Spring is in the air

Finally, we've been reaching some temperatures that allow for a lighter jacket and a less brutal trek to school every morning. Although I started my Spring wish list last November when all the Spring/ Summer 2009 shows were presented, I have recently updated and narrowed down the list to come up with my absolute must-haves for the season.

JACKETS:

A jacket can totally transform any outfit and can add a more polished look or make it more casual. I want both. A borrowed-from-the-boys blazer with a longer, boxier cut is sophisticated yet fuss-free. Another everyday jacket that seems to be everywhere this season is the anorak. Seen in all shapes, colours, lengths and cuts, I favour a longer, neutral style with big pockets to maximize usage from now till Fall. Another big pocketed jacket that my closet is craving is the sleeker safari jacket that seems to be a reoccurring trend no matter the season. Bonus points if it's belted.

PRINTS/COLOURS:

I am not a huge fan of prints of any kind, and typically, I don't wear much colour, either. That being said, I am actually excited about this Spring's textile trends as I can actually see myself wearing some of them. Despite the extreme femininity of florals, there are some not too girly floral prints this season that are not so extremely feminine as they are printed in deeper colours, like navy.

Brocade is another Spring print that I am dying to get my hands on, and I especially love when its printed on lace and seems to almost be translucent.

Lastly, I am once again putting all my faith in Karl Lagerfeld's taste and am on the hunt for his favourite Spring print: gridlock. Perhaps it is because I love to wear black and white, the gridlock print is hands down my favourite and is popping up on everything from clutches (Chanel) to trench coats (Alexander McQueen) and everything in between. I have actually already acquired some on Spring's hottest shades, including some neon hues. I especially love paring them with a black and neutral coloured outfit (a la Alexander Wang) for a small but impactful pop of colour. On a more low-key note, I'd love to get my hands on some metallics; these trendy shades are neutrals, can go with anything, add interest to any ensemble and can also be a part of another Spring must have (like a metallic brocade dress!).

ACCESORIES:

Accessories are the easiest way to transform an outfit and look pulled together in times of desperation. They can also lend a helping hand when you're short on cash and are in need of a wardrobe refresher.

This season, bows were seen on the runway on everything from dresses to tops to belts. I think they are a great way to add femininity without going overboard and I am happy to see the trend appear on jewellery and hair accessories.

I am also happy to oblige to the Fashion Gods this season when they dictated cuffs as the hottest new bracelets. I can't wait to stack ‘em nearly up to my elbows, like at the Marc Jacobs show. Coral, translucent pink and shimmery nude nail polish are also on the list to complement all the cuffs.

DENIM:

I have a love affair with denim and get really excited every season when all the new cuts and washes come out. This season, I'm looking out for a straight cut, slightly loose distressed pair for casual days. The super trendy boyfriend cut (thank you, Katie Holmes) has been a staple in my closet for some time now, after seeing them on Victoria Beckham a few years back (and spending many summers at camp) I decided they are by far the most comfortable and laid back cut in denim available. I'm now looking for a new boyfriend cut that are a bit slimmer (and not actually borrowed from the boys) as they are now in style and women's labels are making them, too.

HANDBAGS:

As I have only recently discovered the joy of carrying a purse, a new handbag is at the top of my list. I don't want something too girly (see boyfriend jeans, above) so the Spring trend of the messenger bag seems perfect. Make it leather and neutral, Spring's other two starring handbag trends, and I'll have it all.