SPRINGing Forward

Ms. P&C has a lot of stylish friends, and each season I like to find out what's making them tick. What do they like? What will they be spending their hard-earned money on? I like looking around and finding that there are a lot of style-makers in my social circle! I asked them for ONE thing that they wanted, but some fashionistas can't stop at just one new thing... All I can say is, ooooh la LOVE ladies! Such great taste that is both poetic AND chic! (Looking for links? Try the pictures...)

"I am pretty much obsessed with Mina Perhonen, specifically this dress which should be arriving by this Friday...MMmmmmm, buttons!" 

- Reba, San Jose, CA

"I am trying to justify making my "gift to self" for paying off my law school loans the Chloe quilted bay shoulder bag which I heart tremendously. As to whether or not I do it...remains to be seen. I don't know if that actually counts as a "spring" item but it's what is on my list!"

- Stacey, New York, NY

"LOVING the PS (Proenza Schouler) for Target Grey and Cream swing coat (also in March 2007 Vogue).  I went to Target in NJ the first weekend in February and tried on the whole line! Also, thanks to eBay I snagged an Anya Hindmarch organic cotton bag sold out everywhere in London (though they may be making a US appearance in the summer - with navy lettering).  Perfect for the beach, shopping, everything.  I love the sturdy hemp handles!"

- Maura, New York

"Just got back from Vegas for work. It was fun but I didn’t win any $$ so I will not be buying either of these, but I would if I could!  Who knows, the season is young… Cherry print silk Twilly from Hermes..These jeans from 7 for all Mankind look fresh after all of the skinny, low rise jeans that have been on everyone’s butt the past year..."

- Sharon, Oakland, CA 

"First, Zoom whitening for teeth.  As the hot color for Spring is apparently yellow (which I am not entirely thrilled with), I don't want my smile to match my dress. Second, glowing Skin!  I have booked a facial with Kate Somerville (yes, esthetician to the stars). So naturally, I am eyeing Kate's Signature Glow Kit... Third, some sun-kissed highlights from Tyle at Neil George Salon. Finally, it shouldn't be any surprise to you that I am not surrendering to the flat fad going on... there are some fantastic Sandals this Spring to wear with jeans or a cute shirt dress (which by the way, I am searching for and cannot find)....  Anyhow, I am a glutton for punishment to the feet. Here are a few treats that I have my eye on currently: These Yves St. Laurent Slingback in bronze and these Jimmy Choo Slingbacks in camel..."

- Shannon, Los Angeles, CA

"So, I want this Da-Nang dress so I can frump around in it in Costa Rica this summer. Yippeeeeee! AND a Damier Azur Saleya GM for the plane ride over. Only the necessities, you know:)"

- Rachel, San Francisco, CA

" Well, since I'm a bride-to-be this year and a shoe lover, I have been mildly obsessed with finding THE right pair to go with my dress. Right now I'm in love with the "Orquidea" shoe by Tracy Reese."

- Genevieve, San Francisco, CA 

Et moi? Well, I had a hard time deciding on just one thing myself - I'm not very good at following directions... I haven't been shopping in a while but really do need to get a few sartorial updates because things are getting a wee bit boring for me. The only problem is, the budget doesn't allow for much expenditure, and I'm allergic to cheap. What to do? Well, I can still pick out my seasonal favorites and post them here - that way it feels like I have something new, even though I don't... Hee!

First of all, I wear a lot of jackets, cropped ones with longer tees underneath - just like this Diane Von Furstenberg one that I adore. However, I really think this fabulous Missoni Leaf Knit Coat is both classic and fun, and would be something I can wear at any time of year. (Hey, this is Northern California - the sun may be shining but it isn't exactly warm!) I'm really into the black-and-white trend this spring for some reason. I usually go for the bright colors and geometrics, but this trend is really looking clean and versatile. The other great thing about wearing neutral colors is you can punch up the accessories, such as with some red patent leather peep-toe wedges from Stuart Weitzman.

As I browsed a bit more I also found this gorgeous pair from Fendi and I think these are a must! I love the contrast between the natural raffia and the glossy silver trim. I'm not at all a "matching bag and shoes" girl, but I loved the bag first and then I loved the shoes...but I might love the shoes more now, I can't decide! I mean, it's a B-bag, and we all know how I feel about those (love) and here are these super-cute buckle pumps that have both a peep-toe and a substantial-enough heel! Raffia is such a hot material these days, both in home design and fashion, but these are the best interpretations I've seen. The silver leather maintains a downtown edge and keeps them from looking too "organic", while they still look fresh and summery. Love it!

What are your spring picks? Let us know! Now get out there and do some shopping!