Spring Essentials

Since I’m salivating at the thought of Spring, I thought I would do a write up of some things that everyone needs when the sun comes out and the snow finally starts to melt. Can I get a fucking Hallelujah? These are standard tried and true items to help you transition through the muck that spring can bring.

Rubber Boots, Because Mud IS Going To Happen
Boots By Hunter

There’s nothing worse than going outside in your Uggs and taking a step onto some “ice” only to plummet into muddy water up to your knees. That’s how you ruin shoes and have a case of wet foot for the rest of the day. Combat this issue with a cute pair of rubber boots. You can splash until your hearts content without ruining or staining anything. You can buy them anywhere these days, but a lot of people (myself included) love Hunter Boots. Here is a special note about the ways of Hunter Boots: the next time you go and try the classic tall boot on and leave in tears because you have fat calves, breathe a sigh of relief. You don’t. The classic tall have a very narrow top. The Huntress Hunter Boot is made wider at the top so that you can wear the Hunter socks with them without feeling like a stuffed sausage. You’re welcome.

A Raincoat
Raincoat By Gap

Do you know what happens during Spring? Rain. Grab a raincoat to protect your outfit so that you don’t wander into a restaraunt prepared to compete in a wet t-shirt contest. There are tons of cute raincoats that are work worthy and that, when paired with your rain boots, won’t make you look like Paddington Bear.

Uuuuuuuuum, An Umbrella (There’s A Serious Theme Here)
Umbrellas By Burberry

So now that your feet and clothing are protected from the elements, let’s take it a step further and protect your hair and makeup too. I don’t know about you, but I would be willing to sell my soul to protect my hair from the rain after I’ve spent the time to curl it. Mind you, I’m just that lazy when it comes to hair, so maybe the cheese stands alone. An umbrella really isn’t the worst thing to keep in your trunk or in your stroller if you’re out for a walk. Think of the children! A wet baby is a screaming baby and ruined curls is a screaming lady.

A Long, Knit Cardigan
Longline Cardigan By ASOS

Spring weather can be pretty unpredictable. Meet it head on and prepare for the cold mornings and sweltering hot afternoons. A long knit sweater will keep you warm but can also be comfortable in warm weather with a light t- shirt underneath. Plus, then you won’t leave a trail of jackets wherever you roam.

A Fur Scarf
Scarf By J Crew

If you want to get a little bit fancier with your outfit, you can use the same long knit cardigan principle. For when it’s cold in the morning and you find yourself having to wear a dress, pair it with a fur scarf. Again, it will be warm but doesn’t have enough bulk to heat you out during the day. It’s a nice way of adding a really transitional accessory without being super plain.

A Cross-Body Bag
Cross-Body Bag By Yves Saint Laurent

Save your satchels for when the ground starts to dry up. When you carry a purse in the Spring, it can get backsplash from slush when you’re walking, or can get mud on it if it rubs against your vehicle or a shopping cart. A cross-body will stay close by your side and is aimed to sit at hip length. That should keep your bag just out of harms way.

A Floral Perfume
Perfume By Valentino

New season, new perfume. The air outside isn’t as dry as it is in the Winter. That means that your favorite fragrance can end up being very strong and heavy because it won’t dissipate as easily. Try a lighter floral scent. It will come across as light and fresh rather than too heavy and deep. Think of the difference between a pine candle and a peony candle. Different scents for different seasons.

A Good Moisturizer With Sunscreen
Take A Breath SPF 30 Moisturizer By Philosophy

Ok. Let’s get one thing straight. You need to use a moisturizer with sunscreen every day basically from birth until the day you die. When Spring hits though, you need to kick it up a notch with the SPF. Aim for around thirty so that when Summer hits you can ramp it up to SPF 8000. If you look for a great everyday moisturizer that already has it added in, then you’re really hitting two birds with one stone. In this day and age you can find tons of great ones that have multitasking properties. Not only do they protect you from the sun but they can also diminish fine lines and dark spots. Not too shabby.

A Spring Manicure
Nailpolish By Chanel

Time to break out all of those light and fresh nail polishes that felt like they were neon colors against the darkness that is Winter. Ditch that dark red and try some soft pinks, teals and light yellows. Now is the time to play with all of your pastels without worrying that your nails will stick out like a sore ass. Those colors aren’t just for your toes anymore.

A Welcome Mat, Not So Much To Welcome, But To Catch The Spring Mess
Welcome Mat By Urban Outfitters

Dogs, kids, your husbands work boots, these can all become your sworn enemy once the snow starts to melt and you’re left with water and mud as far as the eye can see. Invest in a welcome mat to help combat the problem head on. If you just finished washing your floors, I gauantee you’ll get stabby once someone traipses through with mud all over them. Cut out the jail time and just buy the damn mat.

It’s nice to be able to see the end of winter in sight. I’m sure that we have at least one more blizzard in us because life is hilarious, until then I’ll be hunkering down with my mud catching welcome mat and pink nailpolish.

xo Stephanie