Jackson Free Press

Spring is a time of renewal. Flowers blooming, Easter, the birds and the bees doing their things—it all makes a girl want to shop for a new look and go dancing. At least that's what it makes this girl want to do. And so, this week I did.

One of my first stops when I need fashion inspiration, or I am in the mood for something with a little edge, is The Shoe Bar at Pieces (425 Mitchell Ave., 601-939-5203) in Fondren. Becky, aka the Shoe Pimp, and her Dolls are always on-trend and make me feel confident in pushing my boundaries a little. This trip, I found myself drawn to a bright yellow romper with a ruffle at the top. That's right, I said "romper." Succumbing to a fit of spring fever and encouragement from the Dolls that it looked cute on me, I bought it. I felt confident putting it on to make the rounds that Saturday night.

As usual, Becky was right. Go see her. She's good for you.

I firmly believe one bold turn deserves another, so bolstered by my experiment in bright yellow, I headed to Libby Story (120 W Jackson St., Suite A, 601-717-3300) to revisit a bright coral-colored dress I hadn't had the nerve to try on the first time I saw it.

Surprise! It was perfect. As a bonus, the store had shoes for 20 percent off that day. Naturally, I had to get a pair. Instead of my typical bright stilettos, I went with a pair of neutrals with a low chunky heel—and got a coupon for 10 percent off on my next visit.

Libby Story is a little gem, with its mix of vintage and new pieces. You can schedule an appointment for the staff to style you if you need help crafting your look. Even if I don't buy anything, it's always fun to visit and take away some ideas.

Naturally, a new dress and shoes call for hair and makeup, so I made an appointment at SMoak Salon (622 Duling Ave., 601-982-5313) to visit Sarah Thomas and Dustin King. I love that Sarah never lets me get complacent with my 'do. Every few months we change things up, so she was totally on board for my spring remix.

Dustin is new to the salon, but has fit right in. His approach to makeup is one that will make you look good for a special occasion, but can translate to every day. He uses a mix of products ranging from higher-end brands down to a new brush he'd just purchased at a major discount retailer. That democratic approach is one most of us probably take. And speaking of brushes, I must share his battle cry (and public service announcement): "Throw away your bronzer brushes. They shouldn't even call them that."

Armed with an arsenal of bright new clothes and fab hair and makeup, what's a gal to do? Round up a crew and go to a show that includes five guys dressed in costume and playing '80s music, of course! Luckily, the Molly Ringwalds, everyone's favorite '80s experience, played at Fire (209 Commerce St., 601-592-1000) that weekend, so after visiting bartender Laura Collins for cocktails at Hal & Mal's (200 Commerce St., 601-948-0888), that's where the girls and I headed. Front and center with a packed crowd, rocking out was a blast as always.

The new looks might not be over. All that '80s nostalgia left me wanting some white jeans. Spring shopping season may not be over yet.

Follow Julie on Twitter @jcskipp.