I have been thinking about scarves lately. I have never owned a spring scarf before and I’m not sure where to begin. BR has some nice ones but I couldn’t decide on color. I think I’d do better to get a warm color. What do you think of silk scarves? Somehow I can’t bring myself to go for them.

I’m drooling over that gorgeous scarf, Angie (surprise, surprise;-)
The cream bag is a perfect find too. Both are so versatile!

I’m definitely on the look-out for Summer scarves and have just started a thread about whether or not to get a grey bag for Spring/Summer. Very timely post, again.

(By the way: still smiling about the first picture, you look a mannequin;-)

Wow, Angie you and I must be on the same wave-length lately. #1My post today is also about spring scarfs, #2 I just bought a yellow scarf too from Ann Taylor Loft and LOVE it and #3- I have been on the look-out for an off-white large hobo bag!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!!

That scarf is fabulous! The bag is wonderful, too. And of course you look fabulous!

I chose a bright yellow bag to update my look this season — accessories are a great way to incorporate “in” colours while spending carefully.

Where is that bag from? It’s awesome!

I love the spring scarf look and imagine it will add just the right amount of warmth on a cool spring day. I am going to be buying accessories this spring, a pair of bermudas or clams, and a couple of new tops. That’s it!

Thanks for explaining to a scarf newbie like myself just how to wear it, depending on the collar.

A few questions for you –
Just to clarify … when you are inside, you keep the scarf on as part of the outfit, right?

And what other materials would you look for in addition to the viscose?

It may be too early, but I’m finding that I’m getting lots of use lately out of a long viscose winter white scarf. Today I wish I had one in green!
For those just adapting to scarves, you might begin with a plain color that looks fab on you rather than worry about print just yet.

Angie … you’re reading my mind. A few weeks ago I had the same yearning to get a headstart on spring. In a natural home decor store I found a lovely coral-pink scarf made of viscose and bamboo, of all things. I think I’ll wear it today!

I’m attributing my newfound lust for white accessories directly to you, Angie!

Wow Angie, both items are gorgeous and look amazing on you.

I have started incorporating spring scarves last year and really love them. I recently got two spring ones: a sheer silk one in abstract floral b&w print and more sporty viscose jersey one in yellow and grey stripes. I would like to find a fun turquoise one too.

As for the bags, last year was a year of patent totes for me so I would like to stay away from patent this time. I would like a leather tote in either pale dove grey, cool off-white or some vibrant hue like turquoise/lighter purple or bright blue.

I was in Paris a couple of weeks ago and saw an really cute orange and white scarf, but just didn’t go for it (end of the day – kind of tired). And now I can’t stop thinking about it – it would be such a great way to brighten up as we heads toward spring. I may ask a friend who lives there to go back and get it for me. A scarf is such a great way to transform and transition an outfit.

Not sure I trust myself with a white purse, too likely that I would find a way get it dirty

every white purse i’ve ever had has ended up dirty i think i’m just not careful enough. sigh.

HOORAY FOR SCARVES! i love them and have an extensive collection. can’t wait to start incorporating the light, fun, patterned ones into the spring rotation!

Thanks for this Angie! I really enjoy scarves, – I just bought another one last week and I’m going back for another sometime soon. I always wonder what to do with the collars on my shirts, though. This post is perfect timing!

I am definitely on a scarf kick right now too. I love how easy it is to bring a little bit of spring color & feeling into your wardrobe with such a simple addition.

Beautiful finds! I love both the scarf and the bag. I could not agree more with you about accessorizing during recession. I am definitely trying to do that. My grandmother used to say that “it is better to know how put things together than to have a lot of things.” Using accessories seems to enforce that saying. I’ve never had a spring scarf before, so I am going to see what is available out there. Thanks!

Oh! I’m not the only one who has Spring scarves on the mind. (Perhaps I’ll write a separate post on the topic).What a coincidence, ladies. Glad that so many of you are sporting the look. It’s effective, easy and economical.

Sal, white (or a form of white) accessories are magical. There is no substitute. I’m happy to hear you’re lusting after them too. You shan’t be sorry.

Patience, the fabrication of the scarf indicates whether its casual or dressy. A silk scarf is dressy. I’m off to a fundraising luncheon today and I’ll be wearing a silk scarf with business separates. A linen viscose blend or cotton scarf is something I like to wear with denim for a more informal look. I could add my Converse sneakers to the black anorak ensemble and sport a less dressy handbag and be competently casual. Hope that makes sense.

Joy, a light wool cream scarf sounds great. I suggested precisely that to a client yesterday who went ahead and purchased one.

Cricket (your name makes me smile), Spring scarves needn’t be viscose linen blends. They can be cotton, silk or jersey based too. A VERY light and fine wool will also work.

Inge, I’ll get to the forum at some point today and read your thread. The “mannequin pose” was quite unintentional. I wanted to make sure you could see the scarf! Now that I look back at that picture, it’s hilarious. Anyone see how Rosie snuck in?

