The Shopping Bag: Spring 2014 is bursting with colour

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: HAI HA NGUYEN

The end of winter never seems to come fast enough. For the time being, I think most of us have forgotten what spring looks, smells and feels like, but soon we'll be able to shed those bulky layers of jackets, cardigans, sweaters and scarves in exchange for shorts, dresses, short sleeves and open-toed shoes!

Preparing for that right now might sound unnecessary since it still looks like a winter wonderland outside, but it could be a fun thought to occupy your mind until we get there.

This spring, get ready to be inspired by incredibly vibrant colours! According to Pantone's Spring 2014 Fashion Colour Report from New York Fashion Week, Dazzling Blue, Radiant Orchid, Cayenne and Celosia Orange are all on the vibrant spectrum side of the colour palette that we can all expect to see and love in fashion for the season. All four colours are a part of what is inspiring these great accessories for this spring. Dazzling Blue is a strong blue with a straightforward essence. It can accent outfits on its own, and claims dominance in the presence of other colours. Radiant Orchid is strong yet feminine and it is romantic with a bit of sass. Cayenne is bright, confident and a perfect pairing to Celosia Orange, which exudes happiness and energy. The merging of all these colours may seem unusual and almost conflicting, but the look can be very exotic if styled properly.

The featured accessories are chosen to help inspire you how to work with all these colours and bring them to life in an outfit. The beautiful silk scarf incorporates all these colours in the palette in combination with the artistic details of a peacock feather in a world of colour splashes. In the summer it can be a scarf, but to take full advantage of the beautiful drape of the material, it can be tied to be a headscarf and a wrap for the beach or worn over a nice white tank top and shorts.

A cream clutch with a single gold clasp detailing is a perfect addition to balance out all the colours. This season, the pointy stilettos are making a comeback, and it's about time! With the addition of an ankle strap and Cayenne colour, it will bring a new breath of life to your older light denim or ankle-length dress pants. The silhouette of the show speaks to sophistication, fun and femininity.

When it comes to jewellery and accessories, we all have our preference for gold or silver (and their different variations — rose gold, gunmetal, etc.), but gold is usually a winner to pair with vibrant colours because it adds that touch of luxury and warms up all skin tones in time for spring!

1. Vibrant scarf: Drapes beautifully, easy to wear and easy to style. (Aldo Accessories, $18)

2. Pointy-Toed Stilettoes: Sleek and sophisticated design, complete with a stiletto heel will inspire a fashionable outfit any day. Fit for the corporate wardrobe or L.A. streets (paired with some lightly distressed denim, of course)! (Aldo Shoes, $80)

It's been a long, white and snowy winter, so even just looking at colourful and vibrant pieces to inspire your spring palette will uplift your mood and get you ready for this upcoming spring!

Hai Ha Nguyen loves to discover the new trends in street fashion, accessories and styling. Follow her on Instagram at instagram.com/misshaihanguyen for the trendiest pieces this season! If you have a suggestion or feedback for her column, send her an email at hhnguyen.77@gmail.com.