The Chic List: Goodbye January, hello Fab-ruary!

Our brand-spanking-new month of February may still be dark and cold but at least, my friends, it’s not January. We’re inching closer to spring all the time. 

While the first month of the year is about resetting and taking stock, February is about moving forward, achieving a small win every day. After all, more walking and jogging, more reading new books, meeting new people, learning new skills and considering new perspectives is good for the soul and keeps us feeling motivated and alive. And, of course, life is way too short to wear boring clothes, so don’t forget fresh tweaks to wardrobes, too. Here’s what I’m going to be up to in February… 

Having a hot date 

There’s no shame in feeling loved-up in February. Or, at least, using Valentine’s as an excuse to get dressed up and go out to a nice restaurant with your other half. I will plan my dinner date for the night either before or after the 14th, as I can’t bear the thought of sitting in a restaurant all in rows of two-by-two, like something out of Noah’s Ark. And what will I be wearing? Well, since I’m going to invest in the new season’s maxi-skirt trend, possibly a velvet one by Nili Lotan. 

Feeling 90s nostalgic 

I’m currently revisiting the first series of Sex and the City because, frankly, I can’t find anything else as exciting and glamorous, and this is always a good re-watch for its style and sassy one-liners alone. As a result, I am now obsessed with Sarah Jessica Parker’s 90s collection of sparkly Fendi shoulder bags. Sequins are going more mainstream this spring/summer and as a nod to this exciting new fashion development, I am now going to hunt down a vintage sequin Fendi bag if it kills me.

Going old-school 

With retro-inspired trainers hot this season, I’m loving Grace Wales Bonner’s range of Adidas Originals. In fact, her throwback-chic new silver design is incredible – I’m counting down the days till it drops in the shops. 

Dreaming of skiing 

Although I’m not hitting the slopes this year, I’m still lusting over all the fantastic outfits. After all, heritage knits and Princess Diana-inspired red ski jackets, with white ski pants, oversized sunglasses and huge moon boots, have never looked so good. For those off to the slopes, instead of spending a fortune on kit why not rent? I spotted some exciting rental pieces on hurrcollective.com. Alternatively, snap up fab offerings at Fusalp, We Norwegians, Goldbergh, Gobi and winternational.co.uk. 

CULTURE DASH

Joanne is exited to check out the new Korean Wave exhibition at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum

 I’m planning to check out Hallyu! The Korean Wave exhibition. At London’s Victoria & Albert Museum until June, it showcases South Korea’s dynamic popular culture and explores its global impact on film, music, fandom, beauty and fashion. To book tickets go to vam.ac.uk.  

UNDERCOVER STAR 

Lavender Hill Clothing offers fantastic layering pieces that will keep you feeling warm and looking stylish

Lavender Hill Clothing is a fashionista’s secret weapon right now, as its layering pieces will keep you feeling warm and looking stylish in equal measure. Pop this silk piece underneath your shirt or bouclé blazer and kiss all those goosebumps goodbye. Poloneck, £79, lavenderhill clothing.com. 

STEP THIS WAY 

Fancy some new shoes for spring? Dear Frances has a fab new range of designs that are stylish and easy to move in. I’m swooning over these Harlow pumps to wear with my jeans. Shoes, £395, uk.dearfrances.com 

Dear Frances has a fab new range of designs that are stylish and easy to move in. Joanne loves these Harlow pumps