Springtime neutrals

I don't know what my deal is, but instead of following the usual springtime drumbeat of FLORALS ! BRIGHTS! PATTERNS!, everything that catches my eye lately is neutral, blush, cream, beige, or gold (like here, for instance).  Revel in the beautiful, chic, blandness with  me, will you?

Nars Dolce Vita lipstick and OPI Did You 'Ear About Van Gogh nail polish.

Cole Haan Air Talia wedge 40.
J. Crew Colorblock cosmetic case.

Madewell canvas zip tote.
Brook Farm General Store organic cotton and linen blanket (less expensive options here).
Sugar Paper Merci thank you notes.
Converse Chuck Taylors in unbleached white.

Hopefully you're not asleep yet.  There's just something simple and beautiful about classics, isn't there?  Sometimes a white shirt is the most standout thing you can wear.  (And if you're a coffee drinker or dropper of foods like myself . . . stock up.)

(Top image via Emerson Fry, where I want everything.)

Spring uniform

The problem with refusing to look at spring clothes because they make me angry is that all of a sudden warmer temperatures sneak up on me, and I can't remember what the hell I'm supposed to wear when I'm not suiting up in winter boots and warm coats.  Getting dressed for normal temperatures feels impossible after a solid six months of woolly-blanket-style outfits.  After I took the dog for a walk this weekend and almost sweat to death in the beautiful sixty-degree weather (note to self: thick sweater and jacket is a bit much in that situation), I took a look at my Spring Pinterest board as a refresher on how to dress when snow is no longer a likely possibility.  It appears that though I may be boring, I am at least consistent.  

Hello, Spring Uniform of neutral sweater, skinny bottoms, choice of comfortable but cute footwear, and fabulous handbags.  Where to get your own pieces: 

White, beige, or blush lightweight crewneck sweater here or here.     

Comfy neutral sneakers here or here . . . 

. . . or cute leopard flats here (with tassels!) or here (or try these espadrilles for a springy feel).

And a fabulous bright bag here or here.  Or here, because we all need more handbags.

(Images: turquoise bag outfit; Converse outfit; leopard flats outfit; Bensimon sneakers.)

Zara shoes

Yesterday evening I found myself with a few extra minutes to spare and ducked into Zara for a quick look-see.  It's nigh impossible to get excited about new spring clothes right now (my StyleUp for today correctly promised that it would be "unseasonably chilly"), so the light tank tops and dresses held very little excitement.  The shoes, however . . . those were a different story.  Four favorites, below:

Studded slingback, $79.90.

Black and white combination heels, $79.90.

Studded strappy sandals, $35.90.         

Polka dot ballerina shoes, $49.90. 

For fellow large-footed friends, most of these look like they only come up to a 40 online, but I saw at least one 41 in the store.  Happy hunting.

PS: expert advice on how to shop at Zara.

Sweaters with an agenda

Perhaps spurred on by this darling (but costly) sweater, I've found myself on the lookout for a cute graphic top that doesn't cost a ton.  Because let's be honest, a sweater with a giant word or a picture splashed across the front of it probably isn't exactly an investment piece.  But it sure would be fun, wouldn't it?  Eight ideas that won't break the bank (and just for kicks, one that likely will):

Hello Red Champ Pullover, $50.

Old Navy Love Pullover, $25.

Homage Insanely Great! Tee, $28.

Asos Vila Pop Sweater, $60.

Stripe by N Bonjour Striped Pullover, $79.

Wildfox Queen of Hearts Sweater, $148 (or a sequin version here).

Asos A Wear Lip Print Sweater, $55.

Hive and Honey Frankie Frenchie Sweater, $59.

Marcus Lupfer Sequin Feather Sweater, the splurge at $435.

(Top image via The Blonde Salad.)

Skirts and pastels and shorts, oh my.

J. Crew's Spring collection has hit the web site . . . 

and this sweater is, as it claims, darling.

See any standouts?  I can't even begin to fathom wearing these airy pieces when the thought of going outside with skin exposed takes my breath away.