How do you get into the swing of a new season if you don’t want to drop a lot of cash on a few new outfits? Accessorize! This is the fastest way to update your look.

HANDBAGS. Handbags are my personal addiction. I absolutely cannot forego new bags each season. I have so any handbags that it is crazy. Name the color, size or style and the chances are good that I have it.  I have vintage bags that my mother owned and some of my own bags are old enough to be considered vintage.  I use my favorite bags a lot and sometimes they are not always what is considered “in fashion” right then but, I make it my own statement and I enjoy them. This season the “look” is a smaller hand held bag. Top handle bags have some structure and may also have an extra strap so that the bag can do double duty as a cross body or over the shoulder style. The colors are saturated. Prints and patterns are happening for 2017. This really adds impact to your outfit. Flashy hardware adds to the bag’s personality. Leather tassels are in as well as bag charms. Colorful shopper totes are in this season. Many are showing a bag within the bag. The bag can be a clutch or some sort of pouch. Colors complement the tote or often the extra piece is in a print. This is a seriously good idea if you generally carry a lot of stuff. You can put all the important items in the clutch- wallet, keys, phone- and lift the clutch out of the tote when you are leaving the car to run errands  or when you leave  the office for lunch. Don’t be afraid to mix colors and prints. Shapes, as well as  colors and prints add so much to your outfit. You will see a variety of shapes this season. I have seen several bags that have a  circular shape.  Another popular as well as useful item is a phone cross body bag. This makes it so much easier to keep track of where your phone is at all times.

SHOES. Who doesn’t like shoes? But, at this point in my life I have to have fashion with comfort. What a lucky break we are getting this season. Low heels and flats are”in” as well as block heels and wedges. Comfort for sure. Talk about comfort, sneakers are also seen on many of the street style set. Sneakers are being worn with skirts of all lengths as well as dresses, and of course, shorts, pants and jeans. Lace up cut out styles are being shown with block heels and flats. Stilettos are shrinking down and the look is still good. You can also get a pop of color with your shoes and sandals this season too. To pair up with the feminine and glamorous  trends you can pick up a pair of kitten heels.

JEWELRY.  Big and Bold for 2017. Earrings are the statement makers. Not only are the earrings bold, but there are many unmatched asymmetric pairs. Collar necklaces are everywhere. These are not just chokers that we have been seeing. They are collars that show off the collarbone. Rings can be anything from micro diamonds on small bands stacked on the hand to chunky 80’s inspired signet rings. The Anklet is returning.

TASSELS. There are tassels everywhere. They adorn hats, sandals and handbags. Tassels are combined with beads to make choker style necklaces and bold dangling earrings.The colors are bright and festive.

The last Must Have Accessory is SUNGLASSES. If for nothing other than eye health, you should always have sunglasses on. And the bonus is that sunglasses give you instant style. Circular lenses have always been around and this year is no exception. There are some fabulous bold looks out this season. Find a shape to suit your face and in a color to complement your outfit.

And remember, your most important accessory is your smile.

 

Spring is on the way. It is, right? You would not know it looking out my window today. We are having a wild nor’easter! So, what better kind of day to think about Spring clothes and what is in your closet that can make a comeback. There are many trends for Spring 2017 that got their start in 2016.

Last March I was talking about the fresh looks in the cold shoulder styles as well as the sheer fabrications and ruffles. If you were like me, some of these looks were added to your wardrobe. Luckily they are continuing. What a relief! I would hate to retire the tops and sweaters I purchased last spring/summer.

For my first of the season trend blogs I will talk about what to look for and add to your wardrobe. My next blog will be about the accessories to pull it all together. In some cases just the addition of new shoes or a bag or jewelry can transform a look from 2016 to 2017.

The most wearable trends for spring  are:

Denim on Denim. Everyone wears denim so it is always good to see it on the high side of the trends for a season. What is fresh for spring 2017 is Two-Toned Denim. Denim shades are mixed in jackets, jeans,  denim skirts and shirts. There are also patchwork denim jackets and shirts. Some of them are also embroidered which is another big hit for spring.

Logo and Statement Tees. What I have seen so far in magazines and on the internet is so terrific. These tees are not just brand logos but affirmation statements and messages that are personalized and many speak of activism. The range here is quite broad going from feelings of love and harmony to in-your-face statements to make everyone think. My thoughts here are be aware of what you wear and be ready for any comments that may come in your direction.

Statement making sleeves.  I will throw in this category the cold shoulder styles that continue. Off the shoulder and one shoulder in tops and dresses are everywhere. Flash that clavicle and collarbone!   The sleeve itself is also making a statement.  You will see bell sleeves and ruffled sleeves. Just make sure that they done overwhelm you.

Layering your outfit. Tanks showing from under other tops has been in fashion for several seasons now. This can be extended to some dress styles being worn over pants. Actually this can be a terrific trend for when you are traveling. Layer up and your carry on will  hold more clothes for your trip!

Femininity . Dresses are all over. Lace is big as are ruffles in tops and skirts and dresses. Floral prints are in for spring in a big way. Sometimes it is just one bloom. In this category I can throw in embroidery again. Many of the embroideries being done are florals. In this category are all of the sheer styles that are out in tops and dresses. There are also floral printed skirts and pants.

Stripes continue to be strong and you will be seeing many bold shots of color. Stripes are out there in shirts, skirts, pants, shorts.

I think these are your best shots at updating your closet for spring.

Next I will talk about accessories and how they update anything you already own.