Spring planting

The local weather may not be welcoming to sun dresses and sandals, but some of spring's biggest trends can be paired with warmer weather pieces for a look that brightens your state of mind on the darkest El Nino April days!

Handbag trend: Mini cross-body. Beware schlepers and pack rats, Spring's 'it' bag is small and stylish, with a cross body strap that leaves your hands free to shop, hold the MUNI rail, or just swing by your sides.  We love this Maddox Mini from Fossil,image: fossil.com shown here in sky blue, also available in paprika, medium yellow and sand.  $78  Fossil official site for stores. Or, this Flash Little Kelsie Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $248 at Shopbop.comimage:shopbop.com Shown here in Turquoise,  also available in Black and Saddle. 

Clothing trend: Plaids.  The hipster print  gets a sweet make-over for spring in patterns that are more Betty Draper than Williamsburg slacker.  We love this oversize halter from Opening Ceremony.

image: Opening Ceremony Pair with a cardi and tights ( or over jeggings) now, wear it on it's own with sandals when the weather warms. $380. Opening Ceremony online.   OR this "Claire" sundress from Guess, $78 at Bloomingdales.

image: Bloomingdales

Shoe Trend: Gladiator goes Ghillie. Gladiators are still cropping up everywhere for spring, but the newest styles are giving up hardware for  delicate straps and ghillie ties. Pair with leggings and skinny jeans now, and sundresses, shorts and capris later.  We love these art inspired offerings from Gentle Souls $185 at Piperlime, and these

image: piperlime.comimage:martha-davis.comdelicious strappy flats from local style maker Martha Davis, official website for stockists and pricing.