I’m not usually one to complain about the winter – I love sweaters and chili – but honestly. This has got. To. Stop. As I write this, it is currently –25 with the windchill. Spring, I miss you. I need you. And what better way to forget the present than to fantasize about the future? Here are a few things to inspire and distract you until the sun comes out!
1. Spring Cleaning. My wardrobe is groaning under the weight of pilled leggings and things that no longer fit my post-pregnancy body. They’ve all gotta go! You know what to do, readers: donate the old, the ill-fitting and the uncomfortable. If a piece doesn’t make you feel like a perfect ten, get rid of it. If you wouldn’t buy it today, throw it in that Goodwill bag. I promise you: spring cleaning your closet will make you feel lighter and less tied to earthly possessions — oh, and then you can get started on your spring shopping list. Yessss.
2. Trench Coats. Speaking of spring clothing… Well, it all started with an email 
from Judith & Charles. (Note to self: consider unsubscribing from promotional emails. They’re dangerous when one is on maternity leave and no longer receiving a paycheque). Said email featured an incredible trench coat – a minimalist belted number sans tortoiseshell buttons. While a good trench coat is a must-have for any lady lawyer, I’ve never felt entirely comfortable wearing one (I kinda feel like a dude). But I’m open to finding a trench that works for me. Adventurous readers, try Bebe’s Techno Tribal Trench. Sporty gals: check out the Isabelle Trench from Club Monaco. And as for my classic ladies, you can’t go wrong with a trench from London Fog, Banana Republic or Burberry.
3. Quebec Designers. At a recent visit to Toronto-based image consulting business Images that Suit, I was introduced to Montreal’s Iris, a gorgeous collection of work-appropriate pieces with attitude. I then fell down an internet rabbit hole, Googling other designers from La Belle Province. And what I learned is that people from Quebec are way more fashionable than Torontonians (okay, so I may have known this already. Also, no offense ladies). If you’re a lawyer by day and hipster by night, check out atelier b.; collections Fascimilie and Serie are especially cool. And for your weekends, take a look at Eve Gravel’s spring/summer 2014 collection — I love the interplay of global fabrics and feminine silhouettes. 
4. Spring Makeup Trends. Experimenting with makeup is such a small, inexpensive way to refresh your look. And, done properly, it can make you feel like a million bucks. While orange lipstick is hip right now, it’s probably not the best way to make partner. So try a muted coral lippie instead (I’m a fan of Sephora’s It Girl 06) or a peach gloss (check out The Body Shop’s mango or vineyard peach glosses). If you’re feeling especially saucy this month, you could even indulge in spring’s white nail polish trend: done with a navy dress and minimal accessories, this milky white from Deborah Lippmann delivers a punch without being over the top.
Well readers, I’m going to sign off and get back to my warm blanket and cup of tea (would you judge me if I lace it with Scotch?). Here’s hoping that the next time you read Style Counsel, you’ll be sitting on a patio enjoying an ice cold beer!
Emma Williamson is a fashion-obsessed corporate commercial lawyer at Dentons. Her mission is to inspire Precedent’s female readers to break out of a style rut while obeying obvious and not-so-obvious workplace dress codes. Follow her on Twitter: @EmmaWorkStyle.