Take Winter to Spring in 2011

This time of year I always itch to bring out my brighter colors and spring dresses. The sun comes out to play little by little teasing and taunting. I catch that glimpse of sunlight and hold onto dear hope that I can get out there and declare SPRING through my wardrobe, but a last it is still winter and the daylight runs short, clouds still hug to the sun, and even with the short glimpses of sunlight the days still feel stiff and often chill. I often make the mistake of grabbing my sandals to soon, bearing those ghostly snow white feet, bringing discomfort upon myself. I weigh the options of dresses and shorts, do I dare. Why should the weather decide for me, I constantly ask myself staring out at the sky, who cares what it looks like, I declare to myself, feeling liberated I boast to myself; I am a girl who does not play by the rules, I'll wear whatever I gosh darn want! Sheesh, haven’t I already worn these dreary winter clothes long enough! 10 weeks into this California winter and I’m ready to embrace change and all the NEW 2011 Spring Trends! And then that's when I catch myself thinking of how uncomfortable one can become when it's 55 degrees out and your wearing a spring dress and cute little sandals with nothing but sunglasses on your head to keep you warm, it's then I sigh, take a deep breath and yell out, "Dad! What's the weather look like out there?" "I wanna make sure I dress right?" ....oomph, do I hear myself, I wanna dress 'right', what kinda term is that? As I over analyze myself for a moment, I take this to mean, I don't wanna run around in shorts and wedges having people look at me like I'm crazy, or I guess I'll settle for warm clothes because I'm becoming dull and just want to be comfortable. You can see how a girl who is ready for spring, would have quite the time preparing myself for the world as I get ready to leave the house. Well I'm not a girl who settles (not when it comes to compromising over outfits and style anyway) so this is the time of year I like to get real creative in putting myself and others together. As a friend once shared, to be great you don't think out of the box, you think as though there is no box! So with that said I began to throw open my drawers, closet doors, boxed up spring clothing, and my wallet, to dive in and get working on my Sprinter or Winning 2011 look, and to share with all the other Spring & Summer hopefuls you too can have your cake and eat it too!

This spring Rag N' Bone hit NY's fashion week with a stir. Layering jeans and pants with dresses, coats, and scarves. Score! This is definitely a Winning look for 2011. We all don't have the cash to throw down on a new wardrobe, so this is an exciting way to reinvent what you already own.





News Flash: This layering effect of dress and pant can be done in such a way that it's flattering on just about all figures.



If your short and curvy, try a tunic rather than a dress which should hit right below the back bottom pockets of your pants, try a skinny jean and tuck into a heeled boot.

For all heights layer with Everyday Cardigans and coats, experiment with lengths and layers and always remember to accessories, these are what we use to express personal style. The watch, hat, or size rings you wear are what people identify your personal style by, so don't leave home without  them.

This example brings me to my next crossover season trend, OTK!!! Translation: Over The Knee Boots (Insert Squeal here) I love the OTK trend, and how much you can do with them. Take your ordinary mundane outfits and PRESTO live in them up. These babies can be worn with dresses and tights to go from winter to spring, layer with thick coats for chilly days and lighter worn sweaters for higher temps. Pair them up with a matching jacket same shade and fabric and it's an excuse not to have to match everything that sits in between, just grab clothing that fits well, and it's like instant Style, Whaa-Bam!

I personally prefer my OTKs to sit on a 5 inch Stiletto heel, but your girl’s 5'3" and has been rocking the heels since 15 so my stiletto skills are polished. You'll find what works for you. If you’re looking to invest, which I encourage, grab a pair with a wedge or heel, they are slightly dressier and you will feel more comfortable wearing them in other seasons than just winter & fall. In case you don't already know BE SURE to try them on & walk around. OTKs are a little tricky, the whole leg has to fit, not just the shoe size.



Here is Kim Kardashian in her OTKs, wearing them by day.



And now taking this trend by night.

Lastly for this ‘Sprinter’ Update, what is style without some true kick and punch? My fav look from Summer to Fall and now from Winter to Spring is drum roll please....dunta dunta duhhh... leggings and shorts, what's not to love? It's off beat, a little hipster sure, a little scene maybe? But all in all I love this look because the only ones BOLD enough to rock it, get it right, my newest eye catching variation of this look is shorts with knee highs & oxfords, or knee high sox over leggings and combat boots for colder days. This style carries a one-two like no other trend I've spotted this ‘Sprinter’, and I love how soft and hard you can make it, which means it's yours to play with, if you've got what it takes: creativity and a whole lot of courage.

Well that about wraps it up...keep your style soulful and polished.

Peace & Love,

Melinda Kristine