(Pre)Spring Fling

[via saks.com]

I was in Saks making a return yesterday when mini dresses, flowy chiffons and bright florals began throwing themselves at me quite shamelessly. Elizabeth & James was especially persistent, but I was prepared to resist the flirtation. Listen, spring collections, I'm just not that kind of girl! Not when the snowbanks outside are waist high and we're expecting another foot and a half by tomorrow night. (How depressing!)

I usually stick to all things warm and cozy on days like today, but I NEED some spring! I think I would even settle for a few hours under a SAD lamp right now. Yeah, it's that bad.

Here's what's fueling my springtime cravings...

1.) South-of-the-equator fashion bloggers: Nothing inspires my jealousy like my blogger buddies on the other side of the world who are prancing around in sundresses while I'm all bundled up. Lee Olivera snapped this photo in Sydney for his inspiring street style blog. (Thanks, Lee!) Others reminding me that sunny days are ahead: Desiree of Pull Your Socks Up in Brisbane, accessoryofcrime. and Kavery of Style Nuggets in New Zealand, and Masoom of Style-Fiesta in Mumbai.

2.) The vibrant colors in the premier issue of High Gloss: This stunning new online magazine came out today and is already my new favorite!

3.) Valentino Couture: It wasn't necessarily my favorite couture collection of the season, but Valentino's Spring 2011 showing was impossibly light and airy. [photo by Umberto Fratini/GoRunway.com via Style.com]

4.) Peachy nails and lips: Nobody does it better than Chanel with Rouge Coco in Peregrina and Le Vernis in Pêche Nacrée, but Givenchy comes pretty close with its Naivement Couture collection for Spring 2011.