March 2nd, 2010 by The Barefoot Blogger: Laura Kleinbaum

It’s upon us: that stretch of time when you’re just waiting for winter to end.  You’re sick of shivering in your tights.  You’re tired of not wearing your suede pumps because the slush will ruin them, and every day you’re a little more anxious to leave your apartment in a light jacket and flats.  The worst part about this desperation is that it forces us to under dress at the slight hint of mild weather, and by 4 o’clock we walk around bracing ourselves saying, “I swear it was not this cold when I left the house.”

Everyone deals with waiting out the end of winter in her own way.  Mine is to buy Spring clothes and shoes, take them home, and try them on with every other article of clothing I own.  It’s fun and it beats the winter rut we all know and hate.  You don’t even have to buy new stuff to do this.  In fact,  shopping in your own closet can be very rewarding and having a clothing swap with friends is one of the most fun things a girl can possibly do.

A word of caution: If you make a go of it and and try on all of your clothes, preferably with music blasting and uninhibited singing and dancing involved, put things away as you go.  Otherwise, you’re going to end up with an intimidating pile of clothes when you’re done.  And they’re not going to put themselves away.  Those of us who are familiar with the practice are, of course, also familiar with the pile.

The bed pile–It sits there on your bed, forcing you to sleep in the fetal position night after night.

The desk chair pile– It threatens to knock the already teetering chair over and deprives you of a workspace.

The floor pile–It prevents walking and causes injury due to hoping, leaping, and climbing.

I’m really warning you because I don’t want you to try out my “beating the winter slump” technique and subsequently blame me for the pile.  I have my own pile to be held accountable for (I’ve been sleeping in the fetal position for a week), so I can’t take on yours too.

Enjoy!

And just in case you’re looking for spring shoes to buy and try, check out the Barefoot Tess Classic Flat