Spring is here! Ok, I know, I heard… 6 more weeks of winter. But this is not true for retail. Winter is done. Spring is here. If for some reason you don’t believe me, try buying a pair of gloves or a winter hat in stores. If you even find these items it will be in select styles, not a lot of choices. For retailers, the cold weather accessories have been put away and they are taking out the swimsuits! I’m not kidding. February vacation is around the corner and you’ll soon be shopping for that warm weather trip. The stores are banking on it.

But even if you don’t have a beach vacation on the horizon, you may still be getting a little tired of your winter wardrobe. As the days start getting longer and we begin to see the sun again, we’re all thinking of hitting refresh on our closets. We can’t help it. Mentally we’ll soon be done with winter. But wait, the temps haven’t quite caught up yet, so what’s a girl to do?

Well, you can absolutely find ways to incorporate that new spring item in your winter wardrobe. Many of these pieces can be easily combined with soft cashmere sweaters, blazers, scarves and tights to add a little extra warmth until the temps catch up with our spirits. And you’ll find that the early spring trends are in line with what you might expect and even in some cases, what you might already have in your closet from last season. What are we seeing so far? Well, off the shoulder is not going anywhere. Pastels and floral prints are in full swing. I’m also seeing lots of ruffles and loose flowing styles. Overall spring is feminine, soft and inviting.

If you need some inspiration, I’ve pulled a few of the new arrivals from J. Crew, Banana Republic and Anthropologie to give you some ideas. Get ready to pull out the items you put away last spring… you’ll be wearing them before you know it!

J. Crew Striped Long Sleeve Off the Shoulder Top

J. Crew Ruffle Trim Top in Striped Cotton Poplin

Anthropologie Embroidered Stripes Blouse

Anthropologie Nautical Patchwork Tunic Dress

Spring in New England is always rainy. And every year, I struggle with the right boots and jacket for the weather. I've lived here my whole life and you would think that by now, I would have it down. Well, I don't. I have a handle on winter. I have perfected my winter gear over the years. But spring has always been a struggle for me. Several years ago I did buy a pair of hunter boots that have come in handy when the rain is overwhelming. But it's that drizzle rain and damp air that seems to catch me off guard every year.

This year I purchased the Sperry Top-Sider Saltwater Snow Boot. I love them! They are a short waterproof boot that is easy to slide on and off and very comfortable. These boots are great for commuting in wet weather. They are a lot less bulky than my tall hunter boots and easy to wear with my dress pants when commuting to work. (Yes, I'm one of those girls who changes her shoes when she gets to work. I'm not going to ruin my good shoes in bad weather!)

Hunter Women's Original Tall Gloss Rain Boots

A couple of years ago I purchased an insulated rain coat from Eddie Bauer. It's turned out to be a great investment! The detachable interior lining is great for colder temps and can be removed when spring starts to get warmer. The hood is also detachable which is a feather I always look for in functional coats/jackets. It's machine washable with a comfortable and flattering fit.

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

So now's the time to start looking into that new Spring gear! I'm so ready for those warmer temps!

Spring Is In The Air

Spring is coming! Do you have your boots ready?