Spring Shopping

What I’m recommending right now and how it works with what you already own

Lately, a lot of my clients are starting to get ready for spring. It feels a bit early this year. Maybe it was that 70 degree day New York had. But regardless, I get it. Spring dressing is fun. It’s when we start getting excited about bringing in more color. And then there’s Spring Break, when many are heading somewhere warm.

In any case, let this be the first edition of Spring Shopping. Every outfit below is versatile. You can dress them up or down.

Versatility is everything. I don’t let my clients buy something unless they can picture at least five ways to wear it. Even if it’s just switching shoes with the same pant, it’s a simple but important check before you hit order. I used to hold myself to this same method with an Instagram series where I showed all the ways I’d wear a new piece.

You don’t need to buy everything at once. It’s really about swapping pieces in slowly and seeing how they shift what you already have.

Lately, what I’ve been adding into my wardrobe and suggesting for clients isn’t a full reset, it’s replacing certain items (little by little) that make a big impact. Lighter accessories, fun textured bags, and a change in shoe can completely alter the tone of a look, even when you’re carrying over your knits or winter pieces. Small swaps like a ballet flat instead of a boot, a woven tote instead of leather one, a bit of ankle showing, it all adds to the Spring energy we’re all itching for. That’s really what makes a spring outfit feel finished to me.

Rohe cardigan, Chan Luu pants (more on my obsession with these below), Conner Ives silk bag, and Le Monde Beryl satin ballet flats for the perfect pop of red.

These f-ing Chan Luu pants are so good. There’s a reason they sold out and had to be recut. They are a drawstring so they work when you’re bloated or feeling nice, and they’re versatile (I’m going to say that word too many times in this post).

In every client session, my goal is to show how much one piece can do. Dressing it up or down, layering it, pairing it with something unexpected. That’s how you bring new life into your clothes. Most of the items in here act in that way. I played with the pants in a more dressed up way above, but i’ve styled them with a tee and sandals just as easily.

The rohe cardigan is actually quite sexy in a subtle way because of where it falls. I am really into the knit against the taffeta pant, pairing something softer with something more structured. The chocolate brown pant looks so beautiful against the red but all the colors offered are so pretty, especially the olive.

I just sent two clients these shorts in the same material and now they’re sitting in my cart. They fit so well.

Feels like Chan Luu sponsored this. They didn’t. Chan Luu, call me.

Madewell baseball tee, Donni cargo pants, Emme Parsons sandals, Fyeres Eyewear sunnies, Chan Luu tote, and layering this Marlyn Schiff beaded necklace with this Electric Picks tennis necklace.

Next favorite pants is no surprise, the Donni drawstring cargo pant. The espresso color pictured is superb but the pistachio is a close runner up. Well done, brilliant friend Alyssa Wasko Stein.

These pants look great with a loafer or a sandal. Because they’re drawstring, you can adjust where they sit. Sometimes I wear them lower on my hips, sometimes higher on my waist, and that placement changes where they hit on the leg. When I wear them higher, I’m more inclined to go with a loafer or sneaker since you can see more ankle. When they sit lower and the pant runs longer, I’ll usually go for a sandal.

I feel strongly about the pop of red against the burgundy accessories. Beads always (as we previously discussed). The mix of the more refined “diamonds” with the casual beads adds small contrast but that’s what takes an outfit from good to fab.

And I’m truly obsessed with that freaking tote. It feels like Dries for a quarter of the price. We talked in my last post about using more than one pop of color to balance a look. This bag really brings it home.

This Asher tee is constantly in rotation for me. Pairing with Malene Birger lace trimmed shorts, and these Old Navy jelly sandals that are literally $15 (!). Accessorizing with this mini burgundy version of my most worn Balenciaga bag, Jimmy Fairly sunnies, and these matching earrings and bracelet from Stone Fruit.

I won’t shut up about wearing burgundy in Spring. It shows up so often in colder weather that it feels surprising here (the best outfits always have an element thats unexpected).

I talked in my last post about treating lavender as a neutral. Case in point.

And yes, we are still very into a lace silk short with a tee this season. But even more than that, I can’t say enough about a khaki tee. It feels so much more intentional than a white one. I should probably do an entire post on brown and khaki tees alone.

The bangle and earrings are so pretty. I’m wearing the earrings currently as I type this. I just got them and they already make me so happy. They feel very of this neo-vintage moment.

