This weekend, my friends, I am alternately musing and raving, or maybe ranting would be a better word, about spring and spring fashion.
I’m ranting and raving at spring. Where are you? I am so very, very sick of winter. When Hubby asked me what I was writing about today, as he usually does on Saturday morning, and I said spring fashion, he laughed. “Will you include a photo of the view out our front window?” he asked. “Not likely,” I replied, as we stood in the sun room with our tea and watched the blowing snow out on the river. Sigh.
But I’m also musing this morning, friends, because musing about fashion keeps me sane. Especially when I am longing for spring and the wind is blowing up a white-out on the river, and even though it’s not that cold, only -7C, neither of us can bear to go outside. So Hubby is in the basement renovating his woodpile. And I am musing about spring fashion. Honestly, I’m like a teenager when it comes to clothes. There is not much in this crazy mixed up world that I love better than a good natter about clothes.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about buying a new spring jacket. Not a blazer, nor a trench coat. Something short, and a bit oversized, maybe in an interesting shape. Something casual that I can wear with jeans, but which will also pair well with my long skirts, and my dress pants. Not navy. I have two navy spring blazers and a knee-length navy rain coat that I bought in 2018. Not white. Black, I thought. I had a vision of wearing it with my white jeans, my black dress pants, my black faux-leather midi-skirt and knee-high boots, or my black and white striped summer midi-skirt and my new Mary Janes from Stuart Weitzman.
For weeks, I’ve been watching YouTube videos, and scrolling through images. Like the ones from Margaret Howell and COS above. The Margaret Howell came closest to what I wanted. Although I do like the short trench from COS in the middle. And if that bomber jacket on the right had a collar, I’d have been tempted. But even though none of them quite worked for me, they all gave me ideas. Like wearing my khaki suede moto jacket with a black sweater and my black dress pants. Or pairing my white jacket from last year with my pleated black faux-leather skirt.
I’ve been shopping in person twice. I thought I’d found what I was looking for at Uniqlo, so I went home and thought about it. Then I went back and tried the bomber jacket I’d been musing about, along with several other styles of short black jackets and coats.
This is the one I came home with.
It’s called the “wind proof stand collar blouson.” I’m sorry that my link does not take you to the exact product. I don’t know why that happens with Uniqlo. I had originally thought I’d love the bomber jacket that I’d seen on my previous visit to the store. Nope. It was too poofy, and it looked too much like a man’s jacket on me, and I didn’t like the small collar.
I much prefer the funnel neck of the one I eventually bought. The zip-in hood helps the collar stay up, if you like it like that, which I do. The jacket is wide at the bottom but can be cinched in, as I did in the first photo. I tried both the medium and the large and bought the large. The medium fit me perfectly. Too perfectly, as it happened. The medium jacket was too neat and trim to achieve the look I wanted. The larger size was perfectly oversized and slouchy.
Yesterday I tried my new jacket with my white Levis 501 jeans, my black cashmere crew from Everlane, and my old Cole Haan Chelsea boots. This outfit is very me. I’ve always loved the combination of black jackets and white jeans. The oversized jacket and looser jeans make a combination I’ve been wearing for years feel totally current. I tried adding more accessories, but eventually I removed everything I’d added. Necklaces, a scarf, everything. I wanted the outfit to be simple and minimal. I love this look. And I’m thinking I’ll be outfit repeating big time when spring arrives.
Here are a few other images from Me & Em which have been tempting me. Short jackets again. I’m not tempted to buy the jackets as much as I am to use the images as styling inspiration. Cream top under black jacket with cream pants. White top under a coloured jacket with jeans. Or bright coloured top under a neutral jacket with jeans.
I don’t own many bright tops. But I do have an old purple cashmere crew from Uniqlo. I like the purple sweater with the black jacket and my cream cargo pants from Aritzia. These cargo pants have done yeoman service since I bought them in 2021. As has the purple sweater. I partially tucked in the sweater and wore a black belt. I like this outfit. I mean, it’s okay. But I don’t love it. It has a bit too much going on for me. I prefer the first outfit I tried. There’s just something about black under black that I love.
