Spring Anticipation- A Joint Project From Two Sides Of The World

Helg from Perfume Shrine and I are here to bring you a taste of spring from Europe and the US, in a joint project that will hopefully be first of many.

Early March in the New York Metro area is as far from La Primavera as anything could be. It's cold, the trees are too stark and naked for Cupid to hang out, the grass dull and brown and no self respecting Grace would go dancing on it. While everyone is tired of winter and can't wait for a change in the air, we all know that there's more snow in our future before we even get to see the first crocuses. It doesn't stop us from hoping and anticipating, though.




It starts with a little spring cleaning. Out with the old, in with the new and smelling good while doing it. Caldrea just launched the Watercress Wild Lily collection of home products. It's supposed to be crisp and springy, though I'm not sure how a cool melon accent fits into a green and floral scent. Their French Lavender might be a better choice, and I've always loved the Lavender Pine range.

The "out with the old" process is supposed to leave us with some free space for new. I have a major case of lust for several Anthropologie little romantic tops. Feminine silhouettes, lace trim and fluttery sleeves all say "spring" without overdoing it with pinks and too many flower prints.

The floral accent can come from cute jewelry. Either a single flower pendant ($178, Anthropologie) or an elaborate, romantic victorian choker ($310.00, Michal Negrin, available from Mavrik Jewelry). It's all about the pretty.

The easiest way to make a small change and get into the spring spirit is with nail polish. I've been rocking the cute pinks from Zoya's Blissful collection for weeks now, but there's also a different approach. The India Collection from OPI has everything: light pink, deep pink, rich jewel tones and dark spice. It looks fun, though I'd skip the dark blue. It's a little too gimmicky (not to mention last season).



There's nothing like gorgeous makeup to finish up the look and perk up winter face. Embossed palettes that are so pretty you don't want to mess up are nothing new, but this season there's a lot to choose from:

1. Laura Mercier Violet Eye Color Quad ($38, available from Sephora, Bliss and most department stores). There's a shy violet and a wild violet options.

2. Clinique Fresh Bloom Allover Colour ($29.50, Clinique.com and every department store under the sun). It's another delicate bronzer/all-over face powder, combining a highlighter with a deeper color. I'd skip the very pink Peony and go for the more olive-skinned friendly Almond blossom.

3. Smashbox Green Room Eye Shadow Quad in Bamboo ($32 at Sephora, Smashbox.com and every Smashbox counter). This is probably my favorite of the bunch. There's also a softer quad, Blossom, which is soft peach/ deep brown/ taupe/ pearl.

4, 5, 6 are all Chantecaille: Protected Paradise eye and face palettes (both are $90, available from Blissworld.com) and Trio Les Passementeries, which isn't new but still gorgeous is an eye and face combo with a shimmery overlay ($82 Blissworld.com). I can't promise it's worth the price, especially since the cheek colors are too pale for me, but it's a beautiful eye candy.

Don't forget to visit Perfume Shrine for a scent-centered spring post.

In what universe is this considered a flattering look?

I love J. Crew, but this is just awful:

Between this kind of offering and the entire collection from Anthropolgie that looks like a cross between maternity-wear and an art teacher on crack, my credit card is happy, but my closets are weeping in despair.

New for Fall: Fins

The other day I was shopping in the city, full of good intention to get a head start on my fall wardrobe. I went into the Anthropologie store on 5th Avenue, where I frequently find interesting pieces. I never wear Anthropologie from head to toe, because it can give one the unfortunate look of an art teacher on crack. But I love pairing their skirts with a simple J. Crew white t-shirt or a frilly, lacy top with skinny jeans, under a well-cut Tahari jacket.

One of the first items I spotted that day was a denim pencil skirt. I had this vision of wearing this skirt with a snug red or white cashmere sweater and a pair of red Manolos. I grabbed the skirt and a few other items and headed downstairs to the (perpetually poorly lit) fitting rooms.

The picture doesn't show the really nice, feminine cut of the skirt or the beautiful, modern denim wash. You can't see all the details that make it pretty, but notice that unlike most other denim skirts it doesn't have a fly-front or the common 5-pocket cut. Instead, it has an a-symmetric button placket (not very convenient, but forgivable) and adjustable D-rings tightening the waist (very cute).

The only problem: the side pockets have ruffles sticking from them. You can't see it in the picture and it isn't noticeable until you put the skirt on. But the second you finish re-buttoning the front you realize that your hips are sprouting something that looks exactly like fins.

Now, I'm a size zero and even then I often have to get skirts taken in, because they're too roomy at the hip. Still, I have no wish to draw any special attention to that area. I don't even want to think how grotesque these fins look on someone a bit wider than me. Who is the designer responsible for this monstrosity and what was he/she thinking?

As far as I'm concerned, this skirt is unwearable. So I'm still searching for the perfect little denim skirt, with a lady-like cut and button front. Any tips to where I can get it would be highly appreciated.