Is that... Spring?

I went for a walk with my friend George the other day and there was something in the air... a smell (no, not George), a feeling.  For a while I struggled to put my finger on it but then it was there. It was spring. Now I know that cold weather is once again hitting the country this week and that if you’re anything like me the very thought of going out without scarf, gloves and coat will send a shiver down your spine, but I promise you, we’re almost there.

                As always, the shops have helpfully pre-empted the great transition to spring attire and the rails are already bursting with floral prints and enough nautical stripes to deck out the British Navy. Bekki and I ventured into Topshop the other day and she squealed with delight with the realisation that swimwear, the harbinger of summer, was once again in stock!

                The problem of is that in the middle of February such items are somewhat impractical and, as much as I appreciate frivolity in fashion, I also appreciate warmth. Yes that flowing  jump-suit would look fantastic with a pair of wedges on the Rivera but the only beach trip I’ve got planned is to the Gower and the Welsh winds can be very unforgiving. 

                Nevertheless all is not doom and gloom! There is one way you can nudge in spring (without achieving mild hypothermia in the process) and that is with your make up. Here is a little run down of the trends as seen on the 2011 spring catwalks to get you started...

1. Seventies Glow- Yes natural/ neutral is here again but as many seasons have taught us this is not necessarily any less work! Either go matte, with black mascara and a slick of nude lip-gloss or more dewy and sun kissed, with a lighter weight foundation and dab of highlighter.

2. Post-box Pout- If the plethora of recent awards shows has taught us anything, it’s that red lips are here to stay. Jessica Alba and Julianne Moore both sported perfectly painted lips, executing the trend with aplomb. Keep any smudgy rock-star leanings in check- It may be easier but the spring look requires pin point precision and brighter hues.

3. Chalky Neons- We may have seen bright eye-shadows before but this time they have a distinctly chalky finish, making them (fingers-crossed) far more wearable. The subtlety seems to be in keeping the rest of your make-up very minimal. Orange is the big colour but if that is a bit scary then there are also plenty of eye-catching aqua hues around.

4. Gilded Lady- Nothing looks better with a tan than a bit of gold (there’s a reason why ‘ethnic’ sees a revival practically every summer). Get a chunky gold eye crayon for extra intense colour or, if you’re feeling brave, give gilded lips a go.

5. Extreme Eyes- This spring provides a great excuse to get creative with your eyes. Think big, bold and bright and don’t limit eye-shadow to above the eye. Instead try a line just below the lower lash line to create an attention-grabbing look. If this is a bit too much, add variation and shape to the eye by applying a lighter, metallic shade to the inner corner.

So there you have it, a sample guide to the spring trends. Now I’m not suggesting you all charge boldly forth, gilded to the brows with lips to stop traffic, (a winter coat plus neon eye-shadow may well equal some odd glances) but keep these ideas in mind. Role them round your mouth a bit, maybe experiment in the safe confines of your bedroom. Start by using a bit of gold, a little highlighter and a touch of tangerine on a night out. Then, before you know it, spring will be here and your inner Seventies siren will be prepped and ready to be released!