If you couldn’t tell, I am ready for spring and wearing all of the colors to prove it. I’ve been in quite the color kick lately and I truly think playing around with colors is one of the best ways to get creative with your existing closet. It’s not about going crazy and throwing on every color you own, but more so appreciating and illuminating the simple beauty in each color. Colors can, and have, been done in so many ways, and while there are certain shades that don’t require much work (hi, red <3 ) sometimes it takes a bit of refinement by way of colorblocking and textural contrasts to really make a color sing. Expanding on the sentiments in my last post of pairing winter and springtime colors for transitional weather, this time around I’m taking a more textural approach to mixing and matching winter and spring aesthetics.
Velvet was a huge trend this past winter, and it was one I couldn’t really get into because it seemed a bit too fleeting. That said, I came across this top in the height of the after Christmas sales, and was taken aback by the color. The rich emerald green is a gorgeous shade that is made even more sumptuous in this soft velvet fabric. While I won’t be sporting velvet shoes or blazers anytime soon, I succumbed to this dainty top because it’s a classic, low-key play on the velvet trend that will have more longevity than a pair of velvet pants would. Although a sleeveless top isn’t the most practical piece for a winter closet, I actually have a few fascinator short-sleeved and camisole tops in sequins, silk, and now velvet in my winter wardrobe that I like to wear layered over crisp white buttoned up shirts or thin turtlenecks. These types of tops are perfect for adding a touch of femininity and glamour to a look, not to mention it never hurts to have an extra layer during the colder months. Once the weather warms up I’m planning on wearing this velvet camisole color or layered over top short sleeved t-shirts.
As the weather is currently fluctuating between 30-50 degrees I definitely needed to add a long sleeved layer for this outfit, and I really love the way the bright blue compliments the emerald green. Blue and green are neighbors on the color wheel making them a natural pairing that’s made all the more splendid in rich hues and textures like velvet and embroidery. This colorblocking concept can be recreated in a number of different ways with variations of color pairings. Think yellow and orange, purple and blue, green and yellow, or something like this red silk and pink tweed look from Valentine’s Day. Despite the fact that embroidery was a fall trend last year, this print is traditionally more of a spring/summer style, which I particularly like layered with wintery velvet. This complementary textural pairing has a soft contrast that brightens both fabrics and plays well to the changing of the seasons.
This jacket is an oldie in my wardrobe, but is hands down one of my favorite pieces. I only wear it a few times a year (mostly because I want it to last forever,) but it’s the kind of piece that is so special and eye catching it instantly adds vibrancy and polish to whatever I wear it with. A cropped lady jacket is a timeless separate that every woman should have in her closet. As a layering piece it’s right in-between a cardigan and a blazer. More structural and sophisticated than a cardigan, less masculine than a blazer, a cropped lady jacket is ultra chic layered over tops and dresses, or zipped up and worn as a top itself. A go-to for boosting an outfit with elegance and interest, this type of jacket is the spring/summer equivalent to the statement winter coat.
Black pants are a staple in my closet for anything and everything, and these trousers right here are one of the best pairs of pants I have ever worn. I used to wear J.Crew’s “Minnie pants” slim cut trousers on a regular basis, but as a new convert to the high-rise pants style the Minnie’s low cut waist didn’t feel as comfortable anymore. Enter the Martie, J.Crew’s updated Minnie pant, that is high wasted and machine washable no less. All I’m saying is if you want to feel like Audrey Hepburn, try these pants on. Anyways, one of my favorite outfit formulas for evenings out is my trusty black pants, black shoes, and an interesting blazer/top combo. This flawless formula can go basically anywhere and is my go-to for when I am short on time and haven’t picked out something to wear.
Last but not least, my favorite black heels. In my pre-motherhood life these were solely the shoes I wore with my pant suits. But since determining heels over 3 inches are not for me anymore, now I normally end up in this pair after perusing through my clackers. The sling back style is very retro and totally classic, and obviously the low kitten heel is the easiest of heels to wear. In fact for Inauguration weekend this past January I ended up wearing these shoes for a black tie event. I had so killed my feet dancing around in sky high heels the first evening that my feet were in so much pain the next day it was nearly impossible to wear shoes at all. As I was attempting to strap my sad toes into another pair of sky highs that I had planned for my gown the second night, the Mister in his infinite wisdom advised I wear these and miraculously I was able to gently hobble my way through the evening. He’s a smart guy, that Mister 🙂 To sum it up, a pointed toe kitten heel is one of the most versatile pair of heels to have in your closet that will time and again keep your tootsies comfy and chic at the office or on the dance floor.
