About Gabrielle Johnson
When shopping finally becomes an Olympic event, editor Gabrielle Johnson is pretty sure she’ll take home the gold medal for Canada – after inquiring about the availability of other colours (lilac? chartreuse?) and politely requesting a discount. Every week, she shares a glimpse into what’s on her style radar.
Get Out of Your Winter Wardrobe Rut
life/style t.o.: 5 pre-spring finds canada, Toronto
(Feb.01.12)
Ladies, we did it. We made it to February. Now we can justifiably pretend that winter is kinda sorta almost over-ish.
The sad fact of the matter, though, is that we'll still be stuck wearing our cold-weather clothes for weeks — and if you're anything like me, you're thoroughly sick of big coats, clunky boots and heavy sweaters by now. I've reached the point where I'm caring less and less about my outfits and more and more about simply hiding out under the covers (not a good sign). So if you need to bust out of your winter wardrobe rut, too, give these simple tips a try:
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Pile on the bold jewellery
When you're dreaming of spring and the weather outside is telling you to keep dreaming, work a sneak peek of the coming season into your wardrobe with accessories. Nothing brightens up a dreary day more easily than a fun, colourful necklace or a pretty cuff bracelet, like this whimsical Fairytale Garden Bracelet from Forever 21.
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Just add prints
It's time to relegate those black and grey winter staples to the back of your closet and break the colourful prints. I'm obsessed — obsessed! — with these Citizens of Humanity Mandy Roll-Up Jeans; they'll look amazing now with a chunky knit sweater and ankle boots, and I'll wear them to death come spring with cute flats and a silk button-down shirt.
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Get creative with layering
Another item that needs to shoved into the recesses of your closet is that drab, shapeless cardigan you've been throwing on over everything since November. I know, your office is freezing, blah blah blah, but seriously, there are other layering options. Who says you can't wear a great denim jacket under your winter coat? This neon version by Christopher Kane for J Brand really gets my heart racing, but there are tons of classic options out there, too.
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Treat yourself to some new tights
Few things get old faster than pulling on the same six pairs of basic black tights all winter long. Why not revamp your hosiery drawer and lift your spirits in the process? H&M has some super-stylish, totally affordable options, and I love the tights selection at Topshop (especially these trompe l'oeil Nude Bow Seam Suspender Tights).
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Invest in a bright bag
If you tend to shy away from colourful clothes — and you're breaking my heart if you do — then please give brightly hued accessories a chance. This 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Hour Bag happens to be a perfect match for Pantone's Colour of the Year, and it goes beautifully with white, black, grey, beige, and any shade of blue. If you're feeling adventurous, team it with hot pink for a delightfully clashy effect.
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