Stepping Into Spring with Fresh Colors (Yes, Even Me!)

For as long as I can remember, my wardrobe has been a shrine to black-on-black-on-black. It’s timeless, it’s chic, it works. But as spring approaches, I’ve found myself craving something new, fresh, and—dare I say—colorful. Yes, me. The one who considers a deep navy too bright.

This season, I’m making an intentional shift, stepping out of my monochrome comfort zone and embracing color in a way that feels elevated, sophisticated, and true to my style. But here’s the thing: adding color doesn’t mean abandoning personal style. It’s about strategic pops—a bright statement bag, rich jewel-toned tights, a pair of beautifully printed trousers that add depth rather than distraction. Here’s how I’m making it work:

✨ Leg Appeal’s Colorful Tights – A simple yet transformative way to bring color into an outfit. A deep emerald or a vibrant crimson under a structured dress? Effortless.

Bold Leg Appeal

👜 The Butterfly Villa Bags in Bold Hues – Investing in a well-made bag in a saturated, eye-catching color (think cobalt blue, sunflower yellow) instantly upgrades a look.

Super bright bags by Butterfly Villa

🎨 Elevated Prints by Obioma Fashion – Their exquisite African-inspired designs add pattern and vibrancy without feeling overwhelming. I love pairing one of their structured blouses with a neutral base for a perfect balance.

Patterns that flatter with Obioma Fashion

👠 Beautifully Designed Shoes by Ally Shoes – Comfort and elegance? Ally Shoes has mastered it. Their sleek, modern silhouettes in standout colors make it easy to dip into the color pool without overcommitting.

Beautiful blues in Ally Shoes

The best part? These looks are achievable. You don’t need to overhaul your wardrobe overnight. Start with one colorful element, let it breathe, and build from there. If I—self-proclaimed queen of neutrals—can do it, so can you.

Spring is about growth, renewal, and fresh energy. This year, I’m letting that philosophy guide my wardrobe. Here’s to embracing color—on our own terms.

stay fly,
DeAnna Spoerl

The Trickle Effect of Economic Pressures on Local Fashion Businesses and Consumers

In my time getting to know more and more local designers, it’s the economic pressures—such as inflation, rising operational costs, and reduced disposable income—that affect individual spending habits. These pressures initiate a chain reaction that impacts local fashion businesses, communities, and even shoppers who prefer unique, handcrafted items. When you understand the full scope of this trickle effect, it can help clarify why supporting local businesses is more critical than ever. With Letty Sparrow, I am aiming to tackle this issue head on.

Stage 1: Inflation Shrinks Consumer Budgets

• Rising Costs of Living: Consumers face higher expenses for essentials like housing, food, and transportation. As a result, they prioritize necessities and allocate smaller portions of their budgets to discretionary spending, including fashion.

• Shift to Cheaper Alternatives: With less disposable income, shoppers gravitate toward fast fashion and large retailers offering lower prices. This immediate shift impacts local boutiques by reducing foot traffic and sales. Not to mention, this does damage to the planet as well.

Stage 2: Reduced Revenue for Small Businesses

• Decline in Sales: With fewer people shopping locally, small businesses experience a sharp decline in revenue, making it harder to cover operational costs such as rent, utilities, and wages.

• Cutbacks in Staff and Services: To stay afloat, local retailers may reduce employee hours, lay off staff, or scale back on personalized services that once set them apart.

• Less Money for Marketing: Struggling businesses often cut their marketing budgets, further limiting their ability to attract new customers and stay competitive against larger retailers.

The trickle effect leaves a dent in our communities.

Stage 3: Community Impact

• Loss of Local Businesses: Prolonged financial strain forces many small boutiques to close their doors, leading to fewer shopping options for the community. These closures also result in vacant storefronts that can make shopping districts appear less vibrant and inviting.

• Job Losses: Each closure means fewer jobs in the local retail sector, which reduces household incomes and further diminishes local spending power.

• Weakened Economic Ecosystem: Small businesses often source goods and services from other local vendors. When one business struggles, it creates a domino effect that impacts suppliers, service providers, and other interconnected enterprises.

Stage 4: Decline in Consumer Experience

• Limited Options: The closure of local boutiques reduces the diversity of shopping choices, pushing consumers toward large retailers where products may lack the uniqueness and quality of local designs.

• Homogenized Fashion: Fast fashion’s dominance creates a more homogenized retail landscape, making it harder for consumers to find distinctive pieces that reflect their personal style.

• Loss of Community Engagement: Local boutiques often foster community connections through events, workshops, and collaborations. Their absence diminishes opportunities for meaningful engagement within the community.

