Springing Fashion Forward

Based on every new spring line so far, the two huge trends this upcoming season are lace and nautical stripes. I realize that these are perennial favorites but they seem really huge this year. Here are some of the items I’ve had my eye on so far:

Nautical Stripes

Work:

Sadie Dishes- Stripes for Spring

Ann Taylor has this chic new striped sheath dress. The different panels of strips and the structured silhouette makes it a little more interesting then the standard striped shift dress that you’re seeing everywhere. This might be a must have for me. I also like this striped number from Anthro.

Weekend:

Sadie Dishes- Stripes for Spring

This is easy. Get a classic boatneck striped tee shirt. It’s basically seasonless and easy to wear around the house or pair with a jacket and jeans for day on the town. Almost every retailer has something like this but the one above is JCrew, JCrew Factory has similar options, and Loft and Gap have several comparable sweater and tee shirt versions.

Brunch:

Sadie Dishes- Stripes for Spring

This dress from Banana makes getting ready for brunch very easy. Throw it on with fun sandals and assorted jewelry and you’re all set. There are also some fun nautical shorts that would make a full outfit with the addition of a plain tee shirt.

Lace

Work:

Sadie Dishes- Lace for Spring

There are a lot of lace dresses out there, but that reads a little too wedding guest to wear to work in my opinion. I like this skirt from Ann Taylor that has geometric lace pattern, rather than something floral. I like all kinds of lace, but this fresh take seems a little more work appropriate than the all over flower patterns. Ann Taylor also has a similar version with a floral border, and a lace pencil skirt.

Weekend:

Sadie Dishes- Lace for Spring

I love a statement short, and these ones from the Loft are right on trend. The easy part is that you just need a plain tee shirt. They will add some fun to your weekend errands and outings.

Brunch:

Sadie Dishes- Lace for Spring

I love this bright lace top from Anthro. It would make a pair of jeans look so chic if you’re meeting friends for a meal on the weekend. I think you could also pair this with a simple pencil skirt and wear to work in the summer. Ann Taylor also has several lace blouses this season.

Meanwhile…

One other trend I’m curious about is deconstructed denim. I’m a little torn (pun intended) because I don’t want to buy pants with holes in them, but sometimes DC is so preppy it makes me want to buy pants with holes in them. I may have ordered these from the Gap (I got them at a discount figuring it wouldn’t be a big investment if I don’t love the outcome).

Sadie Dishes: Spring Fashion Forward

President’s Day Weekend Sales

Retailers love a three day weekend to offer good deals. Here’s what I’ve seen so far.

Gap is 20%-40% off depending on how many items you buy, with the code PRESDAY. Is it too early to stock up on shorts?

JCrew Factory is up to 60% off, prices as marked, and an extra 10% off if you buy 3 items, and 20% off if you buy 6, code ExtraExtra. Speaking of shorts

Banana Republic is 40% off with the code BRFIT, I’ve been eyeing this blazer.

Athleta is an extra 20% off sale items with the code Extra20. One on my faves.

Ann Taylor is 30% off new styles and an extra 50% off sale, code: Love. I need this.

Loft is 40% off “wear now” styles and an extra 50% off sale, no code. Some good basics on sale.

Anthropologie is an extra 40% off items in the sale section with the code: Extra40. You might not be able to live without this.

JCrew is up to an extra 40% off sale items with the code ShopSale. Love this.

Pottery Barn is 20% off everything with the code: Friends. How about this?

Crate and Barrel is 20% all things bed related. My style.

West Elm has assorted offers going on. Love.

Nine West is 30% off “Spring faves” and 20% off clearance. Just my luck, these aren’t on sale but I love them a lot.

Nordstrom’s winter clearance starts today!

Sadie Dishes- President's Weekend Sales

These Nine West flats are a need not a want.

 

Gift Guide 2015: Part 4

This one is for the men on your list!

Accessories

jcrew Astronaut

I realize I live in the preppiest part of the country, but statement dress socks seem to be very in with the men I work with. You can go two directions with this: holiday socks, or general statement socks. Both are good ideas, but I’m thinking go general so the recipient can wear them all year. The above astronaut socks are just one of many options from JCrew, and almost every men’s apparel store have comparable options. Other classic work wear accessories are cool cuff links, a power tie, or a funky tie bar.

Banana Scarf

A scarf might seem like a snooze, but in my experience, it’s something that a lot of men forget to buy for themselves. I love a good mid-weight plaid scarf that will look smart with a wool coat. The above is from Banana.

Home

MarkTravelBag

Time to upgrade the travel toiletries bag! I love these leather ones from Mark and Graham. Pottery Barn has something very comparable. If you want a sportier option, I would look to L.L.Bean.

DollarShave

I’ve heard a lot of raves about the Dollar Shave Club, and it’s a pretty universal gift for men because most of them shave, right? You can gift a membership, and the options are very affordable. We all know that razors are annoyingly pricey, so it’s a great break! It’s something a little out of the box, but makes the recipient’s life a whole lot easier.

Apparel

Banana Sweater

The guys I know seems to accumulate tee shirts and sweatshirts like it’s going out of style, and they have to buy clothes for work, so I usually go for a shirt or sweater that is somewhere in between. This sweater from Banana is work worthy for most people, but it’s also casual enough for weekend outings. I also love this subtle patterned crew neck sweater, and a machine wash JCrew Factory half zip is always a winner.

UA shorts

If you’re shopping for a guy that likes to hit the gym, shorts are a great option. Like I said above, tee-shirts appear out of no where, but shorts are another story. I think it’s a great idea to gift a good quality pair or shorts from Under Armour (like above), or Nike because they will last a long time.

Technology

USBCharger

There are all sorts of great techy accessories out there that can make life easier. One of my favorite places for these items is The Container Store (there’s one in walking distance from me), but you’ll also see a ton at places like Best Buy. Something like this four USB charging adapter will help maximize outlets and get everything charged on time. There’s another similar option for the cigarette lighter in the car. Other good tech accessories are containers for all the cords, or stands for smart phones.

BasisWatch

Since we now need everything available on our wrist, this smart watch version by Basis is somewhere between a Fitbit and an Apple watch both in functionality and price. It tracks all of your activity and sleep, and it communicates with your smart phone to give you text, email, and phone call notifications. I also think this looks a little cooler than most of the fitness trackers on the market. You can go with the leather band, or there are sportier band options as well.

What are you getting the guys on your list this year?