Slip into Spring

I was out shopping the other day during my lunch hour (one of the many benefits of working downtown) and realized that I was experiencing a season-dilemma, the likes of which I suffer from at every turning season. The sale racks are currently full of gorgeous wools, knits, sweaters, jewel tones and pretty, on-sale coats. And the new arrival racks are full of flowy, pretty corals and light blues, chiffon fabrics, and fun prints like stripes and florals. What to buy during the time of year when your winter clothes will soon need to be packed away for a year and you're lusting after spring colors and shapes? 

I say spring pieces that will be on-trend for the coming season and more easily wearable in the coming months. To make them relevant now in the cold weather, look for pieces that can be mixed and matched with your warm weather wardrobe and yet will wear well during the warm season. I'm teaming up with Lulu*s to bring you some outfit ideas that are transitional and versatile. First up? This pleated skirt and cami ensemble.

To make a chiffon fuchsia skirt work in the cooler seasons, make sure you stay warm by layering. I chose to layer a cami underneath my open-weave sweater for some full upper-half coverage. The sweater is a wardrobe staple all winter long and can be easily remixed with a spring skirt. Instead of strappy heels, I opted for these chunky boots and some boot socks. The outfit felt much more appropriate with a wintry boot.

Sweater: c/o Surfdome; Skirt, camisole, heels, boots: c/o Lulu*s

In the spring, this outfit will be perfect for date nights or late summer outings with friends. The skirt is breezy and fun and can be adjusted to fit high on the waist or lower on the hips based on the waistline snaps. Wearing a simple cami and some black heels turns the look into something much flirtier and more fun than the winter look. I can't wait to wear this bright skirt for the upcoming season and am happy not to have sacrificed shopping for the (way more fun) spring clothes in this dreary season.

(We took these photos up at Pittock Mansion this weekend which offered the most spectacular view of the city on a pretty Saturday. To be completely honest, it was 32 degrees and windy when we took these photos and spring felt so far from possible that I had to cling onto the color of this skirt to retain feeling in my limbs!)