Not a Spring Dresser

by AlterationsNeeded on April 26, 2011

Spring2-600
Blazer – Theory Amanda B. blazer, size 00
Blouse – Ann Taylor silk shell, size P00
Jeans – Paige Blue Heights, size 23 (hemmed)
Shoes – Cole Haan Carma grey suede pumps, size 5
Belt – Ann Taylor “Perfect Patent Skinny” belt, size xs

Spring is a strange time for me. On one hand, I’m excited that it’s daylight longer, the weather is warmer, and the prospects of finally getting some color on this pasty complexion. On the other hand, one of my favorite activities now bores me to death…shopping.

That’s right…I don’t like spring clothing. If I could wear tweed jackets without getting heat stroke in 90 degree weather, I would.

It’s around this time of year, when stores are bursting with pastels and see-through flowy cottons, that I loose my will to shop. And let me just tell you, when a girl who loves to shop, no longer enjoys window shopping at the mall…it’s a sad state of affairs.

Spring5-600

So, here I am trying to dress “springy”. I think the trick here will be to wear my favorite fall silhouettes, in spring/summer colors.

Blazers are my comfort zone and fall/winter wardrobe staple, but in bright white, it becomes warm weather appropriate. The silk shell is the print version of this one, in a cheery spring print, which is a way for me to continue wearing the menswear look I love so much.

I’m totally in trouble when it gets too hot for sleeves…*hugs blazer tightly*

PS…the spring creepy crawlies were out with a vengeance while I took these photos. Every loud buzzing sound or thing that crawled up my arm sent me running and ducking all over the place. Geez…I’m such a city slicker!

Do you have a favorite fashion season? How do you cope when your season is over?

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  • Cori

    I experience that to the nth degree down here in AZ. You can't have style when it's 115 degrees outside, and it stays like that for months! I love fall the most, spring is fun and winter too. I love sweaters and blazers. Layers are my friend. Which is why summer is not…

    la vie petite.

  • b_ra

    I'm the exact opposite! I hate winter dressing!!! I despise the layering underneath jackets so when spring/summer comes around, out come the cute, flowy things.

  • Angel

    It's like you read my mind. I've been having such a hard time finding clothes and putting together outfits that are work appropriate yet keeps me cool (even a cardigan feels awful in 80 degree weather!). I was trying to find a good pair of walking shorts that are dressy and length appropriate but none of them (express, loft, AT) seem to fit me correctly so I'm probably going to stick w/ cropped/ankle pants. Can you please share more tips as summer goes on??

  • Elaine A (TOBeautyReviews)

    Oooh I got all creepy crawling reading your PS!

    I do like spring since I'm drawn to pastels and pretty colours but the problem is that it's often too cold to wear a dress, but too hot to wear it with tights. And the weather can go from being a downpour in the morning to hot in the afternoon! So I never know what to wear. Can you believe how sad it is that I don't even shop anymore?!? I just don't enjoy it at all! I use blog reading to figure out pieces I might like then I'll go and buy the same thing (LOL oh yeah, I'm obviously not creative) or just keep my eye out for something similar. I just can't really bring myself to take the time to browse and try stuff on anyumore :(

  • R.L.

    I can totally relate, Kelly! I'm positive I was born to wear a pea coat and other winter/fall clothing. There's just something about wool, tweed, knits, etc. that I feel really makes a person look sleeker or somehow more put together! My winter/fall wardrobe is twice that of my summer/spring. But thankfully there are cardigans and linen blazers to help ease our pain during warmer times.

  • thesmallone

    I used to prefer fall but now I really do like spring and summer. I love wearing skirts or dresses and wedge heels. They're so cute and comfortable. I hate when it starts getting cold again and I have to put on pants.

  • Claud

    @Cori

    I am related with you here living in Arizona as Cori mentioned. Though I prefer the warm weather than the cold ^^ AC is too low at my office and everywhere I go that I'm always with a sweater or jacket no matter how hot is out.

    Hi Cori, nice to see a face from here too :)

  • Jackie

    Oh yes, I know what you mean!

    Spring is a weird time of year for me as well simply because I have trouble dressing springy lol a lot of my clothes are darker colors. I don't have very many things that are lighter that mesh well together with my darker clothes. The summer is really hard to dress in because the hotter it is the less I want to wear.

    For a favorite season? I prefer autumn. It's the perfect temp for layering but not having to take forever to get dressed.

  • Rebecca

    I hate winter. I don't see the point in wearing nice clothing if it's going to be under a wool coat all the time. I live in San Francisco, which never gets to hot or too cold, so I'm stuck wearing a jacket most of the year.

  • Trystan L. Bass

    I completely agree! I love jackets & sweaters & boots & tights. Spring shopping & spring dressing just doesn't do it for me. And summer? Ugh. At least I can keep wearing a cardigan at the office bec. the AC is always a bit too cool for me.

  • Cee

    I can't stand the cold, but I love wearing layers, so it's lose-lose for me. I tend to stick to lighter and more colorful fabrics during the spring but still have fun with my usual layering. In the summer months, I would wear shorts and skirts but still keep everything piled on top. It's a good enough balance for me, especially when I'm going in and out of AC-blasted places and humid outdoors.

