December in Marietta was the coldest in a decade and the snowiest in a century. It was also the third consecutive January in Marietta with colder-than-average temperatures.
As a result, many folks are anxious to pull out their spring clothing and pack up their sweatshirts and gloves until old man winter comes back again.
"After a hard winter, it's exciting for people to come in and see (bright) colors," said Deanna Flesher, assistant manager at the Marietta Peebles store.
Sunday is the first day of spring, with temperatures expected to top the 60 degree mark. With the new season comes a whole slew of new fashion trends.
"With spring, the focus is some neutrals, so we've got a lot of neutrals with especially a punch of coral or shrimp or salmon or orange," said Teri Ann Pfeffer, owner of Teri Ann's on Front Street in Marietta. "We have lots of color...but that's a strong focus...neutral with a punch of coral."
When it comes to the type of clothing that will be popular, Pfeffer said a tunic over leggings is a must-have combination. She said skinny pants, which were also popular during winter, will continue to be popular.
Fact Box
Spring fashion:
1960s style coats - A-line shaped that are brightly colored.
Slinky 1970s dresses in colors like emerald and sapphire.
Military-inspired cargo jackets and vests.
High-waisted flare jeans.
Mixing prints that are in the same color family.
Platform shoes.
Trench dresses.
Sheer layers.
Plain pieces in desert-inspired colors like rust, sienna and sand.
Japanese-inspired style.
Preppy accessories such as tasseled loafers.
Plastic or wooden bangles.
Citrus colors, such as orange.
Comfortable pieces, such as long, billowy blouses.
Source: www.glamour.com
Dresses will also be a hot item, she said.
"They're easy, they're pretty, they're feminine and they can be dressed up or down," Pfeffer said. "Spring and summer (are) always good seasons for a dress, but it seems like there are a lot of dresses out there now."
Flesher agreed, and said yellow dresses are especially popular.
"A lot of the dresses are coming in in the yellow...which is a good color with tan," she said.
According to a list of spring's most wearable fashion trends on Glamour magazine's Web site, www.glamour.com, 1970s style satiny dresses, especially in the colors emerald or sapphire, will be popular.
The list also indicates trench dresses - dresses that look like trench coats - will be a must-have item for the spring wardrobe.
While there are new clothing trends for the spring season, there are also trends in accessories.
"This year is going to be the year for accessories," Flesher said, noting that large, bangle bracelets and large purses will be popular, as well as shoes with studs and rhinestones on them.
According to Glamour's list, platform shoes are a popular spring item. They're a more comfortable alternative to the previously popular pointy stilettos and they add height to a person.
"Preppy" accessories will also be popular for spring, Glamour says, such as ladylike watches, woven bracelets, tasseled loafers and striped totes.
Pfeffer said she's been selling lots of jewelry for spring.
"As far as jewelry is concerned...probably still lots of long layers of necklaces and still some mixed metals (will be popular)," she said.
Pfeffer noted that nude colored heels will be popular for spring, as well as caged sandals, which are also called "gladiator" sandals.
She said military-style clothing, such as cargo jackets, cargo pants and safari pants, are also popular for spring.
