MARCH 2005

Put Some Spring In Your Winter Wardrobe

Many of us start experiencing a serious case of spring fever at the end of February. From the beginning of the cold year, we have been saturated with images of pretty sandals, flirty skirts, sun dresses and more. However, reality hits hard when we glance outside. Unless you are lucky and reside in the part of the nation where you can wear flip flops year round, each consecutive snowfall brings you an inch closer to insanity. You start gazing with desire at your summer clothes and silently curse Mother Nature for making you suffer through another 30 degree day.

As you stumble inside covered in snow, it is impossible to ignore the spring fashions as spring/summer catalogs are filling your mailbox. Actually, ignoring them would probably trigger worst consequences. Spring can sometimes come unexpectedly and you would be even more frustrated faced with the realization that you don't like any of your older spring clothes.

The best way to curb your insanity and build your spring wardrobe is to incorporate some new spring pieces into your current winter wardrobe. After all, what can make you smile more than flowers, pretty tops in soft colors and other delicious wearables. The easiest way to put some spring in your apparel is with hair ornaments, belts, handbags, tops and skirts. As much as we love shoes, they are not a good option because wearing them in the snow can be impractical and can also ruin the shoe. Some of the trends for this spring will be anything ethnic (Greek, Far East, Indian), gold, flowers, bohemian, white and snake skin. Pick a trend you like and let's go shopping for spring.

Some of the easiest pieces to work into this snow to spring makeover are accessories. You can start by embellishing your hair with pretty barrettes and sticks. A wonderful site for hair accessories with a Far East flare is www.gaijingeisha.com. Whether you have short hair, long hair or something in between, you will be able to wear one of these creations. The Hira Kanzashi will look glamorous in a high chignon or messy bun. Lucky for us short hair girls, the same site also sells flower barrettes. The silk barrettes can dress up a short pixie cut or add a pretty touch to any other hair style. The soft yellows, pinks and greens are wonderful for spring.

Coral and orange are two of the colors that will be popular this spring, so why not add a new belt that will fit the trend and bring your look into the new season. Surf style is not just for surf girls anymore - just check out www.bettybelts.com to see for yourself. The Sula belt is not only incredible, but it's also madly versatile. It will be the perfect accessory to the boho look if you pair it with a funky cami and/or cardi. You can also wear it as a necklace, you can probably even wear it as a bracelet, and of course you can wear it as a belt with your favorite denim. If you like the Greek trend for spring, you will like the Kosma belt. With its classic Greek key design you can wear it for many years, and if you get the one with white and gold and you'll be covering three trends with one accessory. If beaded belts are not to your liking, the Green Floral Belt at www.ellaina.com may be more your style. Pretty and ultra affordable with the $15.00 price tag, it will update your closet, but won't break your budget.

If you're looking to do more than simply adding a hair clip or a belt to spruce up your look, you can make more dramatic updates with purses, tops, skirts and jackets. A new handbag is always fun to buy, and the right one can help you chase those winter blues away too. The tops and skirts you buy now, you will be able to wear until fall. The jacket can be a great accessory for winter, and will become your summer cover up for those chilly nights.

Gold is so hot right now, and the metallic accessories trend will continue to gain popularity as the season goes on. A gold metallic bag like the one from www.virginthreads.com by Fortheloveofrlh is so luxurious and cool, there is no need to say more. It can be dressed up or down, night out or day at the office, whatever your heart desires. If metallics still remind you too much of your mom's disco days, you can embrace the ethnic inspired trend. The clutch from Misile is bright, colorful and is reminiscent of Indian fabric. Compliment the Indian look a necklace from www.rashiinc.com. The rice pearl necklace is beautiful and exotic. It is bold enough to be the only piece of jewelry you wear.

Although a girl can't wear jewelry alone, you will obviously need some new clothes. When the weather warms up slightly, you will be able to wear a spring skirt with patterned tights without looking silly. However, attempting this while wearing winter boots, will not be successful! This brocade mini skirt from www.ellaina.com has that boho fee and will look great with flesh colored fishnets or flower patterned tights. Pair it with a solid top and you won't overkill the flower theme. To add a splash of color to the outfit, add this bag from www.mynabags.com. It comes in the perfect spring color, green!

The easiest way to add some spring trends into a drab winter look is through tops. The best thing about camis and tees is that you can layer for warmth, but still wear spring colors. Bright and cheery tanks look great under shrunken blazers, and we all have a slew of those, and cardigans. The online boutique www.ellaina.com has many to choose from, in a variety of colors. You can cover up the tank with this great cardigan, also from www.ellaina.com , which will be great for the colder days.

Colder days are quickly ending, and now you have some ideas for updating your winter wardrobe. Keep in mind that Spring can be tricky. You don't want to look like you're a tourist who lost their way to the cruise ship. Keep things current, but remember to keep warm. Happy Shopping!

Anna Stapowicz