It’s cold out there.  It’s really cold. How cold, you ask?  Let’s just say we’re starting to hope the balaclava becomes a fashionable must-have before the season is through because it’s the only piece of cold-weather gear that can actually provide any protection from the elements.  And even though we can’t go outside without wrapping our bodies in about three layers of long johns and four pairs of glove, we’re punishing ourselves with thoughts of spring.  Why, you ask? Because it’s the only way to survive the January blues.  So while the wind is blustering, the snow is falling and our toes are freezing, we’re thinking about bright pops of colors, open toe sandals and even a bikini or two all inspired by the color blocking seen on the Spring 2011 runways of Jil Sander, Max Mara and Gucci.  Solid blocks of vibrant colors like tangerine, magenta and purple were contrasted with neutral black or white to create an explosive color story that has us yearning for spring.  We’ve narrowed down our top 10 color blocked pieces for spring in hopes that positive thoughts will lead to a change in the weather. 

1) Satin colour block sandals – $129 at Zara

2) Viyella colour block dress – $225 at House of Fraser

3) Tri colour block shift dress – $39.95 at H&M

4) Angela Adams and Sea Bags for J.Crew dipped sail bag – $198 at J.Crew

5) Jonathan Saunders moselle paneled colour block tank – $50.75 at The Outnet

6) VPL color block insertion bra – $95 at Barneys

7) Minimarket colour block rain coat – $194.35 at The Outnet

8) Mara Hoffman colour block bandeau bikini – $88 & $84 at Madewell

9) Colour block pocket tee – $70 at Topshop

10) Pour La Victoire patent leather colour block sandal – $220 at Saks Fifth Avenue