Spring Style – Chirp Like the Birdies

We have a guest blog with us today!! One of our fav friends, fashionista and writer Leah Gonzato. We know for us here in Texas, Spring may seem just about over due to the hot climate. However most of the world is just experiencing the start of their Spring Season. So here is some excellent tips from Leah!

The Spring Edit

by Leah Gonzato

Springtime is here and we are edging our way into summer. Sadly, I say goodbye to colder weather and my favorite season, which, not surprisingly is my favorite fashion season as well. The budding trees and bright flowers already in full bloom do offer some respite to my gloom at not having had a long winter though. Now is the time for al fresco lunches and dinners, the joy of hearing birds sing and the general splendor of re-birth that only Mother Nature can provide. While Nature provides a colorful spurt of life as a backdrop, we begin to see pops of pastel hues, delicate florals, lace, pearls, stripes and silky fabrics emerge onto the fashion scene. The pronounced ease of Spring dressing is visible, but it also brings a decidedly un-boring and visually interesting aspect to dressing. Winter’s dark and rich colors do not translate well into Spring, so have some fun with an unexpected color, delicate print or chic stripes. Now is the time to get out of your fashion rut, invest in some drapey or flowy slacks, a Navy skirt or powder blue shell for instance. Black and white combinations work well together, and offer convergence during the Winter to Spring weeks. Insist on finding two bottom pieces that you are comfortable in, no matter what your budget is. If you do, you will find you have a copious amount of wardrobe options. Your clothing should be free and not too tight, nor should it be too dark in color. Springtime trumpets, let me out, let me be free!

Enjoy adding unexpected touches to your outfits, such as a statement necklace with an African or Indian vibe, or try a pretty brooch or pendant confidently pinned on your sweater. Experiment with romantic blouses under pastel jackets, carry a cheery clutch. One of my favorite Spring looks is one that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion: flowy pants, a feminine camisole or blouse, maybe even colored lace, (which is quite de rigueur at the moment), and a long sweater, preferably one that stops just past the elbows. Check out the Spring Summer Runway Show from French fashion house Les Copains on their website for some beautiful examples of this chic look. Their predominately black and white color palette allows for seamless Winter to Spring fashion transitions for those in colder climates.

Spring also invites us to bring out those bracelets and cuffs that have rarely come out all winter, as well as the punchy silk scarves reserved for warmer temperatures and maybe even Navy blue pumps or even espadrilles if the weather dictates. Another favorite look is a floral skirt with a crisp white button up shirt. This can be worn with any type of shoes, from ballerina flats to pumps or even wedges. The key to dressing for this season is to look put together. When layering clothing, sometimes it takes two or three tries to get it right. Remember you cannot ever go wrong with cream or white colored blouses, they literally go with everything, If floral skirts are not your thing, try a prairie skirt or a Navy pair of slacks. If you feel too buttoned up in a jacket, try a trimmed sweater casually worn over jeans and your favorite tee. You could add some dangling earrings, pile on the bracelets, and switch your black and chocolate brown purses for softer hues. Invest in navy, beige, nude, pink (yes pink!) peanut brown and green bags.

Another side of Springtime Fashion is the more casual approach. Sporty stripes are totally of the season, and they were all over the runways. If stripes really scare you, try vertical stripes, or stripe trimmed pieces. There are so many striped pieces out there at the moment, there is something for everyone. Stripes are great because they convey ease and sophistication, and they can easily be dressed up or down too. One of my favorite trends is the striped shirt or skirt with sneakers. Sneakers have become totally acceptable as a daytime fashion option. Some brands offer hidden heels and softer colors that can be pared with much more than athletic wear. Another key look to keep your eye out for is embroidery. Embroidered details on shirts, jackets, dresses, denim and shoes were all the rage at Gucci’s Spring Summer runway show. Check out their pieces and look for more affordable alternatives while you shop. Yet another trend everyone is talking about it is denim, it is having a major comeback right now. Everyone should invest in a denim shirt. They are so on trend and they look effortlessly updated on just about everyone, my favorite denim shirt this season is the Bardot Shirt from Cabi, see below. This shirt looks great with leggings and heels. Denim pairs well with chunky silver jewelry too, so have fun with Native American Indian, Mexican inspired or edgy silver pieces as well. African and Indian inspired touches are always welcome updates to your ensembles too. One last trend that cannot be overlooked is the universally flattering long vest. This is the perfect trend to play around with the “Sporty chic” aesthetic. These look quite smart paired with leggings too, as well as the aforementioned snappy sneakers. If you can get a vest that hits mid thigh to lower, you will find you can wear it with any leggings. Then pair with a snappy scarf or wedges (if sneakers are not your thing) and you are ready to go, day or night!

Lastly, the most wonderful aspect of Spring Fashion right now is ease and comfort. The buttoned up, stiff aesthetic of years past is long gone. A new wave of relaxation, happiness and serenity has breezily swept the fashion scene. Aren’t we the lucky ones?