Dear Diary,

Spring appears to be rapidly approaching. (How is that possible? In NYC, I don’t think we have even hit winter quite yet, but who’s complaining?) So now is a good time to start preparing for our spring wardrobes. I will soon be getting my spring clothes from last year out of storage and putting my winter clothing back in its place, keeping the transitional pieces on their designated hangers. And this Spring, fashion will be such a fun time to express our personalities, as we set aside dark colors and bring out the brightest brights we own!

For those of us who tend to be a bit afraid of color, fear not! Designers have shown us that it’s fine to wear continue wearing black in spring 2012, as long as you don’t go overboard. If you work in a corporate atmosphere, there is nothing wrong with wearing your suiting year round. But, introducing some colored shirts or costume jewelry or shoes to your day to day style will help you look and feel more appropriate for spring weather.

Designers brought us so many treasures during Fashion Week Spring 2012, that it can be a bit overwhelming to decide which pieces or looks to integrate into our wardrobe. When I say this, I am not suggesting that you run out and buy couture. When designers send their show pieces down the runway, they want them to be an inspirational idea, realizing these clothes are something that few can afford. While the high price tag of these couture gowns deters many, the inspiration is free. Couture then becomes something that real women like us can interpret into our everyday wardrobe selections from ready to wear collections, in ways that work perfectly with our own individual styles and budgets.

So, during this transition from winter to spring and from 2011 to 2012, we need to first consider what is going on with our existing wardrobe and what pieces to bring forward.

What winter pieces are considered to be transitional?

Generally speaking, spring is filled with lighter fabrics and lighter colors. Set the over-sized sweaters aside and keep some of these necessities:

Jeans (Skinny and Wide Leg)

Light Sweaters (thin over-size cardigans are great for chilly spring nights)

Leggings

Seasonless Suiting Pieces

Oversized T-Shirts

Lighter Weight Winter Coats (Since this has been such an odd winter weatherwise, I don’t want any Mamas putting their winter coats into storage too early!)

Overall, keep out anything that you can see yourself wearing during the weather change. If it is only suitable for cold weather (i.e. your winter coat) then put it into storage, as it will just end up taking space.

Now, Moving on to the Trends!

Colorblocking- This trend was popular during the fall and is still going strong. Colorblocking is essentially wearing blocks of color from head to toe. This can be bit of a bold look for people afraid of color, and though I was hesitant this fall, I have decided that this spring I am going to take on the challenge! Express has some great options for this spring trend, ranging from suiting, skirts, and solid shirts.

Athletic Inspiration- Designers such as Alexander Wang and Narciso Rodriguez sent looks down the runway that were inspired by more athletic looks. Mamas bold enough to embrace this trend will take a piece like a cocktail dress with a slightly more athletic cut to it, and pair it with a sporty belt. Floral and patterns have rebounded into the athletic look as well.

Lady, Lady, Lady- The “lady” inspired trend was also popular during the fall and winter and has sprung forward into our spring collections. In the fall, we saw designers send looks down the runway done in dark silks, laces and sheers that were inspired by a more mature, well put-together type of look. This spring, we see this lady-like look in repetition, but in pastels and florals as opposed to darker shades. You can even add simple touches such as high waist skinny belts and long leather gloves (perfect for transitioning from winter to spring!).

Safari Wear- The Safari trend for this upcoming spring basically means integrating safari inspired pieces into your wardrobe. This can be as adventurous as wearing a leopard print dress or as simple as mixing some safari type costume jewelry into your everyday attire! I will probably take advantage of this trend by finally purchasing a pair of safari print flats that I wanted all fall.

Shades of Love- Yes, our favorite color of love is a trend in itself this spring….Pink! Pink in every shade and in every piece of clothing is totally appropriate. You can even double with the trends by colorblocking with shades of pink. It’s all relative! You can wear it from head to toe or just add basic pieces to your wardrobe with blouses or a pair of pink skinny jeans. This is one of those “anything goes” situations, where pink works any day, any time, as long as its being done in a tasteful manner.

Spring 2012 holds lots of options, ladies, so have fun with it. But don’t go out without your shopping list!! (See my previous post, “PROJECT MOTHERHOOD Shopping Techniques”)

Fashionably Yours,

Allison