After polishing her skills in the fashion world working for such bigwig designers as Zac Posen and Peter Son, Chicago designer Ashley Zygmunt, was chosen as one of six chosen designers of the Chicago Fashion Incubator 2009, a promising program sponsored by Macy’s and the City of Chicago. She started her own label, ZAMRIE, a collection of beautifully tailored blouses that aims to offer women the couture of the runway in their everyday lives. So we wanted to know -- as winter clothes hit the sale shelves and spring clothes abound, what should we be making room for in our closets? Zygmunt gives us the scoop.
How can we cheer up our heavy, dull winter wardrobes? Wearing sweaters and snow boots everyday gets depressing!
Add color. Just because it's dreary weather doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to be the same! Pair black pants, jeans, or a skirt with a fitted, thin wool sweater/cardigan layered over a great colorful print top. You can also wear a fun colored shoe, army green boot instead of black. Don't forget to add accessories belts, jewelry, etc. Even though sweaters may be bulky, the winter is all about layer pieces you normally wouldn't and experimenting with your closet staples.
What's the best way to transition your wardrobe from winter to spring?
In the winter there are so many layers, so just remove the cardigans and jackets and pair your blouse with great accessories and a lighter bottom. Take you basics and add open toe shoes, remove the tights, and make the skirt shorter to achieve a spring look.
What kind of trends will be hot this spring?
Rose hues, head to toe color, and any sort of denim. Denim is going to be huge!! I also think a modern '70s vibe is coming back for a while.
Where did the inspiration for the new line come from?
S/S 2011 has undertones of a '70s vibe and a modern poolside chic with contemporary power woman, Mad (wo)Men style. Take my Gailey tank in the Floral Pool print for example. Pair that with gladiator platforms and flared jeans for a '70s lounging by the pool look. But if you took the same shirt in the Pebble Print and paired it with a black pencil skirt and pumps, you have a corporate Mad Men-esque look.
What celebs are really doing it right these days?
The perfect mix between Gwyneth Paltrow's classic style and the funky street style of Drew Barrymore.
Kim Peiffer is the founder of The Glow List, an online magazine dedicated to fitness, beauty, diet, spa and travel.
