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In our April issue of Baltimore magazine, Shine Collective's Melissa Kirby, Alana Madill, and Jamie Campbell, talk about transitioning your wardrobe from winter into spring. I had to edit down a lot of what they said because of space and wanted to print the entire interview here. Check out the mag for their list of key pieces to add spring to your style. I bought the RGB "Toast" nailpolish a few weeks ago. And have pretty obviously hinted to my husband that I want this for Mother's Day. In fuschia please.
And in light of the gorgeous weather we've been having, this seems very timely. The images are from the Navajo inspired collection of Italian designer Iosselliani. The turquoise ring ($262), silver fringe necklace ($807), and turquoise cuff ($502) are all available at Shine. —JED
Is the main idea to layer, layer, layer?
AM: Layering is always a great option for using pieces from your closet in a constructive way that looks new. Most jersey tops can be layered for a new look. If you think about it, you're layering when you put any jacket on top of a shirt. Adding a scarf to that outfit adds another layer. One of the services we offer to our clients is teaching them how to layer pieces from their wardrobe, as well as suggest trying a new layering piece like a vest for inspiration.
MK: When layering keep in mind the color contrast and types of fabric. Varying a single tone always looks nice as opposed to several mix-matched colors. Textured woolens look nice with solid colored cottons While prints look great under soft lightweight cashmere.
JC: It's fun to take something from a different season and wear it in a new way- especially if you haven't seen it since August... A lightweight charmeuse skirt or harem pants over tights teamed with a lightweight knit is a nice mix of density and fabrics. Spring in Baltimore is a funny time because it's cold enough for wools, but the heavy woolen jackets, pants and sweaters just don't seem right anymore. This is a time to reevaluate what you've got packed away from last year, start pulling a few pieces out slowly and try mixing them with the lighter weight winter pieces you are still wearing.
JC: Hot colors for Spring are neutrals: pale pinks and nudes, khakis and olive, with pops of color coming in warmer days: bright poppy, turquoise
AM: A good tip that I like to tell people is to look at blogs about street fashion. There are a lot of stylish women out there who make it their job to figure out the best way to layer. One of my favorites is popcultureafternoon.blogspot.com.
JC: I like refinery29.com and whowhatwear.com for ideas
Should you slowly add a few spring pieces to your wardrobe?
AM: My favorite way to transition my mind into spring is by changing my nail polish color to something bright and vibrant! I tend to wear darker colors during the colder months, but I've really been inspired by this new nail color by Essie called Tart Deco. Another great tip I can give is to add brighter accessories into your outfit whenever you can. For instance, a bright vintage printed scarf. Tie it around your neck, around your head or on your bag!
JC: I like to incorporate a new color or accessory to update my look- I think of my clothes in the same way one might style a room- the wall color, sofa and substantial pieces are more neutral and build on that by adding throw pillows, changing the art, the accessories.
MK: Much like the change of season, one's wardrobe should transition gradually.
Can you use jewelry to transition your look?
AM: I think that utilizing those great pieces of jewelry and other accessories is a great way to gradually move your outfits forward into the months. I like to think about jewelry in the same context as I do with bags, shoes and other accessories. Adding those pieces back into your closet is free, and an easy way for you to view your closet as fresh! If you're looking at a piece of jewelry, a pair of shoes, or a bag that you haven't seen in months, you're going to get inspired.
Should you introduce one trend at a time?
AM: It really depends on how you're interpreting those trends. For instance, a woman may not feel confident wearing an all over Navajo print dress, and may opt for the Navajo inspired cuff instead. In that circumstance, you can definitely wear the Navajo cuff with a military inspired jacket or pant. If you're looking to add a new trend to your spring look, a good way of telling if a piece is a good staple to your wardrobe is envisioning at least 5 ways to wear it.
JC: In my opinion, the most important aspects of a trend are silhouette and color palette. It's not so important to go head to toe in a 'look' but to take pieces and make them a part of your evolving personal style.
AM: Most of today's trends pay homage to the past, or are classic looks reinterpreted in a modern way. You may have a vintage number you bought a few years ago that might hit on a certain trend! Leopard, floral, nudes...
AM: I like to take a day by day approach when I think about fashion. I don't like to completely change my style based on trends, because I find that to be a less productive way to utilize older pieces in my closet. I think it's okay to wear a gossip-girl-preppy outfit on Monday and a Rick Owens inspired outfit on Tuesday. It's also a good way to keep people excited about your style! Wondering what you'll wear tomorrow...
What role does color play?
AM: I am ready to wear color again. I've been in a black slump for months now, as I'm sure many of you readers have!
MK: Color can be used in many ways. As mentioned it can be as simple adding a new color to your lips or nail! Don't go overboard. Were getting in these really fun bright necklaces but they are matte! So they have more versatility and will not overpower an outfit.
JC: I like it in doses- in the form of a scarf or a piece of jewelry, but by summer I'll be wearing color in a tunic or silk dress for sure.