Breaking the Cycle

Reversing the trickle effect requires concerted efforts from consumers, businesses, and policymakers:

• For Consumers: Commit to buying from local retailers, even if it’s just one or two items per season. Support initiatives like local markets, pop-ups, and collaborative events.

• For Businesses: Invest in digital tools to reach broader audiences, collaborate with other local brands to share resources, and emphasize the value of craftsmanship and sustainability in marketing efforts.

• For Policymakers: Provide grants, tax incentives, or subsidies to help small businesses weather economic challenges. Create programs that educate consumers on the importance of shopping local.

Small businesses thrive with support from their local communities

The Road Ahead

Understanding the interconnected nature of economic pressures reveals the importance of maintaining a thriving local business ecosystem. By addressing the root causes of the trickle effect, communities can ensure that local fashion businesses remain a vibrant and integral part of their identity while giving consumers the opportunity to embrace unique and sustainable choices.

Style and Comfort: It’s More Than Just Size and Fit

When we think about comfort in fashion, we usually think of size and fit. And while those are certainly important, I believe that true comfort comes from how you feel on the inside about what you’re wearing on the outside. Style and comfort go hand in hand, and when you wear something that reflects how you feel, you naturally find ease.

For me, comfort is about confidence. It’s about finding pieces that don’t just fit my body but also fit my life, my energy, and my individuality. It’s about choosing clothes that feel right, not just look right. This is a value that really shines in the garments made by one of my favorite independent designers, Jamie Hayes. If you have a chance to visit her shop, Production Mode in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago, you’ll find an array of styles, moods and attitudes in the clothes she designs and carries. Each piece has a bit of funkiness to it—something that catches the eye. And when you try on a leather apron or a pair of Houdini pants, you can’t help but feel powerful and special. In order to fully embrace the strength that comes in the form of clothing, we must first embrace and recognize it within.

I wore my Houdini pants in Lisbon—the color is outstanding!

At Letty Sparrow, we believe in showcasing designer pieces that provide both style and comfort. The designers and artists understand that fashion is personal—it’s about more than just looking good. It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin, no matter what size or shape that is.

You can read on in my Substack article here.

The Best Travel Wardrobe Pieces for Your Next Trip: Lisbon Edition

I am so excited for our Thanksgiving trip this year—we’re headed to Lisbon! The charm of the city lies in its beautiful blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. As I prepare for my upcoming trip, creating a stylish, functional wardrobe is key. Whether it's a day of wandering the Alfama district or a sunset dinner by the Tagus River, here's is my ultimate packing list for must-have travel pieces, including luxury designs from some of Letty Sparrow’s finest.

Lightweight pieces by Shernett Swaby

When packing for Lisbon’s warm, sunny climate, opt for natural, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, and jersey. These materials will keep you cool and comfortable during daytime excursions.

• Featured Piece: The pocketed, machine-washable vest by Swaby is a must. It’s not only lightweight and breathable, but its wrinkle-resistant fabric makes it the perfect go-to piece for all-day wear. Plus, it has pockets—making it functional for sightseeing!

Annix Vest

The Wrinkle-Free Dress

Lisbon is full of opportunities to transition from day to night, and a wrinkle-free dress is a traveler’s best friend. Look for a dress that’s versatile, stylish, and ready to wear straight out of your suitcase.

• Featured Piece: The Swaby Leo dress fits this need perfectly, combining practicality with elegance. It’s machine-washable and has a timeless silhouette that can be dressed up or down.

Foldable Felt Hat by Hija de Nada

A chic, foldable felt hat is a travel essential, especially in Lisbon where the sun can be quite strong during the day. A wide-brim hat will not only shield you from the sun but will also elevate your outfit with effortless style.

• Featured Piece: The felt hat by Hija de Nada is the perfect companion. It’s packable and lightweight, making it easy to pack without losing its shape. This hat adds a touch of high-fashion to your travel wardrobe, perfect for Lisbon’s sunny streets.

Shown: HdN Virginie hat

Puffer Vest by Niczka Designs

While Lisbon enjoys warm weather, the evenings can bring a refreshing breeze. You’ll need a lightweight jacket that adds style and comfort to your evening look.

• Featured Piece: The Puffer Vest by Niczka Designs is the perfect layering piece. It’s lightweight and structured, making it easy to pack and stylish enough for a rooftop dinner. It adds an effortless touch of luxury to your outfit without weighing down your suitcase.

Houdini Pants by Production Mode

I like a nice comfortable pant that blows with the wind—but also spectacularly chic. Soft, barely there fabrics are lightweight enough to pack and also pack a punch of style.

