They say spring is a time of hope and new beginnings. But I wasn’t very optimistic when I heard the 2008 collections were all about feminine, lady-like looks and flowery patterns.

 

As my idol Miranda Priestley once said in The Devil Wears Prada, “Florals? For spring? How revolutionary.”

 

I admit I am a winter girl. I love cashmere, suede, velvet and leather. I love coats and boots and scarves. Linen and cotton and strappy sandles don’t excite me. They don’t have enough substance; enough presence.

 

So I spent most of February looking for deals in the winter sale racks instead of looking at the news spring clothes. And then… I saw the accessories…and they are divine. For starters, there are the shoes. Designers like Prada and Marc Jacobs have created the most beautiful heels I’ve ever seen. I’ve always thought shoes were works of art. Now I have proof.

 

The jewelry is big and bold. Statement necklaces are still in style and YSL’s Plexiglas star necklace is the best of the bunch. I am also happy to see cuffs are still hot. I didn’t buy enough this past winter but now I’ll have a second chance.

 

The bags are a mix of bold colors, interesting shapes and beautiful materials. There are even classic Kelly-style bags made in cork and bamboo for the eco-conscious.

 

Thanks to the accessories, I think Spring 2008 is the most exciting collection since Tom Ford’s 1995 Gucci line. The shape and shine of oversized, necklaces, dangling earrings and huge bracelets are just as interesting as any fall outfit. The textures and patterns on the newest It bags are more complex than any of my winter ensembles.

 

This season is all about taking risks and standing out. To complement all of the miniature masterpieces I plan to purchase, I am going to limit my clothes to crisp white shirts, cotton tees and pants in neutrals. This uniform will serve as the blank canvas on which I will paint my personal style.

 

So here’s what I’m hoping for this Spring: