gone right out the window.
But you know what? Over the last couple of years I’ve started to learn how to let go of some of the perfectionism that has always ruled me.
And, while part of me wanted to give up because I couldn’t do it perfectly, the part of me that has grown and changed realized that this really isn’t about me.
Mind blowing I know.
But really, it’s not about me.
I decided to change my head space around the “challenge”, and view it more as an opportunity to learn about an issue that is pressing in the city I live in and… fade into the background a bit.
But for those of you who have no idea what Dressember is, here is a little bit of information:
Every day during the month of December I’ll be wearing a dress to bring awareness and raise support for the effort to end slavery and sex trafficking.
The donations that are made through the Dressember organization will be funneled to selected partners including an organization David and I have been supporting for years, the International Justice Mission (there are 12 total partners and you can find them at the bottom of this page).
But it’s really as simple as that.
I wear a dress, I donate, perhaps you donate and already established organizations are given a boost in their efforts to end this tragedy.
If this resonates with you at all and you would like to make a donation (even a small one), you can donate at this link (if you’re unsure how much to give, just scroll to the bottom for some helpful suggestions).
And if you want to join in, and create your own fundraising page (it’s not too late!) just click here.
If none of this resonates with you as something you’re up for, could I at least challenge you to spend this month digging into, and learning a bit more, about this topic?
I’ll be doing two dedicated posts to Dressember this month (today being the first one), and in my second post I’ll share a bit more about the industry and what I’ve learned so far (and finger’s crossed… I’m working on getting a guest post from someone who has a lot more expertise in this area than I do).
So due to the “mood” of this post and, well, the fading into the background thing, I think I’ll leave my styling notes out of this weeks outfit lineup and just share my outfits with you.
Although one quick note: it’s been SOOOO cold here lately so there have been lot’s of lessons in learning how to wear dresses in super cold weather. It’s actually made me realize that dresses really are doable in cold weather, you just have to be smart about it. Namely: the right kind of under layers… fleece lined tights, turtlenecks, chunky scarves and hats, wool socks etc. I even wore a pair of long underwear instead of leggings one day and it kept me really toasty. I’ll definitely be incorporating more dresses into my winter dressing in the future.
Monday:
dress :: tights :: hat :: shoes: thrifted, but this pair is really similar :: scarf: homemade. lips (same in all photos, shade is poppy red and it’s my new favorite)
dress: no longer available. similar here :: sweatshirt c/o :: boots :: tights :: scarf: thrifted
dress: sadly sold out. similar here :: tights :: clogs :: earrings :: scarf: homemade
dress: thrifted. as similar as I could find here :: cardigan :: boots c/o :: hat :: scarf: homemade
dress c/o :: tank :: tights (they’re navy!) :: boots :: hat :: earrings
I love all these outfits! But you got at a point that ultimately kept me from doing Dressember for the last two years: there’s a necessary investment of underlayers and tights and all sorts of things I wouldn’t use in the winter if I were sticking to my normal pants and sweater combination. So instead of buying those things, I just opted out. I would normally make a donation, but I’m giving monthly to the ACLU right now and that’s about as much as I can do! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and resources.
I totally understand Leah! I definitely wouldn’t have bought tights if I thought I’d only use them for the challenge. It’s actually something I had been needing to invest in ANYWAY since it gets so cold here in Minnesota I often reach for them under jeans even on the really cold days.
Parenting three little kids is HARD. And there’s a lot less consistent routine and sleep, and a lot more sugar in most of our lives right now. That makes a big difference to the under-fives, and to the adults. Parenting has been and continues to be (daily) (multiple times) an incredible reminder that I don’t and can’t control so many things. It kicks my butt, too. These little people are amazing, but it’s also a ton of work to be present and gentle and kind, especially when my own (energy, patience) coffers are drawing low. And then it’s Advent and I am trying to be present and slow down and life is persistently like PAY ATTENTION TO ME. OVER HERE. NOW OVER HERE. DO FIFTEEN THINGS AT ONCE. I want to hibernate (but also need to get out of the house and so do they sometimes).
As always: You have company.
Isn’t that the truth? Holidays do not make for consistent, healthy routines! I keep reminding me that as they get older, this season will get slower and slower. It’s just a matter of digging in and waiting it out. 🙂
I love that you’re bringing awareness to such an important topic! I learned of it at the end of November and it really resonated with me. I opted not to participate in the dress part of the campaign and instead made a donation. I really hope they reach their goal!
Also, this Pyne & Smith dress is amazing on you! It feels quintessentially “you”. I don’t know you personally but it really fits with you cool, laid back vibe 🙂
And I totally remember the pacifier struggle. My first born was VERY attached to his, so much so that we didn’t entirely get rid of it until he was 4 (we did restrict it to nap and bedtime when he turned 3). So I totally understand the struggle! Hang in there…it will get better!
Thank you Gillian! They did reach their goal so yay! And thank you! I love this dress so much. I agree that it feels very “me.” Your pacifier “story” is pretty much exactly ours. We’ve since had success with getting rid of it, but BOY was it a struggle!