Spring and Summer collections are hitting stores, and I like what I see. There’s more than just ultra casual items, Athleisure and loungewear, which gives us something to look forward to post pandemic. Silhouettes are both tried-and-tested, and refreshingly new. Colour assortments are more varied too. Generally, items seem more wearable and relatable without looking boring. There seems to be more attention to design detailing and fabric quality then there has been for a while. It’s as if the pandemic gave designers and retailers a wake-up call. They need to give us an all-round better product to entice us to purchase it. This is a win for consumers.
During the global pandemic, brick-and-mortar stores in the US are stocking fewer and more basic items because business has been very tough. But we continue to see an extremely large variety of merchandise and sizes online. Chances are good that you will find what you want if you’re prepared to shop online. As much as I love to shop in stores, over the years, I’ve had to do most of my shopping online to get my size in the right colour, fabric, and silhouette. Maybe you’ve had to do this too.
Here are some fab items for Spring that reflect the start of a great retail season. Browse the colours and size options. Read the reviews for an alternative opinion to mine.
- Nine West Printed Twist-Front Midi Dress: This type of twist-front-knot detailing works very well on a range of body types because it nips you in at a narrow part of the torso, and glides over the rest. Easy, comfy, classic, and elegant.
- AllSaints Oana Epoto Horse Print Balloon Sleeve Blouse: STUNNING blouse that should NOT be tucked. The pattern is a work of art. Click on the link to see the front and back placement of the horse pattern, which I expect is a little different with each blouse. It's mesmerizing. Gorgeous lantern sleeves too. It would have been mine in blues and whites because I love horses.
- Everlane The Arc Jean: The denim is stiff, dark, dressy, and with a little sheen, which lends itself perfectly to the architectural silhouette of these sustainably and ethically made jeans. They are very balloon-y on a straighter figure, and less so on a curvier figure. They have a Japanese integrity and make a big statement. They earned a place in my denim capsule.
- Whistles Tiger Stripe Knit Midi Skirt: A good one for Team Blue Tube Skirt. Great on a curvy and straight figure.
- Banana Republic Riley Tailored-Fit Shirt: It's a big shirt season, and this modern classic darling is fab for Team Lilac with a small or regular size bust. Crisp, polished, versatile, and goes up to a US20.
- Levi's Faux Leather Moto Jacket: This comes in eleven colours and is reasonably priced for a good quality faux leather moto. Might run a little big. Fluid fit. A modern classic that could be fun in an unusual colour. The zippers aren't shiny, and look quite dark. I ordered the bright pink. It was very nice, although too hard-edged and rock 'n' roll for my style. But could be fab for you.
- MOOSE KNUCKLES Allister Long Quilted Hooded Vest: Good on those who like to wear hard-edged items with an architectural vibe. Take a close look at the fun side zipper detailing.
- Brooks Brothers Classic-Fit Striped Stretch Cotton Sateen Dobby Luxury Shirt: Brooks Brothers makes really good crisp cotton button-through shirts of exceptional quality. Their slight sheen gives them a luxe integrity. I used to wear them a lot in white ten years ago, and am finding my way back to the more playful stripes and non-neutrals this year.
- Madewell Garment-Dyed Relaxed Coverall Jumpsuit: This is the CUTEST non-neutral boiler suit I've seen to date. It's very comfortable, 100% cotton, soft, just tailored enough, and fits a range of body types. Comes in petite, plus and regular. It's quite long in the torso and rise, and the buttons aren't too shiny. Baggy and structured in all the right places. It might run a little big. It also comes in pink and white. It's my wildcard of the season because the bright pink earned a place in my wardrobe. I scrunch the sleeves and cuff the pant hems once. I wear it with white boots, a range of sneakers, pearls, and a crossbody. It's not that loo-unfriendly either.
- Veronica Beard Porta Check Seersucker Shirt: A pretty blouse in a very Summery fabric that is as dressy as it is casual. Fitted yet breezy. Might need a camisole. Interesting ruching on the sleeves. Fab worn UN-tucked. Nice rounded hem.
- SCOTCH & SODA Oversized cotton-modal blend print shirt: This pattern reminds me of Game of Thrones, and is very unique. Sustainably and ethically made, and beautiful quality. Dress it up or down.
- Brooks Brothers Floral-Print Cotton Sateen Bell-Sleeve Blouse: If you like to wear Winter colours in the Spring and Summer, this is one way to go. A well-made blouse that can work on a larger bust. Might run a size big. Quite fluid and crisp.
