Real people: Spring in the street/ Draw winner

🍀 The "Spring Spritz" draw winner is Allison Le-----.  (Name shortened for privacy.) 

Allison, please contact Gwen (Gwen@perfumeniche.com) to provide a mailing address. Thanks to all and a breezy April reminder that you can also order the pack from perfumeniche. I also encourage you to sign up on the site for Gwen's newsletter; her observations reflect her knowledge and verve.

Well look who's here!

On sidewalks or the bus, and  in the market—finally we can see, as Mom always said, "what they are wearing".

This coat says it all: the flowers, from graceful buds to full blooms, celebrate spring. Each embroidered spray is different, and—barely visible—they're scattered on the collar, too.   

She is wearing that standout piece with black jeans and sneakers, so next time I pass up something as "too much", I'll remember that I spotted this on a morning commute.

Other women used colour to create transitional outfits that protect from our still-chill winds, but signal the seasonal shift:

Left, a chic black leather skirt, pink-and-burgundy houndstooth jacket, and a pinky-beige hat matched to the jacket's collar; as is the polished backpack with the skirt. Nothing strenuous but nothing left to chance.  

Right: A jonquil's pale yellow, but she's still snuggly in a beanie, sweater and light wool coat. A natural canvas tote, more springlike than heavy leather and off-white shoes.

But this is Montréal, where, if you're young, a look called "Still Cold? I'm Hot!" reigns supreme. So here she is, in black with a little nod to spring: sheer tights.

Other women prefer colour and coverage. Her scarf makes all the difference, so if you have spring colours packed away, find that box!

There have to be pearls! I was captivated by the lilac hair and faux-pearl barrette above a preppy padded coat.

One thing I'd buy for spring is s a knit with pointelle detail, not so open that it's impractical. For example, ça va de soi's  "Suzie" Mako cotton in a tender green, but also in other colours, including a gorgeous pink. The diamond pattern references argyle, but it's not at all golfy. Price, $CDN 215.

If there's something sprightly already in your closet, why not put it on, because hell of a week, no?

Connecting with the community has never felt so comforting. I'll be looking for more real persons wearing whatever they like, as the parks green up and the markets fill with tulips.