We're technically still in the dearth of winter, but my Jaunty gaze can't help but wander towards pastel hues of Spring. Mint is one of the smartest colors I can think of. It's downright clever. A touch of seafoam, a hint of emerald, just a kiss of cream -- the range of mint green has more variety than you'd think. 

Burgundy is the It-Color for this fall/winter season, it seems. And why not? It's rich, classic and can be as bold as it is understated. This Birdy just has a hard time not shouting, "Sex Panther!!" every time I see an article mention this on-trend hue. If you haven't seen Anchorman, with Will Ferrell as Ron Burgundy, first off: what is wrong with you? And secondly: go rent/borrow/steal a copy of it this very second so you too will shout Sex Panther! every time you hear the word "burgundy." 

Now that the matter is cleared up, I want to say I really do love this color, jokes aside. But I like it the way I enjoy a burgundy wine -- one small dose at a time. It's no neon orange, but it's still a statement color, and that's exactly why, in my Jaunty opinion, it's far more interesting to rock it with accessories. If the clothing isn't cut well or the silhouette is off, an all-over burgundy look can be a little matronly or like you just stepped out of 70s Leisure Suit-ville Anchorman. But an interesting pair of gloves, a modern shaped purse, even a small touch of color to eyewear -- it's a more sophisticated nod to your appreciation for a stylish color, but not a headlong nose-dive into a trend. 

These are some Jaunty finds I liked, which make burgundy the perfect touch of luxe to your outfit, day or night: {1} Courchevel tie-dye cashmere scarf by Dianora Salviati, {2} Anita trilby hat by Steven Alan, {3} Enameled Octopus Ring by Marmen, {4} G-Skull velvet loafer in burgundy by Jon Josef, {5} No. 21 Deep Burgundy lip color by Burberry, {6} Disc and Ribbon necklace by Herve Van Der Straeten, {7} Rubber Turnlock Bracelet in burgundy by Marc by Marc Jacobs, {8} Lambskin Fingerless Long Cuffed Gloves in burgundy by Imoni, {9} Dugueclina by Christian Louboutin, {10} Oversize Burgundy Suede de Manta Clutch by Alexander McQueen, {11} 518 Sunglasses in burgundy by Juicy Couture  

Jaunty Fine Print: images from shops listed above

Gone are the days when "floral  print" meant an overly-prim tea dress, or something Holly Hobby would wear on the prairie, bonnet included. Call it a case of Spring Fever, but this Birdie felt the Mood of the floral trend. I'm glad it continues with designers reinventing these bloomin' lovelies in more modern and easily wearable ways.

It can still be ladylike for a guest at a spring wedding, but it can also be bold and structured for the corporate world. Floral patterns can make it on casual pieces, feeling breezy and fun. And even when the sun goes down, florals can remain chic and sultry for a nocturnal setting. Who would have thought all these options could be in your garden-variety wardrobe?

Take a look at these Jaunty Finds in bloom: {1} Petal Dress by Matthew Williamson at ShopBop, {2} Mid-rise large floral capri jeans by J Brand at Piperlime, {3} Floral-print fabric pump by Oscar de la Renta at Neiman Marcus, {4} Off shoulder stretch cotton dress by Blumarine at Nordstrom, {5} Floral-print platform sandal by Giuseppe Zanotti at Neiman Marcus, {6} Hailey dress in floral jaquard by J. Crew, {7} Floral-print tie coat by RED Valentino at Neiman Marcus, {8} Floral dolman-sleeve slub tee by Old Navy 

Jaunty Fine Print: Photos from shops listed above - happy shopping!

This Birdie loves a trend as much as the next, but when it comes to the maxi dress, the Magpie had to dig her little claw-feet into the ground and put a halt on that one. No, my feet aren't really that claw-like, given a good pedicure, but regarding the issue of long, shapeless dresses for someone as short and short-limbed as myself, I have to say, "...really?" Maybe the fashion forecasters and style seers have been gazing too long in the crystal ball and not enough into the real world -- not everyone is a six foot tall, willowy Amazonian. And I'm the first person to put myself in that "What I'll Never Be" category. No matter how clownishly-high the platform wedges are, it doesn't change the fact that these dresses are shapeless armfuls of excess fabric that, while comfortable, tends to render most wearers into schlumpy-dumpy Woodstock exiles, or make friends and co-workers wonder when it's a good time to ask, "So, when are you due?" The trend factor takes maxi dresses from the safe, private comfort of at-home 70's loungewear to everyone throwing on an ill-fitted dress and billowing through the streets or even, dare I say, through the office. Is it Beach Blanket Bingo Day at work? If you checked "no," then save these fun dresses for days not spent in a cubicle.

But I don't want to put an absolute "no" on any trend without giving it the old college try. Not all dresses are built alike, so the best way to navigate this trend is to simply: Think Before You Maxi Dress. My main grump about maxi dresses is the little spaghetti strap "sleeves" or bandeau-style top -- if you don't have to deal with a lot of cleavage, these can be flattering options, so have at it. For girls with girls, go for support-strap sleeves; something that's proportionate to the structure above the waist. I particularly like the wide-strap v-necks; they break up the top area, versus the simplified spaghetti straps that just cut a harsh horizontal neckline across the top. Bias, one-shoulder styles are also more interesting and they create a more defined shape on the body. And be wary of traditional Empire waists; something with a fitted/belted or drop-waist looks better; the bottom half is going to be so flowy, balance out the skirt with a little more torso, just to ensure no one asks the "when are you due?" question.

I'm also a big fan of bold, geometric prints. Personally, I think they modernize the look and can help transition it from beachy casual wear to something you might be able to wear at the office, as long as you throw a jacket over those bare shoulders. You're not going to get around the hippy-dippy aspect of a long, flowy dress; it's more clever to pick a graphic print that contrasts with the idea that you stole this from Stevie Nicks' closet. Another tricky thing is the hemline itself. If you're already enviously tall, go ahead and let the hem lightly sweep against the floor, but for everyone else, it looks like you're a kid wearing mommy's clothes. Get a maxi dress that doesn't have a fussy hem so that you can have it taken up a few inches so you can see your feet. For extra-petite gals, I'd recommend having the hem even a little higher, around ankle-length, just so it appears tailored and intentional. Be wary of the volume of the dress itself -- shy away from the overly-flowy dresses and stick to more column-style dresses with just the right amount of fabric suited to your frame. The nice thing about the graphic printed dresses is the patterns give the impression of more fabric folds without the added weight of material.

So with all these specific things in mind, I'm using these rules and guidlines for myself, in the hopes I can get on board with this trend and get something fun and flowy added to the Jaunty Wardrobe: {1} Chevron-stripe maxi dress by Jay Godfrey from Last Call/Neiman Marcus, {2} Jill Blouson maxi dress by Alice + Olivia from Ssense, {3} Caroline maxi dress by Milly, {4} Liberty one shoulder stripe maxi dress by Ella Moss from Nordstrom, {5} Printed maxi dress by Jessica Simpson from Macys


Jaunty Fine Print:  photos from shops listed above