This Leset button down I’ve mentioned a few times now (for good reason), Staud shorts, the tan Balenciaga Rodeo bag, and green jelly sandals that tie in color from this Éliou necklace. Added drama provided by this tassel necklace from Le Sundial.

We love a track short. These would also look great with a loafer (and a sock if you’re feeling frisky). This outfit has multiple pops of color, but they aren’t competing. It's an easy, no fuss sitch.

I like the balance of the green necklace with the green shoe. It’s always nice to use one color as a through line. Not necessary, but it helps everything feel pulled together.

The leather tote adds structure and grounds softer pieces. And I like the black tassel necklace as a more refined element in an otherwise casual outfit.

You know a button-down, to me, is one of the most important pieces in your wardrobe. It does everything. So playing it down with these fun track shorts makes me very happy. You can also wear it open as a light jacket with a tee or tank underneath.

This semi-sheer scoop tank is super versatile and looks great paired with this Siedres skirt. Nour Hammour leather bomber is a staple for life, Alaïa bag works but I actually prefer this one for this outfit, and Le Monde Béryl zebra calf hair kitten heels.

This is hot. We’re having fun. You could also style the skirt more like this, a la Prada. You can also switch the shoe to something more classic or swap in this bag instead. I didn’t have time to change it in the image, but looking at it now, I wish I had. I like the silk against the leather, and something about the shades of brown between the tiger stripe and the bag is feeling slightly off.

This silk and fringe Aflalo halter top would drape beautifully over these pants by My Mum Made It which I talked about styling in last week’s post. Heeled T-strap sandals with zebra hair details by Salondeju to bring some understated but fun details down to the feet. Le Sundial tassel necklace and two tone ear cuffs by Jenny Bird.

Another fun going out look. You saw me style these pants in my last post in a more casual way but you can easily pair them with a dressy top. This top is it. Would also be killer with straight leg ivory jeans or a more tailored trouser. And the shoe is recommended by my pal Alyssa Wasko Stein. Follow her on ig, she posts the best shoe recs.

The grommet detail on this swimsuit is everything, and the embellished hem detail on this Chan Luu top. The removable peplum belt on these pants make them even better, and these chunky leather thong sandals. The long string on the Staud bucket hat feels like a cool rope necklace. Silver beaded mesh tote from Cordera, and Jenny Bird two tone ear cuffs.

I am very excited by an embellished swimsuit. I can’t help it! It doubles as a top and just makes putting on a bathingsuit so much more fun. I am on the hunt for us to find more iterations. Oseree makes my fav one but it’s from three years ago, they should be coming out with some new ones in the next couple of months. I'll do a bathingsuit deep dive at some point. I wrote a post last year about what to wear to the beach, which is essentially a button down worn open over a bathing suit and a sarong. This top is an elevated version of that formula, with the tie detail and embellished shell hem.

This Chan Luu shell button embellished halter top is backless buttt the heavy embellishment makes it easier to not wear a bra. How good are these COS utility pants? Accessorizing with the Alaïa Le Teckel bag, gold and silver stackable ear cuffs, and the pop from these satin ballet flats.

A halter top is always flattering, where it cuts in elongates the arms. It works because it is dressed down with a more masculine pant. Hair up feels right here to show off the clavicle. And an ear cuff with no other earring always looks so chic. Sorry to repeat myself, but an ear cuff gives an instant face lift. It draws the eye upward and is so flattering on the face.

Great asymmetrical Róhe top for spring and summer. Pairing with these drapey satin balloon pants from Massimo Dutti, Emme Parsons sandals, and raffia clutch bag from Staud which comes with a long strap to wear cross body. Bracelet and earrings from Stone Fruit.

Balloon pants are not going anywhere. I wasn’t sure at first, but now I’m a fan. They’re comfortable and actually really flattering. I think it’s the movement they add. It’s kind of like a more comfortable skirt. Anyway, Laurel Pantin posted these this week and now I keep thinking about them. They would slot in nicely in the above look as well.

Toccin tiered cami top (knit version of this color), Studio Nicholson pleated pants, and wearer’s choice of either these Simon Miller heeled sandals, or these black leather ones from A. Emery. The mini Balenciaga Rodeo bag in burgundy worn cross body or as a top. handle, PDPaola link necklace that you can adjust the length on, and two tone ear cuffs.

At this point, we know: an easy way to tone down brights is with khaki or other earth tones. Proven with this yellow top. This is another mix of a feminine, flowy top with more masculine pants. If you want a cozier top, try this one. And another reminder that burgundy goes with everything.