- NYDJ Skinny Capri Jeans: White Tailored Clamdigger Fabness. Who is in the mood to wear these again?
- Karen Kane Leaf Shadows Shirttail Top: An easy hi-low top to pair with black or white bottoms. Fluid, yet streamlined. Does not cling. Comes in plus sizes.
- Karen Kane Flare Hem Top: This is a great example of the sheer layers trend, and works on a range of body types. You are exposed yet hidden, and it's a clever alluring design.
- Karen Kane Tie Front Button-Up Shirt: A fably covered yet breezy boho-lite tie-front shirt that looks great over skirts and high-rise pants. Good with wide crops too. Comes in black and mustard. Romantic. Might run a little big.
- Karen Kane Crop Wide Leg Pants: If you're after VERY breezy Summer pants that look good and cover most of the leg - try these. They are good on curvier figures. Straighter figures might need to size down. Comes in mustard.
- COLDESINA Jenny Sleeve Dress: A fun dress to wear as is or over leggings. Architectural Drape Fabness. It can be worn as a one-shoulder style too.
- CURVES 360 BY NYDJ Side Slit Slim Straight Jeans: These size-inclusive very casual jeans are great on curvy figures. They are roomy on the thighs and seat, and come in at the waist. Comfy.
- Ted Baker London Ruffle Shoulder Sweatshirt: Antique pink is not easy to find, and here it is in a dressier and fun sweatshirt. Dress it up or down, and feel comfortable and cosy no matter how you style it.
- Hobbs Aubery Houndstooth Check Shift Dress: For those who are into wearing drousers, try this dress and wear it as a tunic. Well made, has pockets, and drapes like a dream. It glides over the body and does not cling. It looks good over leggings too. Click the link to see that combination.
- Nike Golf Nike Dri-Fit Printed Golf Polo: If you like to wear polo shirts and technical fabric, try this one that also comes in black and white. It looks sharp.
- Cinq A Sept Cinq á Sept Mckenna Knot Waist Shirt: I haven't seen this in person yet, but it's interesting and comes in white. It might need a camisole. The front-twist knot detailing can work on a range of body types, and the tailored silhouette that can be worn untucked is refreshing. The sleeve length might be annoying, so consider yourself warned.
- NYDJ Barbara Stretch Bootcut Jeans: I have happy clients in these jeans because they are very streamlining, and work on a range of body types. Curvy and straight, and you might need to size down. They look adequately dressy because of the uniform dark wash. Make your legs look really long.
- Old Navy Loose Thick-Knit Striped Embroidered Graphic Easy Long-Sleeve Tee for Women: A good striped tee with a fun '80s dropped shoulder. Very fluid.
- Veronica Beard Cita Long Sleeve Stretch Cotton Shirtdress: This dress is SPECTACULAR on a curvy body type. Modern Classic with a whole lot of spunk. Lots of length. Elegant.
- G-Star Raw GSRR Hito Jacket: If you're after a fitted and flirty olive utility jacket and have a shorter torso, try this one. Fits on the narrower side.
- Citizens of Humanity Emerson Slim Fit Boyfriend Ankle Jeans: These roomy boyfriend jeans look great on curvy thighs and wider calves. The mid rise works well if you are shorter in the waist. They can also work well on apple and rectangle shapes with straighter hips if you size down.
- M&S Collection High Waisted Balloon Jeans: These are the first balloon jeans that I've seen sized in petite and tall. I haven't seen them in person yet, but one of my petite clients has ordered them, and my family in the UK swears by M&S jeans. Nice to the see olive and grey options too.
- Club Monaco Zip Front Stretch Cotton Trucker Jacket: If I didn't already have a blush chore jacket, I'd be looking at this one. Well made with a bit of stretch. It has an architectural vibe that is quite flattering. The chest pockets do not interfere with the bustline. Great with most casual looks as a topper for a mild Spring day or cold Summer air conditioning. Good layer for skirts and dresses.
- SCOTCH & SODA Short-sleeved scalloped collar knit: A beautifully refined item that looks best UNTUCKED so click the link to check out the welted bottom. Sustainably and ethically produced too. The viscose blend and open-weave knit make it breezy to wear in warm weather. It has a fabulous '70s vibe with the statement long pointy collar, and earned a place in my wardrobe. The neckline is a beautifully neat fit for my long neck. The fit is narrower so size up if you prefer a roomier fit. I might get the navy too.
You can see the items alongside my descriptions on the collection page.
