When spring invites itself into our wardrobe

A shopping spree in Laval

After a winter that wasn't too cold, but still grey, the sun graces us with its presence and spoils us by staying with us past suppertime. We'll be swapping our mittens and big boots for colorful trench coats and much lighter shoes, slowly but surely. Spring has just sprung and people are already in a good mood. If there were no trace of snow left, we'd surely be sitting on a terrace to welcome this new-found good weather.

Spring also means wardrobe clean-up and shopping, because no matter how many beautiful dresses and capris we have in the bin, the urge to keep up with the latest trends is always there!

Nostalgia in the spotlight

On your next shopping trip, don't take the plunge. You'll definitely have a feeling of déjà vu. My last stop at CF Carrefour Lavalwas a trip down memory lane. The shiny butterfly clips, cargo pants and potbelly tops are back! Suddenly, I wanted to find my CD cover and walk around Laval with my high school friends, listening to Destiny's Child's greatest hits.

It's not just millennials who can relive their teenage years, as 1970s fashion is also making a big comeback this spring.

" Loose-fitting pants and tops are very much in vogue at the moment. Wide belts are also making a comeback and help show off the waist."
- Julie B., stylist

This year, pastel colors, all shades of blue and floral motifs are in the spotlight. When I say flowers, I'm not talking about a tiny tulip embroidered into the top of your tank top; I'm talking about hyacinths, roses and daisies lining garments from head to toe!

This spring's fashions also feature monochrome, or ensembles in the same color for a look worthy of the catwalk.

"Those who have found the fashion of recent seasons very boring will be delighted, as we'll be seeing a lot of fuchsia pink, mauve, cobalt blue and Kelly green," personal stylist Julie Bouchard told me. However, "those who are more the minimalist type, as well as capsule wardrobe enthusiasts, will be pleased to see a strong presence of earthy, neutral colors such as off-white, beige, khaki and navy," adds Julie Bouchard.

Our favorite stores turned their noses up at winter a while ago. The windows quickly put aside the down jackets and alpaca wool sweaters to make way for midi skirts and silk shirts. In any case, it's great to get a bit of color back after a depressing winter season.

For its part, the Simons store makes me want to empty out my closet in order to fill it better, and also makes me regret not having kept all my 90s - early 2000s frocks.

Where to store?

Whether you're the most patient shopper in the world or the kind of person who knows exactly what you're looking for, you're sure to find something to fill your drawers in the various stores in the Laval region.

The stores and boutiques of CF Carrefour Laval, the DUO Centre Laval as well as the shops in the Quartier Laval all offer very interesting choices. I love combining second-hand clothes and accessories with timeless pieces from The Bay orIntervalle when I'm looking for the perfect pair of pumps to turn heads.

The popular Winners store also offers designer pieces at low prices, plus fabulous home accessories.

All this to say that it's finally spring, and there's no reason not to break out the linen tablecloths, beautiful wicker wreaths and gorgeous maxi dresses. Here we go again, for a few months of sunshine, picnics and shared smiles.