March 18, 2006 08:00 AM
Spring Fever Fashion Update
For about a week, Spring has been teasing us down here in the South. We reached 80 degrees one day, then two days later, it was in the 30s when I drove my kids to school. I'm pretty much used to it, since this is what March and April typically bring to my part of the country. But as I speak with friends about the unpredictable weather we face each morning, this weather talk always seems to lead to this statement: "What the heck am I supposed to wear now?"
For me, the problem is even larger than that. Although with a bit of planning (as in, checking Weather.com the night before and selecting clothes for the next day) I could be appropriately dressed each day, my dilemma lies in closet space. Two years ago, I purchased an older home because of character, property (almost four acres), and location. I definitely did not purchase this home for the closet space, because it has almost none. So at the end of each season, I fill a bunch of big, plastic tubs with clothing I won't need for a while, then I stack the tubs in my basement. Yet whenever I rotate my wardrobe, it's inevitable that the weather will completely change the next day, and I'm in the basement digging through the tubs for clothes.
Regardless of the weird weather over these next few weeks, though, spring is definitely coming, and I NEED NEW CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES! I should blame this ivillage article for my sudden, desperate need for a new spring wardrobe. I have been thinking about the wedge sandals and handbag they feature in that article for a week. But as much as I want to shop for new stuff as spring arrives, I just can't bear the thought of doing it. Oh don't get me wrong, I love getting new stuff. It's the actual driving to the store, fighting for the parking space, eating gross food court lunches, digging for my size part that make me crazy. Luckily, I can do at least some of my shopping online.
Today I decided to go looking for some spring and summery stuff on Spiegel, and found this adorable mother-of-pearl handbag, this linen loafer, this linen blazer, and this buttoned tee.
I also stopped by Newport News, and by that time, I was bored with neutrals and wanted something a little different. These brocade pumps almost made me drool, and the $29 price tag and availability of size 5 1/2 mean mama's getting new shoes today! Also a great bargain for nights out on the town with dh or girlfriends: this beaded handbag with a chain strap. Someone also pointed me to the Scarlet Beautiful site and I don't think I can resist the adorable retro-style tees. They'll be perfect with capris and sandals this summer.
Finally, I had to stop by the Ann Taylor Loft site, since about half of my wardrobe comes from the store, thanks to their fabulous petite offerings. I've been dying for a pair of the longer-style walking shorts, and this entire outfit really caught my eye. I'm also attending a beach wedding in June, and this dress might just be perfect for that event.
If you know have any online spring fashion finds, share them in the comments area!
Comments
I, too, live where we've already had 80's, only to have frost a few days later. My solution? Jackets! I wear short sleeve shirts year round and add a sweater or jacket as needed. This wardrobe habit started years ago from teaching school in a building with steam heat. We had no control over the temperature in our rooms, as the thermostats never worked correctly. The only thing anybody could do was open and close windows and take a jacket on and off as needed.
Posted by: Dirty Butter at March 18, 2006 10:36 AM
Wow - that sounds so familiar - only here we're making the transition into winter!
*sigh*
I found that layering is quite cool, and here [not sure bout there] all the displays in the shops seem to be layered as well....! Its actually very convenient to be nice and warm in the morning, and just peel away the layers as the temperature rises during the day. I doubt if this will solve your wardrobe problem though - good luck with that - ;)
Posted by: danette at March 18, 2006 03:39 PM
all I know is that I am definately buying those cute wedgie sandals for Spring.. gotta have those, remind me of jr. high! Yes, my dog is my 'Golden Girl.' she is 8 years old!
Posted by: mommy on the verge at March 20, 2006 01:05 AM
Spiegal is dangerous!
Posted by: vera at March 20, 2006 10:00 AM
