Spring Chilling

It suddenly felt wrong the other day to be wearing my heavy winter coat, so I checked out my fellow midtowners walking down Fifth. I saw it all: just suits (men, of course), heavy coats, and a few light jackets.

You could really utilize that sweater coat. But doesn't it feel heavy and tired? Go shopping. Here are a couple fresh and cute spring jackets from Forever 21:











Love the swingy mustard ($27.80, note cute hood lining), the sporty green (Heritage1981, $29.90), and the motorcycle blue (Heritage1981, $24). All inexpensive and breezy jackets that will help ease those spring wardrobe transitions.

Forever 21, 50 W. 34th between 5th & Broadway

Get This

These beautiful cable knit gloves are now 30% off at Enzo Angiolini. For $21 you get a pair of long, soft gloves that will help keep you warm even in your chic bracelet-sleeved coat.

Don't let the man-hand picture scare you; look closely at the knit. It's distinctive and pretty. And they come in different colors and have matching hats, but sorry, no grey hats left to buy.

Best, while you're at Enzo, you can check out the boots and scarves that are also 30% off. Riding boots are now $165 and under, down from over $200.

And back to winter coats: This Zara sweetie is just about the most perfect coat I’ve seen all year and it’s around $129. Hurry up and snatch it up as it’s not going to last long. Erica happened to be wearing just the right boot, so she tore off those tags and wore it out of the store. Smart girl. Note the kicky back pleat and the clean retro styling.

I know, her boots are awesome. They are Miss Sixty and Erica did not buy them in the district but I'm going to see if Macy's carries the Italian Miss boots (we know they carry their coats). Her stockings are also just the right weight and color, which shows you don't always have to go fully opaque or black for this winter's look. I'm lucky my model has such impeccable taste.

Enzo Angiolini, Manhattan Mall level 2, 33rd St. & 6th Ave, 212-695-8903

Zara, 39 W. 34th Street between 5th & 6th Aves, 212-868-6551

Wide Legs and All, Cycle 3

The search goes on…

H&M is the destination for fashionistas trawling on the cheap. Full of stylish hits and the curious trend (see pic on left, love this orange wool thing and yet don't really know what it is), H&M never bores. Some swear by the jeans, none of which can be found on the first floor. But there is a pretty dark green suede makeup bag ($6.90), a beautiful white-fringed scarf ($9-ish), sweater coats for around $60, and a sales rack with brightly printed tops and long striped tanks, perfect for 90 degree October days.

The second floor yields some jeans, but not quite what we’re looking for. There are some wide legs, but the zipper features are too much ‘80’s hardware for the office. The Dior-like black satin ankle boots should be snatched up for $34.90 (unless you’re a size 9, which is sadly sold out), and the sales rack has lots of bright geometric prints that harken spring 2008. With this weather, you could be wearing these for turkey dinner instead of packing them away for next season. Also, there are loads of basic T’s for $7.90 and up. Make them interesting with this cropped, bunny-print cardigan that looks early Gwen Stefani.

Disappointing jeans-wise, but H&M always has something you need. Like the big ’70’s hat that walked right off Michael Kors’ runway. For $9.90 it’s modern retro, especially with a sweater coat, bright tights/leggings, and those “Dior” boots. Yes, leggings, very last season but they’re still practical and they’re still out on the street.

H&M Herald Square, 1328 Broadway @ 34th St, 646-473-1165