MORE MARGIELA MONOCHROME: NOTHING BUT A GHOST OF SPRING

This is not your typical dynamic duo of black and white you are bound to see an ocean of, come next season. Softly bleached like pale winter sun, still it makes you squint against the contrast as you try to make out colours, shapes and textures. It's the first of the flowers under the snow.

A predecessor of spring monochromes all right, but not quite there yet. The game 'spot the fashionista' is easier - and holds less interest - each year as the pressure to wear the most obvious next season looks increases. However, sporting the latest shearling coats in August or summer dresses in January, to me, seems more rude than fashion-forward. Is there no value in respecting seasons, the weather, or in living in the present? Well, there should be. Sure, we can dream, but let's not be ignorant.

And here is today's pretty modest pre-spring dream. The sleek and structured narrow shoulder blazer by Maison Martin Margiela for H&M (a re-edition of the autumn/winter 1989 collection piece), with plain and crispy white skinnies, patent boots and a riding-style hat, shows just enough longing for spring for the time being while, just like the snow drop flower, we are waiting for the sun to lure us out from under our white blankets.

2-way blazer (you can wear it loose, boyfriend style, or nipped in sleek):
Maison Martin Margiela for H&M
white skinny jeans: Mango, patent heeled shoe boots: Clarks, hat: Urban Outfitters