'Springtime Classics cont.'

Before I get distracted by yet another sale, let me return to my springtime essentials list. From Breton striped shirts, pleated skirts and chambray button-downs, turn your clocks forward with the help of some key spring wardrobe basics.

Jules et Jim

If you’ve ever seen the iconic film “Jules et Jim” in French class, you might have seen the delicious Jeanne Moreau (the object of affection between characters Jules and Jim) donning a striped shirt. The classic shirt hails back to Bretagne (aka Brittany), the northwest province of France and region known for its maritime trade. Sailors from Brittany could often be distinguished by their uniform – which consisted of a striped navy shirt.

Nowadays, the Breton classic can be layered over a delicate feminine skirt, or over a pair of boyfriend jeans depending on the occasion. As for me, I might wear a Breton striped sweater over a collared, button-down shirt with some trousers and a comfy pair of Oxford shoes.

Pleated skirt as seen during NYC Fashion Week

The pleated skirt is no longer a thing of your private school past. Thank the hit series “Gossip Girl” or the catwalk revival of the fifties for its return. Printed and short, it makes a flirty addition to dinner with the boyfriend or hubby. Long and solid, it is an understated foundation piece to go with a print blouse (see photo above) or fitted cardigan. Style tip: Pair this schoolgirl classic with a pair of lace-up booties and a long, light knit sweater, leaving just the ends of the skirt showing.

Chambray shirt at Madewell

Make the most of the working class chambray shirt. Never have I been able to pair one single shirt with so many looks: over trousers; worn loose with jeans; over a simple dress; tucked into a floral skirt; with a T-shirt and pants. Its endless possibilities are what make the chambray shirt such a hit this season. I imagine it’ll be here to stay for at least a few more.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of iseestripes.blogspot.com; elle.com; madewell.com

'Springtime Classics'

The pummeling wind and hurling rain this morning on my trip to Brooklyn for a fashion shoot served as reminded me of several things:

It’s likely the East Coast has seen the last of snow;

Better start preparing for cold rain instead;

An umbrella is altogether useless in the Big Apple.

This leads to me the final conclusion that the time is now to fully stock your wardrobe with spring essentials. But what exactly do I need, you ask? Here is my list of must-have items that every spring wardrobe should not do without:

Trench Coat

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Of course, I revert to Audrey Hepburn in the film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” in which the character shares a kiss with character Paul Varjak (George Peppard) in the pouring rain. Holly Golightly clutches her cat as she and Varjak, the two characters both wearing trench coats, share a passionate cinematic kiss.

Button-Up Dress

The Great Gatsby

Find yourself a light and feminine dress with buttons to make everyone think you are as sweet as Daisy Buchanan, or as sweet as the character would like others to believe in The Great Gatsby. For spring, a simple button-up dress can be worn various ways depending on your mood and the weather: with tights and knee-length boots, under a sweater vest or cashmere cardigan, with a statement necklace and long scarf. The list goes on.

Leather Skirt

Leather Escada skirt

Whether inspired by the urban West or punk rock, the leather skirt is no longer an essential fall-winter item. Designers like DSquared2, Geren Ford, Gryphon and Alexander Wang all have their versions of leather skirts and bottoms. Paired with a silk button-down top or a tank top, a leather skirt makes the transition from conference calls in the office to last call at the best rooftop bar in town. Lately, I’ve had my sights set on a brown leather skirt by See by Chloe.

For more spring-summer essentials, catch my upcoming posts.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of argosibookshop.com; imd.com; bergdorfgoodman.com