Tanya, I love how you sport Spring scarves and remember them well. I also like your plan of allowing non-patent handbags into your wrdarobe mix. It’s a good move.

Danja, your Gran was a wise lass. I hope that her words encourage your Spring scarf shopping adventure.

I meant to ask a question about casual non-winter scarves on the forum, but you made it all clear in this post. Thank you so much for explaining it, Angie! Scarves are new to me and I would like to incorporate more into my wardrobe. Somehow I feel better about them than jewelry or other accessories.
I was also amazed to discover, thanks to you, how versatile white bags are and how well they work.

BEAUTIFUL new purchases. Love both the scarf and the handbag. So you!

I love accessorizing, to add color and funk to my outfits, but also because accessories are a cheap way to try out new colors or to work in a trendy color. I bought a purple polka dot scarf recently to try out purple and red as a color combo (which was successful!). I don’t like purple enough to buy a top or other more expensive item, but a scarf was just right accent-wise and money-wise.

And I always buy a (cheap) new tote bag for a new season. Last summer it was a bright yellow one, then a teal one in fall. For spring I’m thinking of either turquoise, snake skin, or cream. H&M and Target are great sources for handbags that you buy for fun rather than as investments.

Great suggestions! I will check Old Navy before my upcoming trip to the Netherlands. I’ll be there for a couple of months and want to bring one wool and one bright colored scarf. I purchased a yellow scarf and a white bag last summer, so I’m so happy to hear that they’re still in style. I love both of them. I use a lot of white accessories in summer, but I have to clean my white bags a lot. I don’t know any better so I use clorox wipes. Any better ideas on how to clean a white leather handbag?

I have been looking for an off-white Spring bag in a good price for weeks, and will keep looking.

However, I could not resist the Clark’s gladiator sandals you mentioned earlier. I tried and tried to not buy them, but something grabbed my hand and I clicked “purchase”. I bought them in the champagne colour, a beautiful neutral, and they are just perfect. So, thanks, Angie, for the suggerstion. Zappos ought to thank you, as well!

The scarf is beautiful, but I really love the pinstripe jacket you’re wearing in the top right picture. So fab! Can you tell me what the brand is?

I found Rosie just under your hand in the lower left photo!
I want to add that the idea of a white scarf for early spring is one I’m sure I picked up from you…maybe last spring? Yellow forsythia, crocus and daffodils are our earliest spring flowers here, so yellow is a perfect sign of spring.
I also love the way you wear the scarf inside the shirt collar and can’t wait to try it.
Question: Should one back off on getting more patent shoes this season?

Sorry Angie, but once again your pup has outshone you. Even when she’s in the background, and very hard to spot, she steals the show! Such a cute little face!

That said, I love the scarf, and I also prefer accessories for now. But perhaps because I really don’t feel like I need much else in my wardrobe. I’m always going to WANT things, but unless I’m actively looking, I don’t sense much temptation for the moment. That will probably change as the weather gets warmer though.

I am a fan of silk scarves in the spring. They somehow adjust to be warm or cool as necessary and they’re very lightweight and have a nice sheen.

Crisp, clean, perfect!! You are a beauty!

looks great angie! i plan to incorporate this idea in my wardrobe this spring

I think the scarf is adorable, I’m actually wearing a yellow button up shirt today and everyone keeps complimenting me on how springy I look. :^)

But I have a question about the white handbag…. I adore white bags in warm months and recently replaced mine (it was well worn) with another bag that I got a wonderful deal on back in January, but I was trying to wait until it was “season appropriate” to incorporate it into my wardrobe. I live in the North East, so the snow has finally melted and the sun is shining, though there’s still a chill in the air (spring scarf required:^)), so in your stylish opinion (and any of you girls who want to reply), is now a “good” time to start wearing my white bag since I’m moving into lighter weight coats and scarves?

Thanks girls!

Marianne, interesting point about the scarf vs. jewelry — like wearing a scarf to a casual (and likely outdoor, therefore chilly) event, and jewelry to a dressier event.

I am laughing at the cuteness of Rosie in your photo. Since I’m away from my children for 2 weeks, it brought a little twist to my heart. Thank you for doing this post. Not only do your accessories look lovely. I feel validated with the non patent off white purse I just purchased. I have many scarves but have never really felt comfortable wearing one. Your post and people’s responses gives me hope. I feel a bit intimidated by them. I am much more comfortable with jackets and jewellery. However I have a hunch if I can get into the swing of things with scarves, it would make a huge difference.

I love it when you model your new purchases in person! Both items look great but I’m even more impressed by the other pieces you paired them with. Hope you’ll show us more.

Since budgets are tight for almost everyone this year, I especially love the general idea of freshening up the existing wardrobe with new accessories. I love scarves. Can you suggest good ways to tie them? I always blunder around with how to wear them. I think I must be a little knot-challenged. The scarf in your photos is so cheery and fun looking. As always, this blog is so helpful to me.

Cricket, I realized that I never fully answered your question. Spring scarves stay on inside and so do pashmina type scarves and shiny dressy scarves.

