It was a rainy Saturday morning, and I had some good coffee, a White Collar marathon to watch, and a pile of the new February magazines. I was lost to the world, and a very happy girl.
February is typically a transition from winter to spring, which means you can find anything from sweaters to bathing suits in stores and magazines. Designers and stores are gearing up for warmer weather and brighter colors, even though the weather still calls for boots and furry accessories.
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, this is the season to show love to your entire wardrobe. Mix up your winter and spring pieces to stay current, but warm too. My favorite right now: a flowery, flowy dress with a soft cardigan and boots. Also, try your plaid button down with a sweater vest and tweed shorts. Mixing up your lighter spring fabrics with your wool and tweeds from winter gives a nice combination of textures, the perfect cure for a boring winter uniform.
I predict that Spring 2010 will see the comeback of pastels. They’ve been relegated to bad Easter outfits and the AARP crowd for a few years, but they’re back, and they’re fresh. My pick: lilac. I celebrated spring by picking up Essie’s Neo Whimsical, which sums up this year’s take on pastels. Fresh, flirty, and innocent, but with a new edge. Even your favorite Uggs will be lightening up for spring with a fun, new lilac shade
On that note, let me add that purple has been in for what, 5 seasons now? If you haven’t gotten the memo yet, go get some purple! There are shades that flatter every skin tone, and this gem of a color will be your best friend year round.
Neons will come in a close second to pastels as the must have colors for spring and summer. There is no better way to perk yourself up after a dreary winter than some bright colors. Juicy Couture’s line of accessories feature bright yellows, greens, blues, and pinks.
Structure will still play a big role in the coming seasons, especially in accessories. I fell in love with the bright yellow oval clutch from Ferragamo in InStyle this month, but sadly, I can’t find a picture of it anywhere. I’ll keep my eyes peeled. I also love Bottega Veneta’s Intrecciato Clutch in Apple.
Balmain struck the perfect pitch least season with its structured blazers and military jackets. 
Photos have shown up in magazine after magazine for month after month and they’re so gorgeous I’m still not tired of looking at them. A structured blazer is a fantastic transition piece that will go with your sundresses as well as your wool trousers. Have a couple structured go-to pieces and you’ll always look put together and polished, even if you grabbed your blazer on the way out the door. I’m on the lookout for a white blazer for summer this year.
Good news for you tough chic gals, gladiator sandals are not going away. There are even more styles and colors to choose from, so you still can’t go wrong with some serious straps and studs. Lighten them up for spring by choosing a lighter neutral, like gray, cream, or mushroom, like Fergie’s Renegade (left). Can’t wait til summer? They’ll still look great with tights right now.
Long shoulder bags are the new clutch, like the 3.1 Phillip Lim bags I’ve seen everywhere except Google images. (What is up with that anyway? There are a billion pictures on the internet, but somehow Google still can’t keep up with my insatiable need for new fashion…) I love these tiny bags because they are perfect for everything, from an outdoor concert to a party dress, but they don’t take up one of your hands.
Last but not least, punk rock lives on. On my shopping list for spring is a studded jean jacket. I used to be morally opposed to jean jackets (remember the square versions from the early nineties? shudder…) D&G and Hollister are among the many to bring the jean jacket into the new decade with slim cuts and fun embellishments.
Spring is all about fun colors and feminine details this year. Its a time to reinvent your look and shake up your style. Break out the florals and ruffles and enjoy the warm weather!
Ritz Brits 