SPRING FEVER!

Cherry blossoms, crisp breezes, clear blue skies and smiles on the faces of passers-by signal the arrival of spring!

Time to pack away your heavy knitwear, boots and scarves and welcome back lightweight knits, crisp shirts, breezy cotton scarves and most importantly, a faithful trench coat!

CLOSET SPRING CLEAN

FIRSTLY, if you haven’t already done so, AUDIT your closet by eliminating anything tattered, old, past it’s used by date (I mean items with not much chance of coming back in style within the next few years), and mostly, anything ill-fitting (no matter how gorgeous, an ill-fitting piece of clothing will always look wrong).

MUST HAVE spring pieces include:

A CLASSIC TRENCH COAT : I invested in a classic camel Burberry trench that I picked up on auction last year. It remains without a doubt, the best fashion investment piece I own. I also have a much less pricey but chic, French navy, fully lined trench from Lowry’s Farm that I also adore, and a black, more polished Zara trench for work and formal occasions. If you’re undecided on colour, a classic style black, navy or camel trench will take you through all seasons (winter with a liner), the perfect partner to almost any outfit.

LIGHTWASH DENIM works well for spring. I love Red Card and Replay denim for basic cotton blend casual wear (straight leg and boyfriend styles work well with crisp white shirts/Tshirts and lightweight knitwear) and Cheap Monday (at the lower end price point) or J Brand (high end) skinny denim for fitted styles paired with fresh, white Converse sneakers or ballet flats (current faves include my patent red Repetto flats). Zara and Gap usually do a great basic flat ballet shoe each season at affordable prices. I love that Zara Japan offers free shipping and free returns making on-line shopping risk-free! Also check out French Sole and Oriental Traffic for basic, classic flats at wallet-friendly prices. Don’t dismiss your DARK DENIMs just yet though! I love pairing black wash, lightweight skinny denim with white Ts, denim shirts & casual knits. H&M does fabulous lightweight denim. They may not withstand a lifetime of wear, but I have worn mine for at least 2 seasons and they’re still going strong….

SHOE colours for spring that work with most outfits include BLACK, NAVY, BEIGE, RED and WHITE. A pair of camel-coloured short booties are great paired with black denim and a light wash pale blue cotton denim shirt. I pair this look with a leopard print belt, adding a lightweight cotton/linen blend scarf in navy or pale grey, a fine grey or cream knit or cardi, and a trench coat.

LAYERING is key for spring in Japan! Mornings and evenings can be chilly but sunny days can warm up nicely so be ready to peel off and enjoy the rays!

I can’t do without a classic, striped cotton 3/4 or full length sleeved T (love navy and white or red and white – sourced my current faves from Uniqlo), a grey cotton cardi (Muji do fabulous simple knit wear) and of course my trench or cape coat (mine’s a classic cut, mid weight, navy, wool Tsumori Chisato cape, perfect for cooler spring weather).

A NEW/RECYCLED BAG can instantly freshen up an outfit and boost your mood! Winter bags in neural tones can work well with lighter and brighter spring looks. This Spring I will be reaching for my mushroom coloured Marc by Marc Jacobs Francesca oversized tote in supple, pebbled leather with silver hardware, for everyday. I picked up a very cute little black “Celine Trio” style cross-body bag on sale for a mere ¥2,000 last week, that pairs well with any outfit and transfers seamlessly from day to evening wear. The Trio is a wish-list item that will most likely stay on the wish list! I adore Celine’s current line-up of simple, elegant bags, especially their drawstring bucket bag…LOVE! If in doubt, go for a basic, large sized leather tote in a neutral colour such as black, camel or stone (prefer the latter for spring/summer) that will work with everything in your closet. Yellow, blue, orange and red are also fabulous spring/summer options for a day bag. I’m currently spying a bright sunshine yellow tote to add pop to my wardrobe for sunny days ahead!

I could go on and one but I’ll stop at the basics, slip on my Raybans and head out to enjoy the long-awaited sunshine!

Check out the pics posted below for fresh Spring ideas and then be sure to head out and enjoy the crisp fresh air too!

Have a wonderful Spring & enjoy hanami (Cherry Blossom viewing picnics)

Love,

Corin

Fashion background at Louis Vuitton (Melbourne, Australia), Jigsaw (Melbourne, Australia) and sales and styling at a select goods clothing store (Melbourne Australia).   

Follow me on:

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I love cognac, olive and light wash denim for spring and autumn!

Light wash skinnies, a striped cotton T, oversized tote and fresh white Converse = the perfect spring look! Add an oversized hat and a pair of cool sunnies for extra chic effect.

A coloured bag will add a pop of fun to a classic look. Ballet flats pair well with rolled-up pants. A simple belt pulls a casual outfit together in a structured yet cool sense.

Can’t beat a classic trench paired with a classic tote! Louis Vuitton Neverfull does the trick here. New Balance sneakers keep the look casual for day wear and a spring scarf and oversized sunglasses adds flair and practicality. A fragrant bouquet of flowers tops off this perfect spring outfit!

White denim for spring and summer brings a clean, cool feel. Team with a cognac or camel clutch or tote and a fun shirt for a fresh look.

A navy cape coat adds polish and warmth to a simple casual outfit. Pair with dun heels and a cute, colourful clutch for an up-scale outfit!

My Spring style: Faded denim (Wrangler Twiggy here), Striped cotton T (Uniqlo’s French special edition), patent red leather Repetto flats & a Rope Picnic cross-body double pocket pouch. Easy!

Business-casual me in H&M black skinny denim pants, Gap denim shirt, leopard print skinny belt, Burberry trench, Mulberry Bayswater tote and leather flat ankle booties.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Francesca tote for every day.

Coach Legacy duffle bag in Carnelian red. Love this all-seasons cross-body or shoulder bag for a fun pop of colour!

A simple, cross body pouch works well with almost any outfit for day or night when you don’t need to carry more than a wallet, keys, phone and some essentials such as cosmetics.