Being an urban commuter is a challenge at this time of year. I joked with a fellow bus rider yesterday that I spend hours lying in bed thinking about how many layers to wear on any given day…but it’s no joke.
Consider today. I needed to walk five minutes to my bus stop and wait a potential ten minutes in -39 degree temperatures. Only this seems appropriate, right?
North Face parka, Roots toque, Old Navy Tech gloves to be donned
Yeah, except then I have to get onto a subway train that turns hundreds of strangers into sardines as it hurtles us downtown in a confined, crowded and not climate-controlled rocket. I spend those fifteen minutes praying I won’t hear about a “passenger assistance alarm” being sounded, and re-enacting my morning in my head trying to ascertain whether I applied deodorant or not.
I arrive at my workplace to a daily temperature surprise. It’s an older office building with little ventilation and outdated thermostats, so I never know how many layers I’ll need to shed. Here’s today’s proposed outfit (scarf and cardigan may be added…plus I’ve always got the toque). I’m trying to inject some bright, tropical colours into my wardrobe the compensate for this unbelievably winter-y winter we’re having.
Blouse, Loft $39, Jeans, Gap Always Skinny Jeans $79, Earrings and bracelets, Stella & Dot, Necklace, Banana Republic
You’ll notice I’m not even bothering to show you the shoes. Because I’ve been wearing my weather appropriate winter boots, I rely on the ever-increasing collection of shoes that have made their way downtown on days when I’m organized enough to pack and remember a shoe bag.
Stay warm and cozy…and wear a little sunshine!
Love the burst of colour!