I complain every spring and fall about the difficulties of transitioning to a new season when the weather isn’t quite there yet.
I recognize that there are bigger problems in the world.
In the scheme of things, this is a pebble in the road. But I have a plan to overcome that pebble.
In the transition weeks between seasons, color is key.
When spring is on the horizon, I start wearing lighter and brighter colors with my dark winter clothes. I also look for the least dark of the darks in my closet. Here, for example, I am wearing a black and white tweed coat with a bright floral blouse underneath. That floral is no poinsettia — it’s time to release the hibuscus!
I am also ready to go without the jacket (in case the temperature goes above 60 degrees) with a short-sleeved sweater.
I’ve traded the corduroy and tapestry bags I’ve been using a lot this winter for a tumbled leather bag.
A few words about the jacket. I found this at Anthropologie a number of years ago. It was a little big; in an inspired moment (inspired by laziness), I tightened the fit by just moving the buttons over two inches. This jacket has a very modest peplum and lantern sleeves, which give it great shape.
Now, for those of you who like details and want to see the layers, and not just listen to me (my imagined voice) drone on about them . . .
Jacket: Anthropologie; Sweater: JCrew; Blouse: Elie Tahari; Pants: JCrew: Boots: 8; Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel
I’m very fond of your layering skills, you’re a master!
Do you just toss on layers willy nilly or is there a method applied?
Perhaps a future post…
Excellent idea, gk! I’ll write something . . . Layering: Theory and Application.
I’m puzzled. You’ve been using tapestry bags all winter? Why? And how did I miss that?
Actually, I am realizing it’s brocade, not tapestry. You can see the bag (an old Kate Spade bag) in the post titled “Space Dye.” I’ve been using it a lot this winter (in my actual life), but it only appears in one post.
I like season transitions. It’s fun to dig a few things out of the out-of-season closet, and put them with things that are in-season.
The big thing I need to focus on now is getting everything woolen off of hangers and out of pockets and drawers, to the dry cleaner and into moth proof bags. Those little pests are relentless and anything that gets left behind will turn into their lunch.
Moths are the guerilla fighters of the domestic theater. I start fretting about them in April and then procrastinate on getting everything into proper storage until late May (sometime post Memorial Day), by which time my anxiety level is through the roof — all of which baffles The Photographer. I am the most ridiculous person! Must. Remember. It’s. Only. Stuff.
I agree. This “pebble in the road” is really tough to navigate. Living in an NYC apartment, most of my warm-weather clothes are in storage right now, so I have to keep my “transition” wardrobe always handy, and somehow work in color. I struggle in the spring transition every single year and just this morning was thinking about how I need to make an effort to buy clothes that help me with this rough time. Thanks for the helpful tips! Blazers are always a great way to make a transition, and I’m a big fan of layering under a blazer and then not needing a coat. #thestruggleisreal #firstworldproblems
I’ll post more on this topic! Like you, I have a handful of transition items that are handy in my primary closet year round. Good transition staples are: a lightweight (silk or similar) dress with long sleeves; lightweight long-sleeved blouses; crew-necks, cardigans and jackets with half-sleeves; a sleeveless dress of heavier weight; jackets made of ponte or dense cotton knit fabrics (like boucle); large scarves made of linen or silk. We’ll just put one foot in front of the other and get through this!
I love that you added a short sleeve sweater over the pink top! Of course, because it reminds me of my lace extender that I’m featuring this week!! In my case, as an accessory junkie, I’d have to add a necklace to the mix!! Great layering!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Thank you, Jodie! I like the extenders.
Kitten, you slay me. That is all.
I have found my purpose on Earth. I was born to write this blog.
Is that your new purse?
The jacket is lovely – the lantern sleeve is almost historic looking! And there are those boots – ever useful!
Hi Sharla — The purse is old — although I did buy the Furla Metropolis, which is a very pretty bag. These sleeves, and others more dramatic, are showing up on everything this spring. It’s such a great silhouette.
Thanks for showing the layers! I would have thought the straps on that lovely blouse would have made your sweater bunch up.
Great outfit!