    Your white jacket is becoming such a closet staple. It seriously goes with everything!

  • Jen

    I love Spring! It's my favorite season. :D

    I actually think you look lovely in lighter, springy colors and I definitely encourage you to step slightly out of your comfort zone now and then with a bit of lace and pastel. Embrace sheer layers! It's not too different than winter layering, just lighter-weight. ^_^

  • AubreyOhDang!

    oooh i like the color/print of this blouse. went to AT @ UTC last night. They didn't have any of these bow-tie blouses in XXSP anymore. =( womp. but the 00p chambray shirt is still there. tried it on. crossing my fingers for a super sale!

  • Really Petite

    I used to hate fall/winter clothes and now I have grown to love it. But I am def a Spring/Summer dresser :)

    Can I make a request? I'd love to see you more in skirts/dresses even though I know you aren't a big fan but I think you look great in them!

  • Penny

    I agree with Really Petite. I think you should wear more dresses and skirts. From past postings, you really know how to make it feminine and menswear-like which I really love about your style.

    In response to the Question at-hand, I find that Fall clothing can be worn throughout the Winter season; and many of Spring clothing can be worn in the summer. Shopping this way keeps my purchases to a minimum.

    I agree that Spring's pastels are off-putting and passe' once the season is over. I love spring's silhouettes so I stick to neutrals like white and beige.

  • kileen

    wow, i actually LOVE spring/summer clothes and hate winter dressing! for me, i usually will look through fashion magazines and blogs for inspiration. so many great styles out there!

    and i love this chic white blazer on you!

    cute & little

  • Sunshine

    oh Kelly, i LIVE for spring and summer! i just don't like to wear a lot of clothes, it feels so restricting to pile on layers after layers lol. i guess cuz i get cold easily too so the thought of winter already gives me goosebumps (i lug around a light jacket in the summer!) i think you look refreshing in these photos. even though you don't like to dress as girly as some of us, i think you can still find a balance that fits you hehe.

  • Elaine

    I think this looks great for spring! I don't like spring/summer because I don't have a lot of lighter clothes for that weather. I don't know why…

  • Michelle

    I am loving that top on you! You did a great job creating a fresh look! I am lusting for a white blazer now. :p

    Lol! I totally understand the seasonal thing! My least favorite season is the 70/low 80 weather in Vegas. Reason being…it is still too cold for me to wear skirts/dresses bare-legged to work, but too warm to wear tights. And pants…I still do not own a decent pair of trousers. So I am stuck with four days of capris and jeans on Friday. I feel so boring right now! I try my best to have fun with my accessories to break up the repetative bottom half of me.

  • Rinny

    The silk shell looks great on you! As does the white blazer paired with it :) I actually love the spring and summer seasons – I get to wear all my cute floral dresses, which are a lot easier to put together an outfit with since I can just throw them on :P

  • Angeline

    I love summer clothes, because I hate having to wear too much (is that TMI? I mean jeans, tank, and flip flops). When the weather is cold (aka 60 degrees or colder), my fashion sense just goes out the door! I have a pretty high tolerance for hot weather, so pants are still a staple in the summer. I do have a problem with pastels and florals though–just not my style.

  • Anonymous

    I think a BIG issue for small people (I'm 5-1) is FLOWY VS. FORM. We need structured clothing, and it has been ridiculously difficult (weeks and weeks) to find a classic structured blouse that isn't flowing all over the place creating extra fabric for little people to swim in.

    A way I've found to combat the flowy big clothing:
    BELTS! they create a beginning, end and structure for us!

    Good luck, love that blouse!

  • Angeline

    I love summer clothes, because I hate having to wear too much (is that TMI? I mean jeans, tank, and flip flops). When the weather is cold (aka 60 degrees or colder), my fashion sense just goes out the door! I have a pretty high tolerance for hot weather, so pants are still a staple in the summer. I do have a problem with pastels and florals though–just not my style.

  • Rebecca

    I hate winter. I don't see the point in wearing nice clothing if it's going to be under a wool coat all the time. I live in San Francisco, which never gets to hot or too cold, so I'm stuck wearing a jacket most of the year.

  • Rinny

    The silk shell looks great on you! As does the white blazer paired with it :) I actually love the spring and summer seasons – I get to wear all my cute floral dresses, which are a lot easier to put together an outfit with since I can just throw them on :P

  • AubreyOhDang!

    oooh i like the color/print of this blouse. went to AT @ UTC last night. They didn't have any of these bow-tie blouses in XXSP anymore. =( womp. but the 00p chambray shirt is still there. tried it on. crossing my fingers for a super sale!

  • Penny

    I agree with Really Petite. I think you should wear more dresses and skirts. From past postings, you really know how to make it feminine and menswear-like which I really love about your style.

    In response to the Question at-hand, I find that Fall clothing can be worn throughout the Winter season; and many of Spring clothing can be worn in the summer. Shopping this way keeps my purchases to a minimum.

    I agree that Spring's pastels are off-putting and passe' once the season is over. I love spring's silhouettes so I stick to neutrals like white and beige.

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