Cheryl Shops

Spring is a time of year that sounds better in theory than in reality. After months of cold, clouds, and rain (or in most cases, snow), all I want to do is break out the bare legs and sandals. And yet some days are in the 60s and gorgeously sunny, and others are...kind of just like winter. When I lived in New York, I'd totally jump the gun and break out my summer clothes as soon as the thermometer hit 50 degrees, but now that I'm a Californian, I've learned to ease into spring. My wool coats have been put away for the season, but sweaters are still around; tights are back in my drawer, but I haven't busted out the sandals just yet. Spring transitional outfits are all about balance; here's how mine are coming together.



I saw this Free People sweater on another blogger and bought it for myself as a birthday treat, along with several other Free People pieces which will be appearing here soon. (I always take advantage of their 15% off birthday offer since Free People so rarely goes on sale.) I originally ordered my usual size, a small, which was comically huge on me, so I returned it for an XS, which I'm wearing here. It doesn't exactly photograph well, but it looks really cute in person, and it's soft and warm—but not too warm, which makes it a great transitional piece. It also comes in a gazillion colors, if gray isn't your thing. I'm wearing it with a skirt here, but I'm totally going to rock it with leggings and skinny jeans too—although maybe not until next winter, because I'm pretty tired of jeans and leggings, to be honest!


This skirt may be in the running for most worn on Cheryl Shops—you last saw it back in October—and since it's been months since I've worn it, I couldn't wait to break it out again. It's one of my favorites because the shape and length are really flattering, and the color goes with a almost everything. It's last year's skirt, unfortunately, but I've linked several similar styles below. Also, apologies for my pasty white legs; I'm starting on the self-tanner this week.



I last wore this bag with lavender, and I feel bad featuring it again here since it's long gone from Stella & Dot, but since snakeskin is so hot right now, I can't help but carry it. (This bag is actually snake-embossed leather, but close enough.) I love how this one can be worn several different ways, even as a clutch, and it holds a surprising amount of stuff. It's one of my favorite weekend bags.



Speaking of favorite weekend pieces, these Golden Goose sneakers are probably about to join my A.P.C. bag on the list of accessories you're tired of seeing me wear. (I most recently paired them with split-hem pants.)  I wear them all the time because they're so comfy, and I like the little lift that the hidden wedge gives me—essential, considering I'm wearing a skirt with bare legs. There was once a time when I'd be nervous wearing flats with a skirt (or when I wouldn't do it at all), but now that I'm in my 40s, my feet absolutely need to be comfortable at all times. Welcome to middle age!



We shot these photos outside of what used to be Lion Pub, an institution in my neighborhood that sadly has since turned into an architecture office. I loved it because the decor was over the top and, more importantly, they made all of their drinks with freshly squeezed juice. My favorite was the basil greyhound—a greyhound with, you guessed it, basil (it was a amazing, trust me). By the way, the building is for sale again, price upon request, if you want to be my neighbor!



OUTFIT DETAILS: Free People softly structured tunic | BCBGMAXAZRIA skirt (similar here or budget version) | Stella & Dot bag (similar here) | Golden Goose Superstar sneakers (also here)