Marianne, good point about the scarf vs. the necklace. I personally never wear both at the same time. Also, your point about feeling that a scarf is more your style than a necklace is an interesting one.

Sihaya, you’ll be wearing scarves like necklaces in no time. Try something new!

Legacy of Pearl, take your handbags to Nordstrom to have cleaned. Jeune, I’m thrilled the Clarks gladiators worked out.

Tara, my pinstripe jacket in the top RH photo is a Nanette Lepore.

Joy, you are always a joy. I hope you get a green and yellow scarf to sport inside your shirt collar. I think it’s extra chic that way. I see no reason to back off from anything patent. It’s became a basic so go for it.

Lovelee, it really depends on the type of white. Optical white handbags are for warm weather only (at any time of year). But off-white, cream and bone will work throughout the year and in any season. I hope that makes sense.

Maya, I can’t hope to compete with our irresistibly adorable Rosie and Jasmine. They are in a style league second to none.

Great pictures. I love the scarf and bag, and little Rosie peaking out. One question about spring scarves. I have several of them, but they are not wide ones like this. They are more like scarf belts, 1-3 inches wide. I got them a few years back when they were in all the stores. Are my spring scarves still considered stylish? I’d love to add one like yours to my collection, but I’d like to keep wearing the old ones too, as long as they are not too dated.

I don’t own a spring scarf, but I’ve also been thinking about adding one to my wardrobe (I’m thinking turquoise). I probably lean too heavily on handbags as my S/S accessories, so it would be nice to have a bit of diversity. They would be practical for this transitional weather as well, where it’s too warm for winter coats but you still feel a slight chill in a spring jacket or blazer (in my part of the world, anyway).
I also wanted to just add a comment that I love the composition of the photos in this post, particularly the second shot there. Naturally, I expect nothing less of YLF!

Soooo…who makes your lovely scarf and bag that you are rocking???

Oooh, Angie, the scarf is stunning! The bag is great too. I love seeing how you did four different looks with the same accessories.

Sarah, do you wear your scarf belts around your neck or around waist?

Thanks for the lovely compliment, Lannie.

Hannah, I’m wearing my new scarf today! I’ve paired it with a black cowl neck knit top, black biker jacket, skinny yellow patent belt, dark blue boot cut jeans, off-white ankle boots and my cherry on the top, the new off-white bag. I felt fab and ready for Spring.

[...] After wearing neck-covering knitwear with long chunky necklaces in Winter, I’m ready for lower necklines and short necklaces. It’s refreshing to show some skin and for a change and wearing lower necklines instantly sparks off my urge to purchase a fresh set of short chunky beads or eye-catching pendants. Enter Spring update #3 (I described #1 and #2 earlier this week). [...]

I bought a beautiful pea green spring scarf, inspired after this post! Now I will be looking for fun ways to tie it

Angie, that scarf is gorgeous! Can you please tell me what brand/store it is/from?

[...] that liven up my wardrobe and lift my spirits (refresh your memory with the first two installments here and [...]

Checked out Newport News for a very good “copy” of your belt…alas, most of the colors (cream available now) not ready for shipment until 5/8/09!! I need it now, any other suggestions…

BTW…love this daily e-mail and Angie you inspire all of us budget mind fashionable ladies!!!

xoxo

Miss Chanel

Angie, I typicall wear my scarf belts as belts, but sometimes I tie them around my neck or even wear them in my hair like a headband. Is that bad?

*typically

Sarah, wearing scarves as belts is a little dated, but sporting them as headbands in your long, pretty hair-do sounds fabulous and age- appropriate.

[...] splurge has made it easy to resist the temptation of purchasing clothing. Instead I have purchased an off-white tote, a yellow spring scarf, a casual necklace, and a turquoise belt with floral detail. Today I am adding a second Spring [...]

Thanks for letting me know, Angie. I guess I’ll avoid the scaf belt look until it comes around again.

[...] to give the look another chance. Enter my next Spring update: a cream cross body bag. Along with my other new off-white bag, this is my favorite of all the Spring updates thus far. I’m a bag lady at [...]

Angie,
I agree; everyone should add an off-white bag to their spring/summer wardrobe. I haven’t gotten any cool scarfs, but its on my to-do-list.

thanks.
Christina
http://www.examiner.com/x-9004.....n-Examiner

I think suitable accessories and handbags set can make you more elegant,especiallly in the colorful spring and summer.

[...] splurge has made it easy to resist the temptation of purchasing clothing. Instead I have purchased an off-white tote, a yellow spring scarf, a casual necklace, and a turquoise belt with floral detail. Today I am adding a second Spring [...]

[...] After wearing neck-covering knitwear with long chunky necklaces in Winter, I’m ready for lower necklines and short necklaces. It’s refreshing to show some skin for a change and wearing lower necklines instantly sparks off my urge to purchase a fresh set of short chunky beads or eye-catching pendants. Enter Spring update #3 (I described #1 and #2 earlier this week). [...]