STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Boots · Gucci

What do you do to pull yourself out of a style rut?

Kelly · Hermes

What about trying some new hair or makeup? Maybe browse pinterest or beauty blogs and either play around with stuff you own or buy a few drugstore things to try out. Sometimes hair/makeup is all I need to make the 1,000th wearing of a grey cardi feel a little prettier. I feel like this is that weird time of year when it's too late to buy more winter stuff but too early to shop for spring, so I definitely understand the "blah" feeling!

KaffeeKlatsch · Marc Jacobs

I definitely feel ya...the cold and dreary just seems to be dragging on forever, doesn't it? We'll get a day's reprieve of sunshine and gentle breezes and then it's rainy drear the next morning.
I've been playing with layers a lot this year:
~Layer a brightly colored slip under a solid skirt for a pop of colour
~Layer a blouse underneath a detailed tank instead of wearing a cardi
~Cinching sweaters/cardis at the waist or hips with a brightly patterned scarf instead of a belt
I've also tried to not get in a rut with jeans styles...switching between bootcut, straight with flats, skinnies with boots, etc...
I think my fave look this winter (that I wore the heck out of) was a sheer striped sweater from F21 with a white buttondown undeneath, sleeves rolled to 3/4 over jeans with boots. Somehow I just felt chic every time I wore it!

Yana · Dooney & Bourke

I basically take out clothes I haven't worn in years...all of a sudden i feel i miss some of them & since every season is just a matter of a new proportion, pair old pieces in a new way....I wish I could go shopping....

Suasoria · Chanel

Transitional items -- same shapes/pieces but in colors like pinks, turquoise, green, white, or prints. Or the same gray cardigan over a pink/white print blouse instead of blah beige or navy.

Accessory swap -- change the basic black tote/handbag for red patent or teal or whatever; scarves/gloves/hats too

Layered tights -- with skirts/dresses and boots, it's really almost as warm as pants.

Different fragrance, haircut, sale on boots, purple glitter toenail polish...

Vanessa · Kate Spade

I hear you. I do the following:

* switch from my darker grey wool cardi to my light grey silk blend cardi (no joke)
* pull out the spring scarves and wear those instead of thick winter ones
* wear different makeup (lip gloss, lipstick, eye shadow or blush) that's more "spring-like". Neimans & Saks have their beauty days around this time and I try to buy myself something and get the freebies. Actually, I may have missed this year...
* as much as I love them, I stopped wearing knee-high boots and started wearing booties/shoes instead.
* do my nails in fun new colors. Right now they are pink with pink & silver large confetti glitter over them (Essie's "A Cut Above" and "Set in Stone" layered together over pink). May be too much for most but you get the point.

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* wear brighter/lighter colors. I work from home but I had to go into the office end of last week and I wore grey pants with a cream top and a bright/warm pinkish cardi. Yesterday I wore jeans, a light grey top and an orange cardi. Saturday I wore a long sleeved green/white striped top with very dark jeans. Today I'm wearing a white blouse, ivory cardi, gold necklace, and lighter jeans.
* change your hair - I just got mine cut over the weekend but for the last few weeks I have been playing around with different messy buns and braids.
*KK is right - layering is key! Two of my fashion rules: layer, layer, layer and use accessories to stay on trend.
* Buy yourself one of the new long sleeve print blouses that are everywhere and wear it under a blazer or sweater that you already own.

Disclaimer: I used to work retail so I got used to wearing clothes totally outside of the season, i.e. we would all start wearing the spring collection in January when it was still freezing out.

-- Edited by Vanessa on Tuesday 6th of March 2012 01:51:18 PM

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

In between Winter and Spring I think it makes sense to start taking out your spring clothing and pair with boots/tights/sweater if possible. I have some knit dresses that easily work year-round with some layering.

Also, start doing that 'pop of color' everyone talks about. Buy a couple of accessories or a bright shirt to brighten up your wardrobe.

New hairstyle helps too - lighter hair with waves, curls or braids scream Spring.

Finally, swap your dark Winter nail polish for bright and perky. Currently wearing: x2_b4d0ee6

Kelly · Hermes

That hot pink polish is awesome!