A Little Pre-Spring Retail Reconnaissance

Pastel pink raincoat from J.Crew. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Anticipating a new season always refreshes my style outlook. It’s a chance to take stock of my closet, and start thinking about what new pieces might revitalize my existing wardrobe. It’s also a good point to evaluate which pieces it might be time to let go.

We still have work going on at the house, but I managed to get out for a while and make a quick pass through some of our local stores yesterday. Here are a few cute things that caught my eye.

Spring Toppers

Above: pastels seem to be a strong trend for this season, including outerwear. This pale pink raincoat is lightweight, and available in Petite and Tall sizes as well. (Also offered in a bright yellow and navy.) J.Crew is offering 30% off full-priced styles today with code DIYUMSN.

long J.Crew sweater jacket in sky blue. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

Also now offered in pastel shades (blue, pink and grey) this knit sweater blazer is the same style as the one I have in “hthr khaki” (camel). It’s a great little throw-on-and-go topper for transitional season wear. The blue looks really pretty against denim or a navy-and-white mariniére.

Eileen Fisher stretch crepe kimono jacket. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

You’re going to have to trust me on this one. The picture doesn’t do this jacket justice. If pastels aren’t your thing, this lightweight stretch crepe kimono jacket (Petite / Plus ) in “Serrano” is worth a look. The shape is swingy but not voluminous, and the cuffs are notched and look good turned up. The pockets are slightly slouchy. The color is softer and a little more terracotta than it appears here. It’s a nice counterpoint to Spring pinks and nude shades, and will rev up your neutrals. It’s also available in Rye, a soft taupe.

Eye-Catching Accessories

leopard print bucket bag from J.Crew. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

This little bucket bag is really good-looking, a nice size for everyday use, and lightweight. I’m picky about leopard prints, and this one gets my stamp of approval.

Madewell pink suede mules. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

The pink color on these suede mules is Just Right…not too muddy, not too twee. They’re feminine but not fussy, and surprisingly neutral. The heel is 2-1/4 inches and definitely looks higher in this image than it did in person.

Mustard suede bow mules. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

But these are the ones I’m going back to try on later this week. I just love that mustard color! (And wouldn’t these look great that pastel blue?)

How do you feel about pastels? Are you a fan, or do you prefer brighter colors?

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12 Comments

  1. It amazes me how we are so much on the same wave-length sometimes. I **just purchased** those mustard mules this weekend! They looked great with the outfit I had on (EF Fray Boyfriend jeans in “unnatural”) and go with most everything in my closet. (I was actually looking for a pair of shoes to wear to event this coming weekend, but added these, too.)

  2. Thank you for sharing the blush pink rain jacket from J Crew! Today they have 30% off (use code DIYUMSN) & free shipping today as well! I’ve been looking for a cute rain jacket & hopefully, this one will be the one. Thanks!

  3. I absolutely crave bright colors beginning in January. I am the person rifling through cruise wear the minute it hits the “shelves” (physical and virtual). The majority of the year I live in black, white, gray and taupe with little pops of color now and then. However, after enduring Midwest winters for 30-years, I am starved for something to brighten the bleak, blandness of the winter doldrums, so my Spring wardrobe includes lots of bright pinks, yellows, orange and turquoise.

  4. I’ve just taken on a new assignment, and can dress more casually going forward! Very excited to put some COLOR back into my wardrobe as well. (I went very neutral for the last few years given the company I was keeping.) Woohooo!

  5. Loved the first two JCrew jackets, would have sangged that raincoat in pink for sure if their petite sizes went beyond a Large (12). Sad. Also the shoes, liked both of them, that mustard shoe comes in blush…but no Wides. Sigh. I’ll just look and yearn. Well, that, and look for an alternative.

  6. I prefer the models to look like they are more than 12 years old. I’m referring to the pink raincoat. That said, I do like the coat and might even order it.