Have you noticed that the days are starting to get longer – they are, they are. However it’s all still a bit cold and gloomy and I’m tired of grey so I’ve been looking for ways to add a touch of Spring whilst still dressing for Winter. I’ve managed to find some cost-effective easy Spring wardrobe updates (ok and two not cost-effective but gorgeously luxurious splurges). The weather here has been so bad with wild storms, that we’ve battened down the hatches this weekend. Much to the boys’ delight we decided we weren’t going anywhere but we stocked up on good healthy food (which I’m posting on Facebook) and have spent our days with log fires, books (me) and movies (them). So, here I am yesterday in the best light we could get, wearing Spring colours.

easy spring wardrobe updates

M&S jumper, M&S corset shirt, Jigsaw Hampton boyfriends jeans, Boden Boho boots (past season – similar), Jane Akester necklace

I bought this jumper at about this time last year, it was from Marks and Spencer’s cashmilon range which some people love and others hate. I know it’s a man made fibre but I like it, it’s cosy, non-scratchy and great value at £12.50 – the same price as a decent bottle of wine or two so you could use it as a reward for dry January. They’ve released it in the same cobalt colour this year:

easy spring wardrobe updates

And when I finish my spending ban I’ll go for this one: Cashmilon jumper

easy spring wardrbe updates

Of course blush pink is one of the key trends for this year and this jumper from the new M&S range looks lovely. The great thing is that you can imagine throwing this on after a barbecue on a Summer evening so cost per wear it’s a good buy:  M&S Autograph drop shoulder jumper

easy spring wardrobe updates

This one has more texture to it so it will look soft and kittenish in a Felicity Kendal kind of way which is the chic way to approach cold weather – and don’t forget that baby blue is another colour that is going to be massive this year: Lambswool jumper

easy spring wardrobe updates

So moving on from sensible “I need it to keep me warm” choices, I just had to add this which I think is beautiful. I’m not sure about the other colourways – they remind me of school chemistry lessons – litmus paper or something (it’s all a long time ago), but in the pink I think it’s ultra chic. There’s just something slightly radical about dip dying such a premium knit and of course radical is always youthful.

Dip dye jumper

easy spring wardrobe updates

Back on a more sensible, early January footing, the relaxed sweatshirt styling of this Easy day jumper would again be a great choice for a chilled out weekend look. I can see it styled with distressed jeans, even though they will never cross the pages of Midlifechic – I still maintain that they’re cool but not chic. In my opinion it would look even better worn with dark dyed jeans and pointed courts, à la Inés.

easy spring wardrobe updates

If this season’s blush pink is too pale for your complexion, this warmer shade works for lots of people and a cardigan is a nice way to ring the changes from the omnipresent sweater look: Cashmere cardigan. I’ve gone luxe again but I think there’s something very sexy about a cashmere cardigan worn next to the skin.

easy spring wardrobe updates

I may not be pulling it off but here I am today wearing last year’s Boden cashmere. Many of our clients become friends and two were popping in for coffee this morning which is why I’m wearing heels on a Sunday.

easy spring wardrobe updates

Boden cashmere cardigan, Next slim leg jeans (past season), John Lewis snake print shoes (similar), Zara necklace.

As soon as they left, my Boden slippers were straight back on:

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A few people asked me about the lipstick I was wearing in the last post. I’m wearing it again in this weekend’s shots, it’s the one I always turn to when I need a bit of a rosy looking lift: Clinique’s chunky cherry – best price here. It seems to work for everyone and I often buy it for friends as a cheering up gift.

easy spring wardrobe updates

Another pick-me-up classic is a sweep of Nars Orgasm blusher which is usually cheapest here

easy spring wardrobe updates

I also add a dusting of Benefit’s Dandelion powder which you can use instead of bronzer when your skin is pale, just dust it over your nose / chin / below your eyebrows using a big brush for extra radiance, cheapest here

easy spring wardrobe updates

Do you know that next Monday is ‘Blue Monday’ so if you order yourself a little something now you’ll be able to face it with a smile on your face next week. These small additions should all fit in easily with your core wardrobe. Wear them with blue, black or grey jeans for casual or Bistro crops for a smarter look and obviously you can use the make-up to add a glow to every day.

I’m really hoping for an early night tonight. Last night the storm was so bad that it kept causing power cuts which meant all the local burglar alarms (including ours) kept going off. This upset the village geese and they honked loudly all night long. I tried to tell myself that it was better than the sirens that used to keep me awake when I lived in London but it didn’t quite work.

Anyway, there we have it, a post to boost the bleak Midwinter. Gary and I are hunkering down again now with a fire and a newspaper…

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…and the scent of White Company Winter which reminds me of staying in lovely Alpine ski lodges – those were the days!

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Have a lovely week and keep in touch.