Cheryl Shops

In my last lazy shopping post, I noted that winter clothes had started to disgust me, but that I wasn't yet sick of my own clothes. But now that time has come. Every night when I pick out the next day's outfit (yes, I'm one of those night-before people), I open my closet to thick, fuzzy sweaters, dark wool dresses, and tired ankle boots--I am so over all of it. Why, oh, why is it not spring yet? I want color and lightweight fabrics and bare legs and sandals. I'll even settle for a lightweight jacket. So while I continue to soldier on with my Wolford tights and sweater dresses, I'm already plotting what to buy for spring, and let me tell you, it can't come quickly enough. Here's what I'm dreaming of wearing.


Clockwise from top left:

I saw this T by Alexander Wang Gauze Back Cardigan ($170) at Barneys last weekend, and I have a feeling it's going to be my go-to layering piece for spring. Plus, when the weather gets really hot, it has built-in air-conditioning, thanks to the gauze inset in back.

After hearing about it back in December, I finally tried  Dior Addict Lip Glow ($29) today, and I can report it gives your lips a perfectly natural, just-been-kissed shade of pink. Perfect for spring, when you don't want to overdo it with heavy makeup.

I saw these Belle by Sigerson Morrison T-Strap Sandals ($265) today at Bloomingdale's, and they are going to be a must-buy for me. The heel is nice and sturdy (and not too high), but what they lack in height, they make up for in the leg-elongating nude T-strap.

I am completely obsessed with this 3 1 Phillip Lim tote ($725)--the shape is absolutely perfect, and it's big enough to carry all the essentials. And while I somehow now live in a world where I think $725 is a semi-reasonable price for a handbag, well, it could be worse.

I've been stalking this Diane Von Furstenberg Egg-Zactly Dress in River Leopard ($345) for awhile, and I finally saw it in person today (can you tell I have spring shopping fever?). I can report that it's even better in real life--so much so that I might have to pay full retail for it (gasp!).

This outfit has so much awesomeness in it that when it comes to jewelry, I think it needs just one fabulous statement piece, like a Dannijo Buckle bracelet ($270).

 This is the time of year when winter clothes start to disgust me. I'm not entirely sick of my own clothes (yet--that tends to come toward the end of February), but nothing in the stores is exciting. Seeing so many racks of sad, bedraggled clothes that no one wants doesn't exactly inspire me to shop. So I think of January as a time to start plotting what to buy for spring. And because, as I mentioned earlier, I'm trying to behave myself financially this month, everything here is under $100. So start shopping--everything here is "wear now," as they say.

Clockwise from top left:

In this article in last week's Thursday Styles section, Brandon Holley, the new editor-in-chief of Lucky, noted that the magazine will be ditching the bohemian look it made famous. Which, because I'm a rebel, made me want to go totally bohemian for spring. (And, also, the spring runways were all over the boho look.) This hat is totally J.Lo circa 2002, but it's inexpensive and chic, and you're totally going to wear it all summer long. Elona Floppy Hat, $20

This necklace is called Calamity Jewel, which kind of makes me laugh. Also, I don't see statement necklaces going away anytime soon. This one is over-the-top, in a Bollywood kind of way, and so it's guaranteed to perk up whatever you're wearing. Calamity Jewel Necklace, $24

This leather jacket is on sale (and is only left in black now) but its lighter weight and soft, draped shape makes it a great transitional piece. BB Dakota Cartersville Leather Jacket, $74

As soon as I saw it in the Free People catalog that came last week, I became completely obsessed with this crochet tunic, and I'm clearly not the only one, because it's almost sold out in black and ivory (all sizes remain available in lavender).  Let's hope they restock. Engineered Crochet Tunic, $98

This tote is pretty much a knockoff of Vanessa Bruno's signature sequined canvas style, but for what it lacks in originality, it makes up for in price: at $14.50, you could easily buy one in every color. Women's Sequin-Trim Canvas Tote, $15

I've mentioned this before, but I really need to get a pair of nude platform pumps. This Sam Edelman pair looks good, and the price is right (and they still have my size left).  Sam Edelman Niland platform pumps, $95

I've been wearing skinny jeans for close to 10 years, and if there's a pair out there that gets me to try the '70s flare silhouette that's all over the place for spring, it's likely these Gap flare jeans. I love the slightly higher rise, and these look just fitted enough through the hips, thighs, and knees so as to not make one's thighs look like tree trunks.  Gap High rise flare jeans (faded dark wash), $70

Finally,  as someone who changes fragrance as often as underwear, I can attest that scent can greatly alter your mood. There's something fresh and blossoming yet warm and comforting--and, yes, certainly a little bohemian--about Jo Malone's Vanilla and Anise perfume. Vanilla & Anise Cologne, $55