Cropped Jackets for Spring

 I know the weather is a little all over the place BUT spring is on the way. Is your closet ready??One of the first things you want to look for is your spring jacket. When the weather turns just warm enough, it’s time to ditch that puffy jacket and wool coat. It might still be cool enough to warrant a jacket which is why you need to find your spring jacket and get it ready for use!

Now, maybe you are in the market for a new jacket. Perhaps your spring jacket from last year no longer fits or you may have even lost it! Maybe your spring jacket is several seasons old and worn and you’re ready for something new. If this is the case, there is plenty to choose from online and in stores now. If you’re looking something that’s on trend, try a cropped jacket. The cropped jacket is on point this season and available in a variety of fabrics, colors and styles. From denim to leather and moto to collarless, you have a wide variety of options available this Spring to find the fit that’s right for you!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of your options, let me help to narrow it down a little for you by highlighting the options available now at Banana Republic!  Check out these spring jackets that can easily go from work to playground to date night. The versatility of these crop jackets are part of the appeal. Pieces that can be mixed and matched in multiple scenarios, go further in your wardrobe and are a more appealing buy. Check out these options for styles that will work with what you already have in your wardrobe for spring.

Peplum Boucle Jacket

Spacedye Wool-Blend Peplum Jacket

Cotton Short Biker Jacket

Ponte Peplum Jacket

Black Leather Moto Jacket

What you need this fall...

Must have items for this Fall/Winter:

As the seasons switch over and we change out our wardrobe, you might start to think about what’s trendy now and which of these items should you be incorporating into your wardrobe. If you haven’t already started adding to your fall wardrobe, now might be a great time! The temps are getting chillier and days are getting shorter. If you’re anything like me, the energy and optimism of summer has faded and we’re buckling down for winter. Ok, it’s not all bad. Clearly I have a preference for summer. But I know that there are plenty of you who look forward to the fall chill, the change of season, first snow fall, skiing, ect. So let me help you to tune into the current trends and find pieces that compliment your wardrobe.

Moto & Bomber Jackets

The moto jacket was a staple piece last year and it’s not going anywhere fast. So if you didn’t pick one up last year, now is the time! These jackets come in all kinds of fabrics, cuts and price points. They are everywhere. You basically have no excuse for not picking one up.

As for where to wear it…. almost anywhere. Work, weekend, date night….this versatile jacket works with jeans, pants, skirts/boots, pump, flats. Take any outfit from simple to chic with just a jacket.

The bomber jacket is the newest jacket trend this season. It is quickly becoming increasingly popular and varied in color and detail. This jacket is a perfect example of an older style coming around again. If you are looking for something new to add to your wardrobe that quickly updates what you already have, add a bomber jacket!

Zara Suede Effect Jacket

Zara Biker Jacket

Zara Quilted Bomber Jacket

Zara Metallic Bomber Jacket

Velvet/Suede

Similar to styles, fabrics can also be subject to trends. We started to see the incorporation of suede (especially in accessories) last year. We are seeing it more this season in all colors and styles. In addition to the suede craze, velvet is making an appearance as a must have for fall/winter 16. From shoes, to dresses, blazers and more, velvet will be big (especially this holiday season).  Black velvet is always classic so if you’re looking for a piece that will last in your wardrobe this might be a good choice.

Sam Edelman Hazel Pointy Toe Pump

Joie Mehira Velvet One Button Blazer

Ruffles

Ruffles add a dimension of femininity to your outfit. Ruffles can be added to a plain t-shirt or an evening dress. Just make sure that the placement of ruffles works for your body type and your sense of style. One example is the longer ruffle sleeves you find on tops currently. Depending on your body type these ruffles might not be the most flattering choice. That doesn’t mean that you can’t participate in the trend, just look for ruffles incorporated in other ways…at the bottom of a skirt for example.

Gibson Bell Sleeve Ruffle Hem Blouse

J.Crew Ruffle Sleeve Top

Marc Jacobs Tie Waist Faille Ruffle Skirt

Metallic & Glitter

Bring on the bling! This trend is just starting out but I anticipate it will pick up for the holidays. Look for a little extra sparkle to incorporated everywhere but especially in accessories this season. I’m starting to see it in shoes (which I love). Metallic threads have been around for a while and if you have any of these pieces now is the time to bring them to the forefront of your wardrobe. Don’t feel like you have to invest in a full on sequin piece. Strategic placement of that extra sparkle can go a long way.