• Featured Piece: The Houdini Pants by Jamie Hayes at Production Mode is the perfect fun pair of pants to walk around town. They’re great as the stand out piece, but can also be paired with a matching top if that’s your thing. Best part: Jamie can make them in many colors. Mine are a deep teal and get all the best compliments!

My overall goal: dress comfortably and stylishly. And when I’m traveling, especially with the family, I don’t want to think too hard about what to grab and go. Thankfully I’m stocked with some of Chicago’s finest. Follow along to see how I style these pieces during my trip to Lisbon!

Candy-coated: The Must-Have Tones of the Season

This season, fashion takes a cue from the indulgent flavors of fall. Cranberry reds, juicy plums, and decadent olives are no longer just for your holiday table—they’ve made their way into your wardrobe. These rich, luxurious tones are perfect for creating warm, elegant looks that transition seamlessly from Thanksgiving gatherings to winter celebrations.

Here are some stunning pieces from our collection of Luxury Certified designers.

Cranberry Reds

The deep, bold hue of cranberry is the perfect shade to add a pop of color to your fall and winter wardrobe. It exudes confidence, warmth, and elegance—ideal for the season’s festive events.

• Featured Piece: The ruby crop top by Chaa Latte is a standout. This top blends the richness of cranberry red with a playful yet sophisticated silhouette. It’s the perfect statement piece for layering under a coat or styling with high-waisted trousers for an elevated day or night look.

I have this in the ruby and the white—they’re perfect!

Juicy Plums

This timeless tone adds a feeling of grounded luxury to any outfit. Whether you’re going for a casual look or something more polished, a good rich purple brings a sophisticated touch.

• Featured Piece: Elevate your shoe game with Il Fratellino’s Heart Racer pump in juicy plum. These pumps are the definition of classic chic, with a delicious plum tone that pairs effortlessly with fall neutrals. Whether you’re dressing up for a night out or a chic holiday gathering, these shoes add the perfect touch of luxury.

Decadent Olives

Olive green is one of the most versatile tones in fashion, and it’s one of my favorite colors to wear! It’s the perfect neutral to balance out bolder colors, or it can stand alone for a subtle, elegant look.

• Featured Piece: Wrap yourself in the creamy decadence of Model Atelier’s trench coat. This piece combines the versatility of olive tones with a sophisticated, creamy finish, making it the perfect coat to layer over your fall outfits. It’s lightweight yet cozy, ideal for transitioning from brisk fall days to chilly winter evenings.

How to Style These Tones For You

These rich, indulgent tones—cranberry, chocolate, and olive—create a luxurious palette that is both on-trend and timeless. You’ll want to try different tones that compliment your nature undertones to really make your look complete.

Building a Closet of Assets: A New Way to Think About Your Wardrobe

Welcome to Letty Sparrow! I want to take you to a world where fashion is more than just something you wear—it’s an investment in who you are and how you want to show up in the world.

Let’s take a quick trip back in time. Did you know that centuries ago, families actually listed their clothing as part of their assets? Yep, those luxurious gowns and perfectly tailored suits were valued just like land or fine jewelry. Back in the 18th century, clothes were more than just outfits—they were cherished possessions, carefully chosen, maintained, and even passed down through generations.

In today’s world, the fast fashion industry has almost made us forget that our wardrobes can be just as valuable. I want to encourage you to bring that thoughtful approach back—with a modern twist. Imagine your closet not as a place where clothes pile up, but as a carefully curated collection of pieces that truly matter. Each item you add isn’t just another thing to wear; it’s an investment in your style, confidence, and the story you’re creating.

So how do you start building this closet of assets? It’s all about mindset. Rather than seeing your clothing as disposable, start thinking of it as a reflection of your values. Invest in quality over quantity. Choose pieces that aren’t just beautiful, but are also well-crafted and timeless. Look for designs that speak to who you are and that you can wear year after year, season after season.

Think about it—when you invest in a beautifully tailored blazer from one of Chicago’s top designers, you’re not just buying a jacket. You’re adding something special to your wardrobe that will serve you time and time again, while also being a testament to your great taste and style. That’s what luxury fashion is all about: pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful, as timeless as they are stylish.

I believe that every piece in your wardrobe should be an asset—something that adds real value to your life. As you explore our collections, you’ll find that we’ve handpicked only the finest garments that embody this philosophy. From stunning evening gowns to standout accessories, each item is designed to be a cherished part of your personal collection.

So welcome to Letty Sparrow! Here, your wardrobe is more than just clothing—it’s an investment in your future, your style, and your unique story. Let’s build a closet of assets together, one exquisite piece at a time.

DeAnna Leticia

Editor, Letty Sparrow