Being from Vancouver and living in London, it’s always an incredible tease when spring deliveries start to hit stores. We’re on the cusp of exiting the post-holiday-hangover that is January as the racks begin to fill with softer colours and lighter materials. Although we might be ready to work out our credit cards again the weather doesn’t always cooperate.
I reached out to a couple of fashionable Broads to see what they would be doing to perk up their blacks and greys through the first SS’14 deliveries this chilly spring.
DISTRESSED, WASHED DENIM
“Spring shopping in January? Get on it! It’s the best way to make the best of the dreary weather. Wear a spring printed dress with over the knee knit socks and a giant cardigan… Ripped light jeans with a relaxed leather jacket, ankle boots and a slouchy toque. Who doesn’t want to pretend we have LA weather all year round?” – Kerry Lawrence, Horton Berner Fashion Group, Vancouver
Rachel McAdams nails this shoulder season look in AG Jeans.
METALLIC KNITS
“There is something about Isabel Marant’s collections that always make me feel like I’m a romantic, wearing a red lip and a laissez-faire attitude. The casual elegance captures such a subtle mix of high end and cozy weekend attire – my ultimate balance. Filtering in this metallic open knit to any dark hue (ie. winter weather black, navy and grey) automatically adds warmth and softness to your look. With pieces like this, it makes it very easy to compliment that recycled winter layered look by replacing that cashmere cardigan with this airy – but substantial – metallic knit. Reflecting a forecast of warmer air and less layers!” – Alexandra Collins, Model, NYC
This knit is all-season versatile, and super fresh.
BOLD PRINTS
‘January is always a key month for my fashion frenzy! The new pieces hit every retail store and if I don’t want to struggle with “out of stocks” it is the time to grab them. Buying them is one thing, wearing them, though, is much more complicated – except if you are willing to catch pneumonia for the sake of fashion! The only solution I have during the early season – apart from deciding to move to Los Angeles – is to mix the new pieces with my winter essentials until the sun decides to show up . Right now I am obsessed with prints. They can brighten a whole outfit and in the same time your state of mind. A printed blouse with a pair of jeans and chunky boots for everyday. A big sweater with a floral mini skirt with high thigh boots can be a fun, cute ensemble for the night. Well, with prints you can never go wrong – unless you decide to mix zebra with leopard, then you’ll just look like a living zoo. Prints and neutral, winter colours are the perfect combo!” – Olympia Landeau, London School of Fashion, Paris
Pastel, monochrome, linear, floral or animal. You really can’t go wrong this season!
GENRE MIXING
‘I’ve always been a massive optimist. So when faced with the backwards ways of the fashion industry (ie: spring collections out in January) I like to mix what’s “wrong” with what’s “oh so right”. These collections don’t necessarily exude leather, but to team leather with soft florals can hit just the spot. Imagine, an Oscar de la Renta sorbet cocktail dress short enough to pair with your favourite leather skinnies. That screams summer in the dead of winter. I dig it.” – Nikki Laing, Oscar de la Renta Brand Manager, London
Prissy turns sexy with a touch of leather!
WARM COLOUR PALETTE
‘This warm tone palette for SS’14 makes my heart beat fast and my knees weak – especially after spending a winter in Edmonton. This girl is impatiently waiting for bright colours to make an appearance, the snow to melt, and to add new coral, pink and orange pieces to my closet. Goodbye Sorels!” – Kelsey Nichols, CTV News Assistant, Edmonton
Why wait?
BRIGHT, SPORTY LAYERS
What trend will I be following early this season? When Marc by Marc Jacobs launched their SS’14 sport-luxe pieces I nearly had a heart attack. Always a fan of a sporty combo, this is easy to layer up and completely practical – the colours and shine are sure to melt away your winter blues before the weather follows suit.
I love you, Marc.
Bundle up brightly, broads!
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