Thinking Spring

In the city, Fashion Week is anointing fall trends. And, despite the huge snowdrifts surrounding us, we’re thinking about spring clothes, shopping, and the warmer weather ahead.

The Good News: This spring is all about fun; colorful accessories, soft jackets, shirting and ruffles. The key to freshen up your wardrobe is to not be afraid to mix casual with dressier items. And it doesn’t have to cost a lot.

One of the biggest trends and easiest way to spice up your look is to accessorize.

Trendy jewelry offers a quick inexpensive update. Have fun wearing a bold colorful cuff or pretty ethnic beads with the simplest outfit of jeans and a tee. Try Hot Jewelry Box on East Ridgewood Avenue in Ridgewood for the biggest assortment of trendy costume jewelry at affordable prices

This spring designers are pushing shirts in a big way. There are classic fitted button downs with a hint of stretch in pretty pastels and plaids with softer shapes at every price. We liked the cool plaid shirts at Maluka in Wyckoff (www.shopmaluka.com) Our favorite is from Elizabeth and James at $200.

This season soft boyfriend blazers are everywhere. They are offered in lightweight tropical wools and cottons. Imagine throwing a navy jacket on with a great white fitted shirt, bold papays beads and khakis to look polished and current. Willow St in Summit (www.willowst.com) carries the great boyfriend blazer from Theory for $375. Or see J. Crew’s own "Zoey" blazer at $149.

Ruffles are not going away. They are on tee shirts, satin tops and cardigans. Willow St has two cute styles: sleeveless scoop from Michael Stars $51 and long sleeve version from Linq at $88.

So, pair your dressy ruffle tank with khakis, a cardigan and beaded necklace or wear a silk shimmer top with your worn boyfriend jeans and colorful flats and soft jacket. Toss on a cooperating scarf (still the best final touch for now).

Now, you’re ready for spring. If only the weather would cooperate!

Personal Shopper Kristin Dahl (www.kristin-dahl.com) wrote this article and helps the fashionistas of North Jersey keep their closets current.

Tags: Wyckoff | Shopping | Ridgewood | Fashion | shopping outlets