If you’re someone who’s looking for a capsule-ish spring checklist… here’s what I’ve already been wearing the most… and what I live in once the weather warms up.
I wanted to pull this together all in one post ~ as an ultimate hit list of sorts… if I had to choose favorites and the designers I splurge a little more on for design and quality.
Denim |
Denim is personal, so obviously stick to what works on you! Now at almost 40 I know what fits me the best and as a California gal I always come back to my Levi’s. I’m not going to lie, a vintage wash can’t be beat… but the 501 90 is worth a try as a nice looser straight leg option for knock-around mom life… which is what I’m in most of the time (here is a lighter spring wash).
For a clean, cropped denim I have worn the Ren from Agolde the most over the years (the off-white is a go-to for spring and this blue in Disclosure for mom-life). They just fit me the best of any Agolde… they’re a cropped wider leg so they’re comfy for errands and mom things… not the coolest or trendiest but they look nice and this is the jean I grab for for say working in my kid’s classrooms. *I size down
If you’re looking for a dressier, date-night denim… Khaite is it for me. I’ve tried a number of their denim styles over the years but grab for my Khaite Abigail and Danielle jeans the most. They’re both really flattering high-rise styles and a slimmer fit which is nice for petites (although you’ll probably still need to hem the length… but that is the story of my life!). My girlfriend asked me again recently if these jeans were worth the price tag and honestly, as a fashion friend, ;P they are. They’re a thicker denim and wash-up really nicely (mine still look brand new and I’ve had them for multiple years now). The button elevates them and they just look dressier all around. If you’re a California jeans-and-tee girl as well these take it to the next level.
Circling back, if you want to save ~ go vintage Levi’s shopping! The perfect Levi’s is gold. And the hunt is fun.
Chocolate Brown Leather Jacket |
This chocolate brown leather jacket is seriously so good and has been a nice softer transitional shade from my usual black leather for spring. It’s perfectly worn in buttery leather… and looks so similar to Saint Laurent (I drool for the brown suede!). Such a great year-round staple! I’m not precious with my leather jackets and am always willing spend a little more on them because I get a ton of wear out of them.
Tees |
For Everyday Mom Life: my most worn tee. I like the slightly boxier shape… it’s a comfy more everyday knock-around tee and looks good layered under sweaters. (I also wear their tanks a lot too). And I like the thickness of SoldOut NYC’s tanks (this scoop neck was a summer staple for me).
Best Dressier Tee ~ okay this is a mega splurge for a t-shirt but if you live in tees and are looking for a nice silk one that you’ll truly live in… this is your winner! Chic and slightly sheer…. ideal under leather jackets and on date nights.
Dresses |
1. Matteau Bandeau Dress. 2. Cotton-Poplin Dress. 3. Camellia Long Dress. 4. Eyelet Dress (more sizes). 5. Linen White Dress. 6. Black Midi Dress.
I will be pulling out my spring skirts and dresses soon (if I’m not in denim with my kids then I’m usually in a loose black dress). I tend to prefer midi and maxi lengths for everyday as they’re easy to plop in the grass or sit down at a park in etc. (I lived in this dress last summer… flattering and comfy!). And I also love a strapless silhouette for say a birthday or casual family bbq… although I realize this isn’t a style for everyone. I love Matteau for classic sophisticated styles / dresses.
I’m the kind of person that is willing to spend a little more on a dress but will wear that one black midi dress as my staple all spring / summer long.
The Spring Bag |
I always love a woven leather, raffia and lighter beige colored bags for spring.
I have a spring bag update! I got the Khaite Augustina crossbody as part of a project I worked on with 24S (you know I’ve been wanting it!)… in the smaller size… and I’m here to tell you it’s even better and prettier in person! I’m really quite obsessed. The raffia and suede bring that touch of spring to any look (even a trench… on a cool day). My only complaint is that it’s a bit more delicate… I mean, as would be expected with raffia. But I wouldn’t put too many heavier things inside as I’d be nervous it would tug and pull on the shape. That said, this size is really ideal on me (at 5’1’’)… and it does fit a good amount. Sunglasses, wallet, keys, snacks, I had my camera inside for this museum date. If you’re on the taller side and wanting a bigger crossbody you could definitely go for the larger size.
* Also, in bag updates ~ if you’ve been following along re: spring bags ~ because I got the Khaite Augustina I ended up returning The Row Banana Bag I had originally pre-ordered. It also, in comparison, felt too big on me which was a bummer!!
Sneaker Life |
For Everyday Mom-Life: Reebok Classics
For Walks & Workouts: New Balance
(And I finally found a thinner sock to wear over leggings that I like ~ this is the most flattering style I’ve come across for this look!)
Hats |
1. Raffia Bucket Hat 2. Straw Fedora 3. Cotton Bucket Hat
I lived in this bucket hat last summer (back in stock) and I’m also into this cotton version from Janessa Leone for pool day lounging (here’s a similar version from Jenni Kayne *code: ALICIA15). Both are easy for packing which is key.
I’ve gone through a few fedoras over the years and have rebought this style (from Janessa) a couple times over the years when needed replacing (i.e. my hat has gone M.I.A. or underwater after the margs hit in that Cabo sunshine!). I like this one for wine country dates and outings when I want sun protection and something that works well with spring dresses. A straight brim is really flattering on every face shape!
Sandals |
Both of these are classic black sandals but elevate any spring look ~ the Emme Parson sandals have the gold on the toe which dresses things up a bit more. *code: ALICIA10
And the A.Emery Kinto was my go-to all last spring / summer for a more sophisticated minimal sandal style. Nicer than your average flip flop!
What did I miss? What are your spring staples?!
xx Alicia
Love this edit
Is the brown leather jacket pictured (on you) the same Nour Hammour linked? Thanks! xx