The calendar says spring is just a few weeks away, but the temperatures outside and weather forecasts have not been in sync. If we can’t fight Mother Nature, how can we everyday fashionistas prepare to dress in season while keeping warm at the same time?

The easy answer is that little accessory we know and loved all winter… the scarf. Available in more styles and sizes, as well as, patterns and colors, the new lightweight scarf is your best fashion friend for Spring 2010 starting now! This accessory essential will add a fresh touch to the winter clothes you are getting tired of seeing let alone putting on. You can wrap it, twist it and tie it. You can wear it as a shawl for an added layer (of warmth) or venture out and use it as a head wrap for a more dramatic look. Fresh scarves should be one of the first additions to your accessory selection for this coming season. You will find them in every price range to suit your budget (or indulgence), for yourself or as a great gift for just about anyone. At LBMgifts, our early spring selections begin with soft jersey knit scarves in yummy candy colors. Measuring a generous 80” l, they can be worn in many different ways. Prints to look for include neutral tie-dye mixes like indigo/white, black/white and brown/white and paisleys with a shot of bright color that coordinate well with your current winter wardrobe but will still work with your nicer weather looks later on.

It’s also time to think about your perfect bag(s) for Spring 2010. Roomy, unstructured shapes continue to prevail. Not a surprise, as they make a lot of practical sense, enabling us to carry everything we need from our beauty essentials to electronic must haves. This Spring’s offerings come in a choice of bright colors— lipstick pink, tangerine orange, turquoise, bright blue and lifesaver green. So if you didn’t have the courage to step out and carry something other than your basic black, now is the time to go for it! Bags don’t just look great this spring. Many are made of high quality faux leather, a material that is both lightweight and durable and can be found at very reasonable prices.

As far as trendy jewelry goes, keep wearing and looking for chunky necklaces. After gaining popularity this past Fall/Winter, the statement necklace is still so this coming season. These wonderful pieces are innovative collections of unique charms, unfinished stones, pearls and various non-traditional findings. You will find so many different looks that catch your eye. These necklaces make an easy finishing touch and great gift for women of every look and age. They are surprisingly lightweight, comfortable to wear and priced right. The selection at LBMgifts includes striking stone pendants on fine chains to freshwater pearls mixed with suede or leather and other unusual combinations. We are excited about finding and introducing new designers who handcraft most of their collections.

So if winter is making you cranky, go ahead and treat yourself (and your friends) to a guilt free gift and get your spring season started!

H.K. Leib is the owner and gift finder of Lou, Bags & Moogs, an eclectic shop and website filled with an everchanging mix of unique and useful gifts for all occasions. See her blog and more great gift ideas at www.LBMgifts.com