Happy Spring!

After painting in the grass while the boys played ultimate frisbee yesterday and enjoying a fabulous Sunday brunch at District Commons [I had the pan seared salmon cakes “benedict” and bottomless blood orange mimosas, yum] this morning, I have decided it is officially spring.

With the emergence of spring comes the necessary [and long-awaited] shedding of clothing layers plus the acquisition of new exciting pieces.  When I was out with a good friend she looked at my outfit curiously [I don’t remember exactly what I was wearing, but it must not have been too shabby] and asked, “Jackie, how do you keep your wardrobe fresh while sticking to a budget?”  This got me thinking – how do I keep my wardrobe interesting without crying every time I check my bank account?

Here are a few simple rules that I stick to when a new season comes around:

1. As you pull out your spring/summer wardrobe from under your bed to hang your favorite pieces up in your closet, take this moment to set aside anything you didn’t wear at all last season to donate.  Do not ignore this step: it’s much easier [and feels better] to make room for anything that’s new!

2. There are a lot of fun trends this season, but if you plan accordingly you can get by with just a couple of key purchases.  Here are my affordable staples for this spring/summer:

• Bright [comfortable] flats.  As much as I love heels, I hate myself for wearing them by the end of the day.  There will be no hating myself as I sport these fun and comfy Steve Madden shoes from DSW!

  

• Simple solid dresses, like this $25 one from TJ Maxx.  I can dress it up with colorful jewelry or down with a cardi, tights, and boots.

  

• Fun studs to pair with clothes that could use some extra umph.  Check out these pretty [and cheap!] ones from the Lou Lou boutique in Annapolis.  Obviously these will go in your ears and not on plants…

  

• A chambray shirt, like the one I am wearing in the photo above.  I have been wearing this shirt silly over striped tops, dresses, even with other denim.

3. There is NO need to go crazy with buying a whole new wardrobe.  You already have clothes, and probably forgot about most of them during the winter, so it’s time to rediscover what you already have!  Some of my own favorites include these old gems:

• A navy and white tank from Old Navy.  This season I am excited to pair it with with a hand-me-down floral skirt.
• A black and white gingham collared shirt from Old Navy [apparently I used to shop at Old Navy a lot].  I can pair this top with bright blue skinnies from Gap or a long solid skirt.
• A vintage pleated purple skirt from my Great Aunt.  I can wear this with a plain white tee [see what I did there?] a belt, and maybe my new flats!

4. Have fun!  Don’t be afraid to try piecing the old with the new and creating outfits you haven’t tried before.  It is a new season after all.