But I’m still thinking about bright tops for spring. The image below has been inspiring me for a while now. I love, love that red short-sleeved cashmere sweater from Nearly New Cashmere. Don’t you? And with that blue and white striped skirt? So beautiful. In fact, I wouldn’t mind owning that tea set as well. Ha.
You know, I’m hoping this year to expand my second-hand shopping beyond the bricks and mortar stores I already frequent. And maybe try buying second-hand pieces on-line. I’ve been following Nearly New Cashmere in the UK for a while now on Instagram. I love the behind the scenes look that the IG account gives me, who works there and what they do, and the tutorials on caring for cashmere and silk pieces. In fact, I love the whole idea of this business. They recondition and resell used cashmere sweaters. As well as second-hand and vintage silk scarves. And if a sweater is too damaged to sell they will cut it up and recycle the fabric into neck warmers and hats and wraps ( I love this mint green one) and adorable triangle scarves like this one. And that’s not all. Check out their website and they can tell you themselves.
Besides the ethical premise on which Nearly New Cashmere’s business is based, what impresses me most is their attitude to sizing. They relabel the size of everything they sell according to their own measurements. And they provide photos of their size models, complete with the model’s measurements, to help shoppers decide what size they should buy. This is brilliant. I am now confident I take a size large. Phew. That takes the anxiety out of on-line shopping.
As you might have guessed, a colourful, short-sleeved sweater is on my list for spring. I’ll start by looking at my favourite consignment and vintage shops. And keep an eye on Nearly New Cashmere’s website in case they get one in in my size. And if I don’t find one by fall I’ll look at this red long sleeved one.
Other than that, it’s too early in the year to be making wish lists. Once I do my spring closet edit, I’ll have a better idea if I need to update or replace anything in my wardrobe. I just have to keep the number five uppermost in my mind. No more than five NEW pieces this year. You can see here how I did last year with my “Rule of Five Challenge.” And if you’re new to my blog, you can read all about “Rule of Five” and what it entails here.
And speaking of “Rule of Five,” Tiffanie Dark wrote a great article on Substack last week all about Uniqlo. Her article asks the question: is it okay to shop at Uniqlo? You can read it here if you’re interested. She is very thorough, examining whether or not Uniqlo qualifies as fast fashion. Her article helped allay my own misgivings about Uniqlo.
So, in my second year of “Rule of Five,” I am doing better than last year. Last year I’d bought my first new item before the end of January. Still, I have used that cross-body bag from COS a ton. In fact it looks great with my new jacket.
I plan to NOT buy anything else new until May when my friend Debbie and I are planning a trip to Toronto. There will be shopping on that trip. Of that I am positive. I may be developing my no-buy willpower, but I’m not made of stone, people.
So, enough musing about spring fashion for me today. At least the musing has cut down on the ranting and raving about the weather. And politics. Hubby is busy in the kitchen. He always makes dinner on Saturday when I am blogging. In fact he cooks more than I do. But you already know that. Yep, I have always been grateful to my mother-in-law for raising a son who likes to cook.
Now it’s your turn, my friends. Do you have a spring fashion wish list yet?
P.S. You can follow @nearlynewcashmere on Instagram here. Or check out their website here.
P.P.S. There are affiliate links in this post. But not the Me & Em links or Margaret Howell. If you make a purchase after clicking my affiliate link, I will earn a commission which helps to pay for the blog.
