Why is winter fashion so gloomy, especially on Valentines?

I have not been clothing shopping lately.  Mostly because…well, I am trying to save and also, I spent a lot recently on a super cool vacation with my kid.  But sometimes, you can’t avoid shopping…I have to say that as a girl, not to look too shallow, but it is just expected for us to be on top of trends and have something new to wear, especially on Valentines day.  So recently, I justified using my dusty visa card in search of something romantic, fun, and uplifting for this upcoming couple’s holiday.  The only problem was that there was so little out there to buy.  Everywhere I looked was gloomy…clothes were all black, grey, and brown.  Prints were unflattering.  There was nothing with lace or crochet, and nothing sweet with sparkle, or a vintage quirkiness. What’s wrong with TO during winter?  What’s wrong with Queen Street West…which is supposed to be the pinnacle of fashion in this city?

I went to H&M, Aritzia, some cute korean boutique, Mendocino…etc.  And nothing was catching my eye.  I finally gave in and went to Urban Outfitters, which I was trying to avoid, because I shop too much there.  But I was able to find this really cute salmon pink cable knit crop sweater.  I’m thrilled!  Finally a little colour to brighten up my mood during this crazy winter.  And come on, it’s Valentines day.  Doesn’t anybody dress up all cute in hearts, red and pink anymore?  Even the most jaded, unenthusiastic Torontonian and muster up some cheer for this once a year sweety-pie love fest, no?  Retail fashion, you need to zone in on that…

I’m in cute/sweet sweater mode this Valentines.  The weather is cold, so why not put on a comfy sweater…it is possible to be romantic in this bulky winter clothing staple.  I think the key is in colour.  This is the sweater that I got at Urban Outfitters yesterday:

Pair it with a pencil/tube skirt and go a more feminine route.  In this photo I paired it with some printed leggings for a more fun look.

My next photo is a wool sweater I scored a couple of weeks ago at Black Market.  I think it fits Valentines because it’s a muted baby pink, with some pretty stitch detailing on the neckline.  Very sweet and demure.  Also cropped, so it works with high waist-ed skirts…

What do you think of my choices of wardrobe Valentines?  It doesn’t scream sexy, but it’s pretty fun and low-key.  And believe it or not, they were actually hard to find in a fashion forward city like Toronto…