Why Not . . . Prep for Spring?

Having been out of town this past weekend, when I arrived home, I was greeted with the spectacular sight of a green lawn.  It seemed almost as if overnight my grass had miraculously turned lusciously green and was promptly begging to be manicured. So . . . I was more than eager to pull out my lawn-mower and appease it.

Yes, spring has officially begun, and with the first hum of the mowers buzzing throughout the neighborhood, it also gives us all an opportunity to make this the best spring yet.  Whether it be with regards to our homes, wardrobes, beauty, health or yard and gardens, spring offers the motivation to get busy and make things happen. Below are twelve ways I have found useful in my quest to help prep for spring.
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When to Splurge, When to Save

Whenever I receive sample sale email reminders in my in-box, my shopping instinct gets a bit tingly and excited I must confess.  And the main reason is that top design houses are giving an opportunity to purchase potential investment pieces at shockingly reduced prices.

However, during the rest of our shopping adventures, we must make up our minds – what is worth spending a very pretty penny on and what is not.

The key to keep in mind is that the foundation pieces, the skeletal system of your wardrobe, should consist of quality fabrics and tailoring. These items, if you want them to go the distance and always look fabulous, are going to be pieces that will cost more, but will be worth it in the long run (remember cost per wear?).

On the flip side, those items that only are worn one season and never pulled from the closet again, or can look just as striking as a faux, are okay to scrimp on. 

Below is a list of items to save up for and items to not break the bank over.  As always though, there are exceptions, so I have made a list of limbo items that might go either way depending on the situation.

Splurge/Investment Pieces:

jeans
dresses/skirts
suits
sweaters (cashmere)
coats/jackets – winter & seasonless
shoes (work, flats, boots)
dress pants
couture
bras
handbags

Limbo

panties
sneakers
exercise clothes
classic button up shirts
pajamas
vintage
scarves
jewelry
swimsuit
shoes (occasional)

Save

trends
t-shirts
belts
hosiery/socks
shorts

Do share what items I may have forgotten, as I’m always looking to learn from my fellow fashionistas.

Image: Southern Sophisticate

A Few Essentials

Every women’s wardrobe is a statement of whom she wants to be, is becoming or has established herself to be. However, there is a growing list of essentials that any wardrobe needs at its foundation.  Here are a few to look for this weekend if you are going shopping, or to add to your shopping list if you are still saving up.  And remember, multiples of something you love or wear often are never an indulgence, but a requirement.  After all, walking out of your home confident in how you look radiates to those around you and causes people to take notice for the right reasons. To demonstrate, I’ll let Diane, Audrey, Jennifer and Gisele do the talking.

 

 

A great black dress that shows just enough of your best assets, but reveals the unmistakable classy lady that you are.(Image Source)We hear it every year, a trench coat is an absolute must, and they say it for a reason.(Image Source)

A black or dark brown leather jack that hits at the waist.(Image Source)

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T-shirts for layering, casual outfits and and don’t forget comfort. (Image Source)

 

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  A neutral colored wool coat. (Image Source)

 

 

Flats with jeans or with capri pants or whenever you want to give your feet a breather from your Jimmy Choos.

Scarves for all seasons.(Image Source)

 

Boots, with or without a heel to get through the winter months in style.