35 thoughts on “Spring Fashion Musings (and Ravings)”
My house currently looks as though a terrible accident has taken place within – 2-3 weeks of sorting through almost 40 years of shared guff has resulted in everything, everywhere, all at once. Somewhere there are my clothes. Spring has arrived at last but what to wear? I am totally without inspiration, accompanied by a desire to set light to just about everything. I am going to rootle for my black linen trousers today…send help, stet! PS love the Uniqlo jacket
That must be a Herculean task sorting everything out. I helped my mum when she moved after my step-father’s death. She had stuff from her 38 years of marriage to him and even things that had belonged to his mother. I think we pretty much stocked the newly opened Salvation Army store. Sometimes she’d ask where such and such a thing was. I’d remind her that we’d got rid of it, and that she had approved its removal. Than I’d offer to go down to the Salvation Army store and buy it back, and we’d both laugh. Hope you are doing okay, Annie. What a huge life change you are experiencing. xox
On my trip to Edinburgh recently I did have a little wander round the shops . Max Mara ( swoon ) & lots of other ‘ top designers ‘ ( yawn ) but I was most excited about my first visit to Uniqlo . I really wanted to see what size I am according to them , for future reference . I didn’t see your jacket ( it would have tempted me ) but there were lots of things that appealed & the quality seemed good too . No , I didn’t buy anything but it was still exciting . Your jacket looks great & the collar is really flattering . I think my favourite combination is with the purple cashmere but I can see what you mean about the minimalism of black on black & it is very much ‘ your look ‘ . So many bloggers pile it on but I agree that less is more . I’ve checked out Nearly New Cashmere before but not bought . I have a handful of companies that do tempt me but many places are reducing their quality in these difficult times & can’t compare with my old stuff – I know , I sound like an old lady ‘ things aren’t what they used to be ‘ 😉
I just love Uniqlo stores. They are so neat and colourful. And I have to say that the staff in the two branches I’ve visited are always knowledgeable and helpful.
P.S. I just found out that the Nearly New Cashmere store in in Yorkshire. One other reason to love them. 🙂
Pretty sick of winter here as well. Now, granted, a coastal Portuguese winter is nothing compared to a Canadian one, but we’ve had a lot (a lot!) of rain and wind, and haven’t gotten our usual “breaks” of a few days around 20 degrees. Sick of everything I’ve been wearing since November, too. I started thinking about what to wear for next week’s trip to Bologna, which led to emptying the underbed drawers and trying on a bunch of stuff. I’ve lost some weight, and much to my delight, the 15-year -old (possibly older) Ralph Laurens I’d stashed away fit now! And a couple of sweaters that were on the bubble now fit perfectly, so I’ve got a whole new wardrobe for the trip. And maybe Spring will arrive by the time I’m back.
Love your new jacket, and how it fits with your vibe. I’m doing a lot of looking and saving photos (Alison Bornstein’s”Always Be Collecting” has inspired me), since I’m trying not to buy anything significant until I reach my weight goal, so like you, am identifying possibilities without pulling the trigger.
I collect inspiration photos all the time, sometimes on Pinterest and sometimes in file on my computer. I think its fun to go back and see what inspired me last year or. the year before to find that I’d still wear the outfit today.
Thanks goodness you didn’t get rid of those Ralph Lauren pieces. What a treasure trove. 🙂
The sun is coming out here in the UK, very cold at night though and I don’t think Spring is on the way, I think this is sent to mislead us.
I think this is the link for the uk version of your jacket in Uniqlo, if the internet allows me to paste it.
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E474894-000/00?colorDisplayCode=56&sizeDisplayCode=007&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=LTK&awc=6771_1741521521_ef47e858c95c8864e3445eb7b311fcc0&sv_campaign_id=136348&sv_tax1=affiliate&sv_tax3=LTK&sv_tax4=0&sv_affiliate_id=136348
I don’t consider Uniqlo as in the ‘maybe fast fashion’ category, I have been buying from them since they first came to the UK when they were good value for my (growing) teenagers. I regard them as good for staples and especially like their supima cotton tshirts and their ultra light down jackets and gilets.
Have a look at Kate, on Wearsmymoney.com as your jacket also came up on her weekly feed.
