May is Full of New Arrivals

The current weather pattern that we’re experiencing in New England makes it difficult to believe that it’s officially May. If I close my eyes, I picture May with blooming flowers, sunny skies and warmer temperatures. While that is not our current reality, retail hasn’t planned for the gloom and cold we’re experiencing. So in stores, it’s May in all it’s glory.

The spring trends are in full force and we’re getting a glimpse of what’s in store for summer. Jumpsuits and rompers everywhere. Lots of floral prints still available as well as bright bold patterns. Details are everything. We’re seeing ruffles, peplum, fringe and embroidery in many key pieces this season. We’re also seeing lots of belts on display.

If you’re unsure of how to incorporate these trends into your wardrobe, start with personal preference. What would you be comfortable wearing? What goes well with what you currently have in your closet? Trends seems to come full circle so you may already have pieces that match this season’s trends.

My suggestion would be to find a statement piece that you could work with for multiple occasions. A versatile piece is key to purchasing something trendy. Take for example the tiered maxi dress in blue stripe pictured below. This maxi dress can be dressed up for dinner out or worn with flat sandals for lunch with your best friend. Where else are you going? The farmers market, Sunday brunch, drinks with friends, afternoon tea? I always feel that I’m more likely to be out and about in warmer temps and my wardrobe reflects that. Figure out what occasions or events you may have that you would need clothes for. Do you go to dinner/drinks with friends and sit outside? Do you meet friends for lunch? Do you go to events at your kids school or daycare? Do you attend fundraising events? All these things will play into the type of wardrobe you need and what clothes you buy to get there.

Maybe you’re looking for something a little more low key? What about the linen tank top with fringe pictured below? Paired with white cropped pants, cute sandals, statement earrings - perfect for date night. Paired with shorts, cute sandals and a long necklace for a playdate. This one has a lot of options for someone will more variability to their schedule.

Hopefully you’re staring to see how you can be more strategic in your wardrobe choices. Go to your favorite retailer and check out all the May new arrivals to see the latest trends. Below are a few picks from the new arrivals at J. Crew. Happy Shopping!!

Portfolio Dress in Petunia Print

Resume jumpsuit in stretch linen

Spaghetti Strap Ruffle Dress in Tropical Silk

Tiered Maxi Dress in Shirting Stripes

Linen Tank Top with Fringe

Point Sur Allover Pointelle Crewneck Sweater

Flutter-sleeve top with embroidered trim

New Arrivals Catching My Eye

New Arrivals in retail are starting to trend towards fall. Colors are getting deeper and fabrics are getting thicker. There is still a touch of summer thrown in for those of usnot yet ready to move on. (I fall into this category.) But I can appreciate the trend towards fall and look towards incorporating these pieces into my current wardrobe.

The new arrivals at J.Crew are distinguished by their detail. Ruffles, bows, pleats and patterns set items apart and make them standout items in your wardrobe. Pair them with simple items to make them standout. Pair them with other distinct items to make a statement outfit!

These latest new arrivals from J.Crew are catching my eye! I've been wearing a lot of blue lately so maybe I'm biased but regardless there are plenty of colors and patterns available for all preferences. A few of my favorites are listed below. Check out the full list of new arrivals here.

One Shoulder Bow Top in Stripe

Ruffle Chino Jacket

Merino Wool Cold Shoulder Sweater

Wrap Around Tie Skirt in Shirting Stripe

Spring Cleaning in February

Can you believe this gorgeous weather we're having? Just in time for February vacation when families head out for vacations to either get away from the cold or enjoy it. However, even if you haven't gone away this week, you're still in for a treat with warmer weather that makes you believe spring just might not be too far away.

This warm weather will get you thinking about your spring wardrobe. And if you have gone way to a warm weather location, you've actually had to pull out your spring/summer wardrobe. That makes this a great time to start spring cleaning your closet. Before you even pull out the clothing that has been stashed away all winter, clear out the winter items that are taking up space. If you haven't worn it all season, what are you waiting for? It might be time to let those items go.

As you start to filter through the warm weather items that you stashed away last fall, be critical. If any of those items have stains or rips or holes where they are not supposed to, get rid of them. Try things on if you're not sure how they will fit. If there's an item that you haven't worn in the last year, ask yourself why you're holding on to it. Be critical of your wardrobe and only keep the items that you will wear and that will flatter you. Don't be afraid of having a small wardrobe. You might think it's better to have more choices but that's not necessarily true. They have to be good choices for you.

I just got back from a quick trip to Peru. I filtered through my summer wardrobe quick and only pulled the items that I really liked and felt would be the most versatile and flattering. This ended up being mostly dresses, which are great for a warm weather location as they don't require a lot of coordinating and can go from day to night with ease. But it also made me realize that I probably need to go back and check my inventory on pants and skirts. I know I have a few tops that I love for spring/summer but had trouble pulling bottoms that I thought would easily pair. I didn't have time before my trip to be critical of these items but I know that this is something I need to look at as the weather gets warmer. If the pants I have aren't working for me, it's time to let go of the ones that I have and keep an eye out for something new. I also realized that even though I didn't have time to be critical of my whole warm weather wardrobe before I left for my trip, my quick judgement in picking the items that I thought would work best, told me something about the rest of my wardrobe in my initial reaction to it. Sometimes you don't need to spend a lot of time reviewing what you have. Your first instinct can tell you a lot.

So it's time to start cleaning that wardrobe out! As you filter out what you no longer need or use, you'll be making room for the new trends and arrivals that will complete your spring/summer wardrobe this year!