Any of these looks would work with a heel or a flat.

My obsession with lady jackets and pankou closures continues with this silk Róhe top, which looks so chic with these long relexed shorts by Leset (alt here), the Alaia Le Teckel bag and stackable ear cuffs. Heeled sandals: these from Simon Miller or these T-straps from Salondeju.

I am floored by this top. It’s basically a softer lady jacket. I can’t think of anything it wouldn’t go with. Honestly, show me a pair of pants that wouldn’t work with this :). The leset shorts are going bonkers since that Margot Robbie airport look we all died over, these would work lovely as well. A heeled thong sandal always works. It elongates the leg. I can genuinely run miles in the Simon Miller ones pictured.

This animal print one piece from Tropic of C is a killer. I can’t stop wearing this henley top, the cut is so good and its a bit sheer so even better for the beach. and these Róhe shorts are chic and easy. Spring break vibes are high with this Jacquemus hat, beaded mesh bag, and leather sandals.

Let’s keep wearing leopard, but in a swimsuit way. I saw this in store and really liked the pattern. Not all leopard is created equal, some of it can look cheap, you know what I mean. Also a huge fan of so many of the pieces from All Three’s new drop, especially the henley above. I wore it here, if you’d like to see it better in person.

Such an easy but fun, low effort warm weather look. Asher t-shirt, Reformation pants, Staud bucket hat, Jimmy Fairly sunglasses, and adding some fun color with these green jelly sandals, this red woven leather bag from Dragon Diffusion, and this turquoise necklace by Donni.

This look requires no fuss. Comfortable and easy, letting the accessories do the work.

Still Here long sleeve shirt in this fun sap color and anchored by a deeper olive green in these silk shorts. This sheer-ish white top is good for layering because it’s so lightweight. Stacking this stone bead necklace with this gold link necklace adds tension. Emme Parsons sandal and this raffia bag from Khaite.

Very into a silk boxer short, this color and fit is so nice because of the narrow waist band. Either top works on its own, or the Henley top layered on top of the long sleeve (which has thumbholes so the cuff detail sticking out of the sleeve adds a pop of color which adds so much interest.

This gorg Kallmeyer wrapped silk top, Pleated pants from Dé Rococo, shown with this woven leather tote from Madewell and this Marlies Grace wooden tasseled clutch. Manolo Blahnik suede slides and Stone Fruit earrings.

I’m really not a print person (leopard and stripes don’t count), especially florals. But every once in a while one catches my eye. It has to have a bit of a Dries-y feel. This one is graphic but still not too jarring. Kallmeyer did such a good job with the color.

The turquoise shoe is an odd choice, which is exactly why I love it. You can always go more classic with the shoe or tone it down with a black bag instead.

Almina Concept cardigan (alt here), J. Crew striped button down, Rùadh jeans, Staud raffia clutch, Manolo Blahnik suede slides, leather tie around belt by Emanuele Pantanella Design, and this Lie Studio red beaded necklace. Mademoiselle Jules also makes a beautiful beaded necklace for slightly less (and you can get 15% off by using KELLY15!).

At this point, you know how I feel about a turquoise shoe against denim. If I’m repeating myself from previous posts, it’s because I feel strongly about it, okay?! This knit is great shade of green, it gives more color than olive but still is subtle. You can wear it open over a button-down, throw it over your shoulders, or tie it around your waist. It also works on its own with just a tee underneath.

Donni just came out with their Spring drop, including this incredible cardigan. I have the older, longer version of it but the rolled hem detail on the new one is calling me. Nothing compares to their yarns. A cotton knit is seasonless and I find it is more durable (pills much less) than wool or cashmere blends.

MOST SHOPPED ITEMS OF THE PAST MONTH here.

These are the most popular pieces I’ve recommended over the last 30 days. It makes sense. They offer great value for the price, especially with how expensive everything is right now. I’m a huge fan of Madewell jeans (been living in these) for the price and the fit. I’ve also been really into a cropped jacket with a longer shirt hanging out underneath. It always looks so fresh. And sorry to be a broken record but most of my outfits don’t feel complete without a strand of beads. There’s a reason I push them.

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That’s everything I’ve been into lately. Of course, you do not need all of this. It’s more about slowly swapping pieces in and seeing how they change what you already own. That’s really how you transition into a new season without starting over.

Let me know if there are specific pieces you’re looking for. Happy to include them in the next one.

xx Kelly

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