Sarah's Spring Must Haves: Seasonless blazer

In my closet, blazers are a serious staple. I have lots of them: brown, black, cropped, boyfriend, multicolored and the now ubiquitous little boy's navy blue blazer with gold buttons.

With the weather warming up, I'm beginning to sport camisoles and sleeveless tops, and I noticed one gaping hole in my blazer collection: a lightweight blazer made for warmer weather. I get tons of wear out of my blue boy's blazer, but the shrunken shape doesn't always work and let's face it, sometimes you need a piece that looks more grown-up.

My search for the blazer--like most things--started at the thrift store. I've tried on countless blazers and most were either too heavy, without the drape I was after or had regrettable details like linebacker-sized shoulder pads, hideous buttons or ill-placed pockets. Sadly, I just can't rock a vintage blazer that well (see Karla's Closet blogger Karla for someone who rocks the vintage-shaped blazer like no other: exhibits A, B and C.) So I turned to the Internet to find something in a modern shape and crossed my fingers for something affordable.

J. Crew continues to be a brilliant stop for these types of wardrobe staples, and the sale section can be a real treasure trove, depending on what you're looking for, and I found what I was after. The silk Zoey blazer in black had all the things I was looking for: a lightweight fabric, a relaxed shape with some summery drape and functional cuff buttons,which will allow me to roll up the sleeve to the elbow. All this for only $49 (marked down from $145.) My favorite detail: the jacket is unlined, so the outer silk layer flows without interruption. I can't wait to start playing with my new essential piece.

Tell me, what's one of your must-have basics?

Image courtesy of jcrew.com.

Sarah's Spring Must Haves: Breton Stripe Shirt

Between working, writing, training for a half-marathon (my second!) and enjoying the sudden burst of sun and flowering trees outside my window, I've been a bit too busy to seriously consider what I need for my spring wardrobe.

Last week, I sold many items in a consignment sale, and after weeding out the things I wasn't wearing, things became a bit less daunting, at least in terms of my closet. I also did the seasonal swap: I put all the boots and winter shoes into storage and brought out my sandals, slides and wedges. I pushed all the wool blazers to the back in favor of cooler fabrics and silky tanks, and the sweater dresses got exchanged for breezy sundresses and cotton shirt dresses.

I'll spend the next four weeks exploring my must-have items for the season, leading up to a trip to New York slated for May 19 when I plan to make a big purchase (which I'll reveal during the getaway!)

First up: a must-have that I have yet to purchase: the classic Breton stripe top. I have a much worn, well loved navy and white tee shirt that I found years ago at a thrift store, and I have a second red and white striped breton-esque top that's a more recent find. Both will be in heavy rotation this spring.




















I've yet to discover the perfect version of this classic French fishing top: I want it loose but not baggy, long but not a tunic with the perfect boat neck and three-quarter sleeve. Oh, and I need it to cost less than the $200 versions I've found on Net-a-Porter and Shopbop. The thrift store adventures continue.

Meanwhile, Breton tops are popping up left and right this spring. Who What Wear Daily recently did a post devoted to the look (see some takes on it at left and check out the original post here) and the style is showing up everywhere on models, celebrities and fashion bloggers. It's definitely one of my spring must-have items.

Image courtesy WhoWhatWear.com.

Ruffle into Spring

The other day, I couldn't help but notice Cygne's gray ruffle sweater. I loved the lightweight cashmere look, the soft gray, the pretty ruffle yolk and I really loved the "belled" sleeve-cuff. She admitted she stole it out of her Mom's closet; it goes to show how a simple item like this sweater can really span ages. The sweater happens to be from Ann Taylor, a place known more for its work looks for a more mature customer. Let's just say when I was an editor, it was pretty rare for any of us to wear clothing from Ann Taylor, Talbots and the like. But as I believe I have mentioned before, Ann Taylor has really put out some really good looking items as of late and I'm definitely going to have to check out what's new for Spring.

Speaking of Spring...where did it go? The warmer weather came and disappeared in Omaha this past week. April is always a bit fickle but I can't really complain as I know we're heading into summer, slowly...but surely. And that means it's finally time to start thinking about Spring Wardrobe Updaters. All month long, we'll be offering our ideas of what to incorporate into your spring and summer wardrobe from head-to-toe. The first tip comes courtesy of intern Jamie. With the transition from colder

temps to warmer ones, it's the perfect time to step out in the peep-toe bootie. We really love this one at the Troc from LAMB...and it's on sale! This bootie also incorporates another one of Jamie's Spring Trends: Cutouts. Seen all over the runways from Balmain to Marc Jacobs, cutouts didn't leave much to the imagination. So if you're a little shy about baring your soul (and shoulders and stomach), try the cut out peep toe bootie. You'll be knocking off two trends in one item...