My down jacket and vest from Uniqlo are both seven years old and still going strong. The cashmere is from 2019. As Orsola de Castro says the most sustainable things are the ones that are already in your closet. Tiffanie’s article on Uniqlo addresses the “green” efforts that Uniqlo is making, as well as the fast fashion issue.
I always think “fast fashion” is related to the buyer – not the seller. For example, if I buy a blouse from Zara and wear it continually for five years then I haven’t participated in fast fashion. If I buy a dress from MaxMara and only wear it twice then I have participated in fast fashion.
On another note, I follow Karla Reed on Instagram. She’s a vintage coat dealer that you might find fun. I like the way she put her updated jeans (wide) and tshirts (boxy) with 90’s jackets. It’s fresh! https://www.instagram.com/karlareed/
You are right in a way. If people keep the fast fashion purchases they make, take care of them, repair them etc. then they can go a long way towards undoing the damage of over-consumption. Sadly most don’t value the pieces because they were cheap, and new styles are plentiful, so they get tossed instead of repaired.
Ah, sorry about your winter weather! I remember those days! it’s 80 degrees F. here in Florida today and I am not thrilled because we are going out to dinner to a fancy restaurant and I planned to wear a long sleeve shirt but now I might have to reconsider! bummer. I have not bought anything for spring. I concentrated on filling my winter wardrobe gaps. For example, I did not have a nice winter blazer. Can you believe it? Maybe because I felt it was a wasted expense since it is only cold enough for that type of jacket one or two months of the year. But I decided I needed one and got a nice one from CHICOS. I love that brand.
Glad you found a great blazer. You’ll be happy you have it come the fall. 🙂
I already blew through my five while on my winter get away. I never gave it a thought as I shopped with four other ladies. I just realized it now. Oh my! I’ll do a reset. It starts now!
I quite like the shorter jackets with the high waisted pants. Yours is perfect! I’ll need to try on one and see how it looks on me. I’m tall and the short jacket in comparison to the length of my pants might seem off, but then you are quite tall with long legs too.
I hope spring comes your way soon. That’s why I stay on the west coast even though I miss my family. I just can’t take the long cold winters. Yes, we have rain but to me it’s better than bitter cold and snow.
That’s one reason I bought the large size in the jacket. The medium only came to the top of my pants. I find a hip length is better on me.
P.S. Shopping with four female friends is a recipe for disaster, isn’t it? The cheering section always wins out. Ha.
It’s starting to feel like spring here in Alberta, but winter will probably kick us a time or two before it’s completely gone. I haven’t really thought about my spring/summer wardrobe yet, but I know there are some gaps to fill. I’m going shopping with my sister-in-law tomorrow, but that will mostly be a scouting mission to see what’s out there.
I do scouting missions too, Elaine. Hubby calls them my reconnaissance missions. Good luck on yours.
No wonder you’re dreaming and scheming over Spring outfits — and from what I remember about my few years visiting Ottawa, that snow could still be coming down just out your picture window for another six weeks. . . or so . . . Yikes! The atmospheric river pouring down on us this weekend suddenly seems more tolerable!
But so many good ideas and good looks in this post — your black-and-white OOTD is fabulous on you; your hair suits it perfectly. I looked a bit for a short jacket, similar shape and dimensions, a couple of months ago, wanting something that would make more sense with my long skirts and also work well with jeans, etc. I wanted something to get through our winters with, so possibly a boxy puffer that hit just at/above hips — saw them regularly in Europe last fall — but gave up too easily. Almost motivated again after seeing the energy your find (much lighter, obv. for a different season) gives your outfits. Such a contemporary look! Brava!
I’m pleased with my new jacket. It’s very casual but still looks great with skirts or dress pants. I’d never heard the term “atmospheric river” before. We learn new weather terms every year, it seems. Remember the “polar vortex”? Or frickin’ cold, as we called it. Ha.
I guess this means you will have to keep your elbows up, and your umbrella up. 🙂
Aw,I like black and white combo,so classy. We’ve had 20°C today,insane!