Topship Floral Jacquard Plunge Minidress

Tory Burch Fleming Leather Shoulder Bag

Christian Louboutin Iriza Half d'Orsay Glitter Pump

With all of these trends, being able to incorporate them into your wardrobe has everything to do with knowing what works best for your style and body type. These trends come in all shapes, sizes and styles. Pick the one that works best for you. Don’t feel like you can’t participate because one particular piece is not for you. Be creative!

Commuter Style

I had to commute into Boston last week for training. I used to work downtown so I am use to taking the commuter rail into Boston from the suburbs. But I have to admit that it’s been several years, and over time I have forgotten what it’s like to be a commuter. Being on the train last week brought back a bunch of memories... both things that I missed (time to read) and things that I did not miss (standing the whole ride to work when no seats are available!). 

Commuters taking public transit have a different set of elements to keep in mind when getting dressed for work. As a commuter, I missed my high heel pumps and flowing skirts. They just weren’t practical. I had to be more efficient and smart about my wardrobe choices.

These days I drive to work. I can throw all kinds of stuff in my car to have at my disposal. I keep an umbrella in my car so I don’t have to worry about remembering one. I even bring two jackets with me sometimes because it’s a lot colder the morning and heats up in the afternoon! This is clearly not efficient!

So here are a few tips for the commuter ladies on how to best dress for both comfort and style A public transit commute to work is not an excuse for poor wardrobe choices! You can be both cute and practical. I promise!

Shoes: Clearly my 4 inch pumps are not going to cut it for a commute that requires walking, trains, shuttles ect. There are plenty of cute flat options out there but don’t discount the wedge heel. The wedge can give you the added height you might be looking for, elongate your leg and make your calves look fabulous… all while being comfortable for your feet. Whether it’s a sandal or a bootie, the wedge heel can be just the right option for your commute!

Banana Republic Angela Pointed Toe Flat

Sole Society Laurie Wedge

Skirts: There is nothing worse than having your adorable full skirt rise up over your head when a big gust of wind comes your way! Commuters know that gust of wind can come at any moment. It’s best to expect and be prepared for it. This doesn’t mean you have to stick to a pants only wardrobe. Bring on the skirts but keep them close-fitting. Styles that fit closer to your body including A-line and Pencil will work best for your commute. Stay away from full skirts, pleats or a gathered waist as these styles can be easily swept away.

Banana Republic Gerber Daisy Pencil Skirt

J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Bi-Stretch Cotton

White: It’s really hard to stay clean on the way to work when taking public transit. You come in contact with so many things (smoke, dirt, unknown substances) that could potentially leave a mark, that it’s really hard to justify wearing white. This is particularly hard for me as I love white in the summer… white jeans, white shirts, white blazer, white dress, you name it, I love it. But I hate the idea of having a smudge on my beautiful white. So for purposes of the commute, I advise against. Any white that you can protect with a jacket is a go but the rest is better saved for the weekend.

Jacket/Layers: New England weather can be downright crazy. It can be overcast, rainy and cold on the way to work and bright, sunny and hot on the way home. How are you supposed to dress for this?!  The answer lies in jackets and layers. Before I started commuting into Boston I invested in a new rain jacket. This wasn’t just any rain jacket. It is a little longer waterproof jacket (covering my butt) which has a detachable hood and a detachable inner quilted lining. I knew I need one versatile piece that could cover multiple weather scenarios. It also helps to dress in layers. Wear a blazer over a lighter blouse or shell. Wear a scarf that can add warmth when needed and easily be discarded when it gets too warm. Putting a little thought into your wardrobe can make it a lot easier for you to be prepared for all the changes New England weather has to offer!

Banana Republic Raw Edge Tweed Moto Jacket

Eddie Bauer Women's Girl On the Go Insulated Trench Coat

Bags: Having the right commuter bag is an absolute must! You want something that’s large enough to hold all your stuff (phone, wallet, shoes, lunch, ect) but also comfortable to carry and can easily fit on your lap. Tote bags are my personal favorite. If you can find one with a zip closure, that’s the best option to easily getting what you need while keeping things from falling out. Look for one with interior pockets or compartments to keep things organized. Try to find a bag that will make a great all in one. Also, try to take only the things you need for that day. The last thing you want to have to do is carry an extra heavy bag or for that matter, multiple bags!

Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote

Kate Spade New York Cedar Street Medium Harmony