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

Portfolio Dress in Petunia Print

Resume jumpsuit in stretch linen

Resume jumpsuit in stretch linen

Spaghetti Strap Ruffle Dress in Tropical Silk

Spaghetti Strap Ruffle Dress in Tropical Silk

Tiered Maxi Dress in Shirting Stripes

Tiered Maxi Dress in Shirting Stripes

Linen Tank Top with Fringe

Linen Tank Top with Fringe

Point Sur Allover Pointelle Crewneck Sweater

Point Sur Allover Pointelle Crewneck Sweater

Flutter-sleeve top with embroidered trim

Flutter-sleeve top with embroidered trim

An Easy Spring Refresh

Spring cleaning? After a long winter (and let’s face it, they’re all long!) we’re itching to shed the layers and lighten our load. That’s especially true of how we feel about our closets. We’re ready to refresh our wardrobe when the weather starts to get warmer. Not only are we ready but we’re eager!

So what if you’re looking for a few new items to add to your closet for spring? What’s on trend and what makes for an easy wardrobe refresh? How about a new top or two to bring a little spark to your closet? A new top is an easy way to update your wardrobe - the key is to find the right top that works in your existing wardrobe - you want to maximize the versatility of your purchase!

When we think about a typical spring wardrobe, there are some consistencies we expect to see which include pastels, florals, ruffles, lace and lightweight fabrics. This season we continue to see the same consistent styles. These tops are feminine and romantic. Whether paired with jeans, a skirt or trendy wide leg pants, these tops can be worn to brunch, dinner out or the next school function.

Keep in mind that New England spring weather is the perfect example of inconsistency. The temperatures can range from 30’s to 70’s in just one day! So you might need long sleeves at the beginning of the week and then slide into something sleeveless by the end of the week. Keep your closet filled with a variety of options to meet the changing needs of Mother Nature this season.

One great place to start is the Friends and Family sale at Bloomingdales this weekend! Find fantastic options in spring tops at a discount! If you’re looking for some potential additions to your closet…. check out my favorite picks below!

Velvet by Graham & Spencer: Ynez Ruffled Lace Inset Top

Velvet by Graham & Spencer: Ynez Ruffled Lace Inset Top

Parker Quincy Floral Print Blouse

Parker Quincy Floral Print Blouse

Elie Tahari Zandaya Lace Cap-Sleeve Top

Elie Tahari Zandaya Lace Cap-Sleeve Top

1.STATE Ruffled Cold-Shoulder Top

1.STATE Ruffled Cold-Shoulder Top

Kate Spade NY Flutter Sleeve Floral Print Top

Kate Spade NY Flutter Sleeve Floral Print Top

New Arrivals/NewTrends: Springtime

I happen to love warmer weather. I love my spring/summer wardrobe so much more than my fall/winter wardrobe. I get so excited to see the spring new arrivals in store and online because it’s the beginning of my favorite shopping season.

So what stylish trends will you see this spring? Jumpsuits and rompers are everywhere. Floral and pastels are always hot in spring. I’ve seen a lot of attention to detail…. ruffles, bows, peplum, ties, buttons, ect. The details can make a big difference so notice the details in the items you favor. Do you prefer ruffles on top or on bottom? Do you like wide leg or bell sleeve? Do you like tight fitting or loose and flowy? All these choices you make in your wardrobe (whether you realize it or not) are most likely based on your body type and your personal preference for what you think looks good on you. By paying attention to your choices, you can learn a lot about your own shopping habits and personal style.

Lately I’ve been checking out items at Madewell. The have a great twist on the classic wardrobe that is a little trendy mixed with tomboy. It’s the mix that makes it unique. This spring they’ve done a great job of mixing the romantic spring trends with a little edge. If you’re looking for something a little different this spring but still very much on trend, stop by Madewell and pay attention to the details.

Swiss-Dotted Ruffle Top

Swiss-Dotted Ruffle Top

Countyard Ruffle Hem Top

Countyard Ruffle Hem Top

Eyelet Keyhole Peplum Top

Eyelet Keyhole Peplum Top

Ruched Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Ruched Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Apiece Apart Nueva Costa Floral Maxi Dress

Apiece Apart Nueva Costa Floral Maxi Dress

Silk Cami Slip Dress

Silk Cami Slip Dress