My recent favourite are black trousers (old Weekend MM ), black turtleneck and grey wool oversized blazer,with Sabine Savage scarf and Black-grey New Balance sneakers-I love it sooo much (not for today though)
Uniqlo and Cos have some beautiful pieces. I’m so happy realizing recently (online) that there is a Windsor store in Vienna,near Eric Bompard
Your Toronto trip seems great!
My purchase for this year are Adidas Handball Spezial light blue sneakers-beautiful and comfy
I have two very, very old,local artisan’s leather jackets,black and cream,similar cut as Me&Em’s,have to check could I still wear them
Dottoressa
Your recent fav outfit sounds lovely. Very you. Which means it’s very me too. Ha. I am hoping to avoid the temptation of buying a new pair of sneakers this year. We’ll see how that goes. 🙂
Like one other commenter, I have already bought more than 5 items. In my defence, I hadn’t actually committed to only 5. (🤩)
And I love what I got. We are in Seville and while a lot of what I see is familiar, there are also differences. Much more pattern. Much more colour. Bigger necklaces. It has been fun to adapt my very simple neutral building blocks to what I see as Spanish style.
You mentioned you are coming to Toronto (my home town) in May. Is it crazy to suggest/ask if you would be open to a cocktail hour meet up with some of your followers also in Toronto?? It would be fun to meet you in person after following you for years. I feel like we are already friends. And it would be fun for your followers to meet one another. Just an idea. It could be at any restaurant or cafe. I would be happy to host at my home (right downtown) if that makes it easier.
I think Sevilla is probably the most fashionable city in Spain – definitely more than Madrid, and I would put it up against Barcelona. Every time I’m there, I so enjoy the people watching – the women have a sense of style, and wear their clothes, instead of vice versa.
No that’s not crazy, Catherine. I’d love to meet up for a drink as long as it’s okay with my friend. Might just be the three of us, but that’s okay too.
Let’s touch base closer to that time and after I’ve talked to Debbie about our trip.
Sue & Catherine,
I’m also in Toronto! Meet up would be grand!
Suji
That’s great, Suji.
The black jacket is “jaunty,” perfect for you. The black on black is the best way, making the best of the silhouette.
Thanks for including me, an American, to your blog.
Thanks, Eva. You are always welcome here. There’s only one American (okay maybe two) who are not welcome. And I’ll bet you know who they are. Ha.
Love the black jacket you bought. It looks as if it will be very versatile. I’m a fan of Uniqlo and have several of their pima tee-shirts, a few of their linen shirts and a couple of light weight puffer jackets. The price and quality are pretty reasonable I’ve found. The jackets I’ve bought for grandchildren seem to survive the rough and tumble of childhood enough to be passed down to the next one in line.
We are heading into autumn down here and I’m looking at two storage boxes of summer clothes I haven’t even unpacked yet as summer was a bit of a miss this year. On the positive side I guess it means I will get another year of wear out of them!
I like autumn as the days are generally sunny and warm but the nights are cool which makes sleeping easier. The first frosts and light touches of snow on the mountains down south would indicate winter is fast approaching. I will miss the comfort of summer clothes as I hate being bundled up in a lot of garments during the cold months – not that the temps here drop anywhere near yours! Hopefully your weather will start to warm up soon.
Cool and sunny autumn days are lovely. It’s disappointing they don’t last long. Hubby and I were groaning and laughing a few weeks ago when we headed out skiing in layer after layer. Must remember to fasten my ski boots before I zip up my ski pants. Ha.
Sue I am so done with winter too! I am thinking about some new adidas like Dotoressa’s.
You look fabulous in that new jacket-well chosen.
Thanks. 🙂
I thought the happy pretty lady in the red sweater was you.
Ceci
Ha. Nope. Not me. 🙂
It is funny you mentioned Nearly New Cashmere, because it was of a very few IG accounts I follow. The owner/founder Ali is my style inspiration. And yes, the jacket is the perfect spring addition.
I love their IG account. So much useful information.
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