I smell spring!

I'm slowly getting out of the winter rut and looking forward to spring. For me, that marks the first time I paint my nails with a colour that reminds me of warmer weather - Essie Van D'Go. Not sure if it's part of their permanent collection now since it came out a couple of years ago in one of their limited edition releases but it's a gorgeous pastel peach that never fails to put a smile on my face.

Now that I'm in the spring mindset I can start musing over new things to buy! I thought that this season for sure I'd be all over Chanel's Spring 2012 makeup collection but I found myself rather disappointed and walked away empty handed. It looked pretty but the two things I was interested in - Flirt Rouge Coco Shine and June nail polish - just didn't work on my skin tone. Flirt barely showed up on my pigmented lips and June did not flatter my hands. Orange Fizz or Miami Peach would probably be better matches for me. The other two nail polishes in the collection called May and April, although I love the names and the colours, were rather basic.

On the other hand, one surprising thing that isn't really "spring" but it feels light, brightening and refreshing (which are quite spring-like adjectives so there's my excuse) is this sample I have been using of the Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream. I have been using this as my eye cream for the past week and WOW. It smells great, it's light yet it makes my under-eye area plump and hydrated. 

It's geared as an all-over face cream for women in their 40s but it has been such a nice eye cream for me! I had been using a Boscia eye cream for the past couple of months and I hate it. It's too greasy and does nothing for my under-eye area. So moral of the story is - use up your dinky samples of products because you might find a pleasant surprise in there :)

Now that the under-eye area is nice and bright, let's focus on wardrobe! I have tried to avoid it for ages but the time has finally come - I need "dress pants". I hate the term, I hate every pair of dress pants I have ever tried on or owned, but as my school career is coming to an end and I have to give numerous presentations in "formal business attire", I cannot avoid it any longer. Pencil skirts, blouses and blazers I own and love, but trousers have always been a mystery for me. I heard good things about the J Crew "Minnie" trousers, so I have added them to my list of things to consider. If you have any advice, it's very welcome. (Many people recommend Express but their editor pants just don't suit my body type at all. Boo)

Let's throw in a light, airy, spring blouse... by Equipment. A brand for blouses that I absolutely love. They are not cheap but they feel lovely, they are comfortable and effortlessly beautiful.

Of course last but not least, with a new season comes a new fragrance! I'm eyeing this one right now

(along with Jo Malone Wild Bluebell and Elie Saab because I'm still obsessed).

What gets you in the spring mood?