Dressing for Wet n’ Wild Weather

Right this moment I am wearing the following:

• Ballet Flats
• A Cotton Summer Dress
• AND
• A Hooded Wool Sweater

Who (you may be wondering) in their right mind wears a summer dress and a wool sweater in the middle of Spring? Here in Texas, the sun shines in the morning and the rain pours in the afternoon. One day it’s hot, the next day it’s not. These wacky weather patterns result in me running around town paring galoshes with daisy dukes, sporting flip flops in the rain, and donning my mohair in the sun. In short, I look ridiculous … often times it’s ridiculous and wet.

I recently stumbled across the website www.cumul.us. This brilliant site collects weather information from all over the web and people’s input for an accurate weather prediction. It tells you what people around town are wearing for the weather, that day at that hour. You can follow specific forecasters around your town and see what they are wearing and submit your own outfits. How incredibly awesome is that?!

While I may not be a meteorologist, I’ve had to develop a knack for dressing apropo for the wild wild weather my first springtime in Texas. Here’s the rules I follow everyday to make sure that storm or sun, my ‘fit is right.

1. Light-weight pants
Light-weight pants can be worn tucked into boots or paired with flip-flops depending on the day. I never feel too hot or too cold in them. Plus, they are ideal for those oh-so-often days when I forget to shave my legs. (Shhh!)

2. Blazers and Sweaters
They keep you warm, they protect your clothes from the rain, and they are fashionably fabulous. Being a native San Franciscan, I never, ever leave the house without a sweater. Living in Texas in the springtime, I’ve come to realize that’s usually always a genius idea.

3. Scarves and Shawls
Scarves have crossed seasons and become a year-round accessory. They are perfect to wrap up in and to stay warm or loosely drape (or throw in your purse) when it gets hot.

4. Closed-toe Shoes
I love my flip-flops as much as the next girl. However, these unpredictable down-pours of rain have me keeping them on the shelf for a few weeks more. I’m wearing my boots and ballet flats to keep my toesies warm and dry.

5. Layer, Layer, Layer
Layering is to fashion as rehab is to Lindsay Lohan–essential. Not only does layering cover the unwanted layers around my mid-section, but it also is the perfect way to dis-robe or re-robe if you feel too hot or too cold.

6. Dresses
I know I’ve mentioned it before, but I must reiterate how much I love dresses. Dresses, boots, and a sweater are perfect for unpredictable weather. Dresses, flip-flops, and a jacket work great too.

If all else fails, keep an umbrella and a towel in your car at all times.

Get Ready for Spring

Birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and summer is just around the corner. Pack up your chunky sweaters and trench coats and stow them deep in the dark corners of your closet. Editing your wardrobe for spring can be tricky. Spring weather can go from warm to cold and a windy evening can rush in without warning. Times are tough, so check yourself before you go out and buy a whole new spring wardrobe. A new spring haircut, some highlights, or a lightened up make-up look can do the trick for that new beginning look we crave as the seasons change. We’ve picked our 5 favorite spring styles (that you already have!) that are friendly all year round.

Boots

I wear boots almost everyday of the year. Boots, seemingly a winter-only item, are a perfect spring accessory. Pair your favorite shin-highs with short shorts and summer dresses for a spring-ready look.

Sweaters

While spring afternoons are sunny, spring evenings can be chilly. Don’t retire your favorite cardy just yet. A lightweight sweater is an essential spring item.

Dresses

A winter dress can be warm with flip-flops for a spring friendly vibe. A summer dress can be warn with a cardy to ward off any sudden gusts of winds.

Accessories

Necklaces, bangles, sunglasses, and bags are generally not season specific. Rock out your winter faves right through the summer.

Scarves

Unlike seasons of the past when scarves were just to keep your neck warm, this year scarves are a year-round trend. Pack up the woolly knit ones from Gran but keep your lightweight cotton and soft silk scarves ready for the sunshine.

Trend Report: Gladiators Hotter Than Russell

TA DA! This week’s Oligoville Trend Report, like it or not, is dedicated to spring shoes, hot shoes and oh so fabulous shoes… GLADIATORRRS. Don’t worry! They’re not as intimidating as they sound. They’re pretty comfy and definitely all the rage with celebs and socialites. Amy’s definition: strappy sandal reminiscent of ancient Rome which can sometimes have an aggressive edge.

How do you KNOW this is the latest trend? Uh Rachel Zoe, duh. Rachel, who consistently picks the latest and greatest pairs of designer shoes for online retailer PiperLime.com, has an abundance of Roman inspired sandals for this spring.  Here is a ‘bananas,’ neon green pair of casual gladiator sandals for your upcoming spring beach bash. Dynah by Cynthia Vincent retails at $200.00 on PiperLime.com.

Another favorite site of mine, Bergdorffs.com, has dedicated a complete section to ‘Aggressive Black Shoes’ which includes this S&M inspired pair from the illustrious Christian Louboutin for a mere $1,500.00.

Need a pair for Easter?? No prob bob. These sandals are perfect with a flowy dress from Urban. Just make sure to snatch them up in a neutral pair (another fantastic spring trend) and of course… paint those little piggies.

Can we drill into your head ‘gladiators are hot for spring’ anymore in this Trend Report? Didn’t think so, but I do want to warn you of an up-and-coming not so much… jellie gladiators. UCK! BOOOO! HISSS! *Do not purchase or I will repeatedly mock you behind your back.* J/K. Not really.

XOXO

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