February Freeze: life's little mysteries and a big bow

Zinc top, gift

camisole and pearl and chain necklace, Forever 21

JJ Basics cardigan, hand-me-down

trouser jeans, Macy's

Seiko watch, gifted 
 

        Welcome, February! I'm kicking off February Freeze 2013 with this outfit. Last year's February Freeze (roundup here) gave me the opportunity to: a) save money by not shopping, and b) wear many of my closet orphans. I'm looking forward to getting creative with my closet as well as participating in Sarah's Real Life Take One, Pass It On Outfit Remix for a week.
       My first February Freeze pick is this top. I don't wear it much, just because the neckline is ridiculously large, but I do like the bow detail. 
       I wore this (plus sensible black sneakers) to chaperone a field trip to the symphony. The students enjoyed it and it amused me to see many of them start waving their arms in imitation of the conductor! What I particularly appreciated was that the program featured the youth symphony. I think it makes a huge difference to have kids who could be the audience members' big brothers, sisters or older cousins up on stage as musicians - I think it helps the kids in the audience realize that they can pursue their interest in music. Sadly, with the testing craze, music is not a regular offering at school, but more kids need the opportunity to create, not just listen to, music ....

Put a big ol' bow on it!

Life's little mysteries (a.k.a., things I just don't get):

• Why is it that elementary students, if left to their own devices, will hurtle down the hall when the recess bell rings ... yet, on a walking field trip, will dawdle through the crosswalk. I lost track of how many times I said, "Walk faster!" or "Keep up.
•  Why do clothing manufacturers use the most itchy, uncomfortable plastic thread to sew their labels into clothes?  
• Why do clothing manufacturers seem to love making tops with crazily low necklines and/or semi-sheer fabric? I am not a prude by any means, and I do acknowledge that being smaller than average means most things are not cut to fit me, but given the warm weather here, I don't want to layer a camisole under every shirt I own. 

Do you have a little mystery to share? Leave it in the comments!  :)