what makes the perfect spring wardrobe? 🌷

It’s April and it feels like the Bay Area has already gone through all 3 seasons (s/o climate change). This spring, I’ve been outside more: going to the beach, picnicking, and solo walks by the lake. The vibrancy all around me has indirectly influenced my style. I've found myself gravitating towards more color and collecting basics in natural fabrics. But what exactly goes into building my  perfect spring wardrobe? 

1. Playful color & pattern combinations

   
   

   Rule #1 of dressing like Tiffany: don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures! One of the best examples is my fit for my 26th birthday at Lake Merritt. Miraculously, the weather was gorgeous for early March! My outfit was heavily inspired by the spring time colors at the lake: an early 2000’s silk halter top with hues of green and blue paired with a Kimchi Blue baby yellow satin patchwork mini skirt, blue sheer tights, and vintage Miz Moo yellow button ballet platforms. For my jacket, I brought out my signature vintage penny lane, as it naturally goes with almost every outfit. I also remembered my Tiffany blue picnic basket I found at a yard sale some years ago - it was the cherry on top.

   
   

   WHY IT WORKS: The silk top and satin skirt complemented each other well, adding an interesting texture to the whole look. The blue tights were a fun touch aesthetically, but were also functional as it kept my legs warm. My Miz Moo shoes were also the perfect pop of yellow, tying in the warm tones from my skirt and penny lane. 

2. Shoes <3

   The key to a comfy-cute outfit is the shoes. As I look through the outfits I’ve worn in March and April so far, it’s the common denominator. My most common combo is a mini skirt paired with comfortable long boots. On the actual day of my birthday, I wore my Gap × Sandy Liang Vegan Fur Crop Denim Jacket, paired with an Old Navy denim cargo mini skirt and brown moto boots. The moto boots have a chunky heel and effortlessly go with every mini skirt I own. They truly are the most comfortable and versatile pair of boots I own. I wore them to Portola last year and danced all night with them on, and they’ve been my go-to ever since. 

   
   

   I also wore them when I worked at Club Rambutan’s ICE BREAKERZ event at The Fold in San Francisco later that month. I wore a slouchy off the shoulder “I <3 NY” tee and a black plaid mini skort, paired with the boots.

Gap x Sandy Liang Jean Jacket + moto boots

3. What I wear to work

My “what I wear to work” outfits have changed drastically over the years. When I used to work in corporate, I didn’t have much time (or energy) to put much thought into what I wore. I’d often wear gray trousers with a buttoned top or jeans and a nice top with a simple ballet flat. 

But I am now a #selfemployedbaddie, and what I wear really depends on what I have planned for the day. I sell vintage clothing full time (@grlcurated) and am the Website Manager for Soul Real Market My work week is split into days where I’m either physically sourcing for inventory, popping up at markets, or working from home. 

On the days I source and sell at markets, I am almost always in my black Nike Air Rifts. I originally bought my own pair for a CDMX trip last year because I wanted to buy comfortable walking shoes that were notsneakers. I loved how they looked like an athletic Mary Jane and at the time, the split toe design was popularized by Maison Margiela’s tabis. The design actually originated in Japan, as the jika-tabi was created for functionality. The separation of the big toe allows for more mobility, better balance, and overall support for your feet when walking. 

Nike Air Rift Tabis

On my WFH days, I gravitate towards soft, breathable pieces that still feel styled enough to feel like me. I still want to look presentable but comfortable. I love wearing cotton baby tees and comfortable, loose pants like my black plisse pleated pants or flared yoga pants. For shoes, I’ll switch between my Nike Air Rifts, classic UGG’s Ultra Mini Booties, or Azalea Wang Kismet Mules.

Azalea Wang Kismet Mule

Azalea Wang Kismet Mule

Aside from the shoes, breathable materials like cotton and silk are my best friends during a heat wave. I recently bought a green Alice + Olivia silk halter top, the perfect elevated basic. The top has an oval open back, which is a subtle but unique detail that makes the piece stand out. 

    I’ve also rediscovered an old American Eagle cotton striped mini skirt I haven’t worn since college. The way I style it now, at 26, is so different from how I wore it then at 22. It’s a sweet reminder of how my style has changed over the years, but also the beauty of owning timeless, quality pieces in your closet.

Alice + Olivia silk green top

A&E white & brown striped cotton mini

4. Bags, bags, bags

    If you know me, you know that I used to have  a mountain of bags hanging from my door, and most of which I no longer reached for. So, I sold a big chunk of my purses because I want to diversify my bag collection.  I kept my most-used  ones which includes a handful ofGuess bags, the Baby Phat baguette, and Betsy Johnson hobo bag. The bulk of my collection are smaller purses, which are perfect for a girl’s night out or date night (no need for the wallet when my boyfriend is there!) but not very practical for an errands run. 

   
   

   I’ve only gotten one new bag so far.  I was given a beautiful Coach Hamptons signature satchel shoulder bag in embossed red leather from my sweet boyfriend, Abner. It’s the perfect shade of red and has gold hardware. Based on the creed on the inside of the bag, it’s from May 2007 (almost vintage). 

   
   

   I love the functionality - it's durable, structured, medium-sized, and has multiple compartments that are  perfect for everyday use. I wore it to my birthday dinner the same night and it’s been in my rotation ever since. 

   

   

   

   

   Betsy Johnson Hobo Bag, 2007 Coach Bag, Baby Phat Baguette, Guess Colorful Monogram Baguette

   
   

   My perfect spring wardrobe is still in progress, but I’m slowly but surely getting there <3 (Emphasis on slowly).