The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Your Spring Essentials Checklist

I'm a big believer in creating checklists for everything, including my wardrobe! Making a list of what you want to add to your closet at the start of each season can save you time and money, so here's a running list of the things I'm looking for this spring. Share what's on your list in the comments!

1. Short sleeve cardigans in neutral hues, plus one bright color like yellow or blue. I'll be swapping out my long-sleeve heavy knit boyfriend cardigans for lightweight short sleeve cardis as the weather warms up.
2. Lightweight scarves. Bright colors and ethnic-inspired prints are all still big contenders for me.
3. Classic trench. Alternatively, a chic anorak is a stylish option if you want something less conventional. I still have a great anorak that I picked up at H&M last season, so my search for the perfect trench continues!
4. A boyfriend blazer in beige, tan or pale gray. You probably picked up a black blazer for fall/winter, which will still get great mileage through the summer (think air conditioned offices, cool evenings, etc.) But for day, a lightweight cotton or linen blazer will be my go-to layering piece for spring/summer.
5. Vintage inspired shades. I'm thinking of getting some tortoise shell frames a la Cate Blanchett.
6. Relaxed hobo or another less structured handbag in a light tan, white (if you can keep it clean!) or brown. Metallics, brights, patterns are all great options, too!
7. Relaxed-fit shorts. I'm not a huge shorts person but I'll probably pick up at least one pair of relaxed fit shorts.
8. One solid tulip skirt in a nice neutral color that I can wear for casual or dressier occasions.
9. A denim skirt and/or denim jacket. The key for me here will be finding very current cuts and fades of denim.
10. A printed top. Perhaps I'll try a floral, abstract or wallpaper print that are so ubiquitous these days.
11. A maxi dress. I have a nice solid black maxi from last summer, now I need to be brave and add some color or a print!
12. Denim. Skinny, distressed, boyfriend—all still great options! I'll be bringing out my boot cuts to wear with wedges, and colored jeans to wear with simple white tees and sandals.
13. Stylish sneaks. I am due for a new pair of sneakers that I can wear while walking and running with my doggie. But they have to be cute!
14. Layering tees and tanks. I'm looking for long lengths, super soft cotton, and some nice crisp whites that will match everything.
15. One statement necklace. Got this already on Gilt.com, can't wait to wear it!
16. Jumper. I'm determined to get a jumper, possibly the Alexander McQueen for Target number. We shall see!
17. Shoes: There are so many great styles to choose from this season, so we'll leave this for another post!

Ok, your turn! What's on your spring shopping list?

Comments
My shopping list for spring includes adding more color to my wardrobe- I love my blacks, but I think its time to get out of the winter doldrums and add a little spring! I really want a beautiful dress for easter, I think thats on the top of my list- and I also want so accessories with some more spring tones (think pink and green jewel tones)- I already got my shoes for spring (yay for last years end of season clearance!) so now i'm just focused on some springy accessories!
#1 Peaches on 2009-03-12 10:49 (Reply)
Ditto on the cardigans! I have several shells from the winter that I can double again for the spring by wearing a pastel-colored cardigan or shrug, instead of darker-colored cardigans.

I also need to purchase a wide-brimmed hat that I can wear while I'm at the pool to cover my face.
#2 Carolyn (Homepage) on 2009-03-12 11:05 (Reply)
At the top of my list is a pair of Mohops and some cage platforms. Hmmm, I feel like there should be some non-shoes on my list ...
#3 Sal (Homepage) on 2009-03-12 11:11 (Reply)
I was just working on my S/S Wish List yesterday (I plan on posting it soon). So fair I have -
- Flip Flop Alternatives (cute flats, sandals)
- S/S Purple Heels
- Perfect White Tee x 10!
- Floral Anything -- I need more pattern in my life!
- Bright &/or Printed Skirt
- Linen Pants (casual pair that is easy and breezy to toss on)
- huge, gorgeous summery statement necklace (can't wait to see yours from Gilt)
#4 Kimberly (Homepage) on 2009-03-12 11:16 (Reply)
I received a teal short-sleeved cardigan for Christmas and I can't seem to wear it with anything that makes it look "right." How/over what is one supposed to wear a short-sleeved cardigan? (Also: does anyone have any color recommendations for what to match with teal?)
#5 Abbi on 2009-03-12 11:28 (Reply)
Teal looks great with a lot of colors: white, black, heather grey, a dark royal blue/purple, etc. You can pair short-sleeved cardy's with your tank tops of course, or a tight fitting long-sleeved tee.

As for spring shopping essentials.. I think I've filled my closet up with most of these items! However I am in the market for some of those loose shorts as well, and maybe a pair of cool wedges or espadrilles.
#5.1 MizzJ (Homepage) on 2009-03-12 12:03 (Reply)
Teal looks good with yellow for a summery look, and if you feel like that is too much, you can't go wrong with white!
#5.2 Ana on 2009-03-12 15:08 (Reply)
A bright new wedge!

http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=40125&pid=653883&scid=653883002
#6 (Homepage) on 2009-03-12 11:41 (Reply)
Those are gorgeous.
#6.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-03-12 14:16 (Reply)
Ooh, I just made a list of my own essentials! :-)
#7 Jacki (Homepage) on 2009-03-12 12:10 (Reply)
awesome tips!!!! i just think i found a new blog to follow!
#8 anh (Homepage) on 2009-03-12 12:29 (Reply)
o as for my spring shopping list: caged heels, new studded belt, boy blazer for evenings and day, simple tees, linen shorts, maxi dress
#9 anh (Homepage) on 2009-03-12 12:32 (Reply)
this is SUCH a wonderfully comprehensive list. i love it all!
#10 Cupcakes and Cashmere (Homepage) on 2009-03-12 12:40 (Reply)
great list BB!!!
#11 Real Style Real people (Homepage) on 2009-03-12 13:13 (Reply)
Yes on the cardigans!
#12 DY on 2009-03-12 14:25 (Reply)
I'm spending my summer in Switzerland. So I've been carefully stocking up on bright short sleeve t-shirts. That I can pair with jeans. I also been adding to my collection light very thin cotton sweaters for the evenings and colorful cardigans. Also I'm trying to find bright cotton dresses. I'm still trying to find a nice swimsuit with boy shorts because I'm self conscious about my bottom half. So if any one has suggestions. I've been having a hard time finding cute and cheap boy cut swim bottoms that still show a bit of butt.
#13 Allison on 2009-03-12 14:45 (Reply)
Lucky! Switzerland is gorgeous! Why are you spending your summer there (if you don't mind me asking :-) )
#13.1 Peaches on 2009-03-12 15:11 (Reply)
My boyfriend moved back to the area 3 months ago to be near his family and got a job in Switzerland. So I'm going to spend May-August with him.
#13.1.1 Allison on 2009-03-12 20:13 (Reply)
Kohl's has some adorable swimsuits that are well-priced and sized and plenty of boy short bottoms. Check out their website.
#13.2 Carolyn on 2009-03-12 17:08 (Reply)
Hey thanks for the idea. I went there this evening. Nike had some really nice two pieces. Unfortunately they didn't have the top I wanted to match. So I'll have to wait till I go down to a different one this weekend.
#13.2.1 Allison on 2009-03-12 21:30 (Reply)
Most of the items on my wishlist are classics that I desperately need to add to my wardrobe. I'm still in college, but will graduate in 2 years and have internships lined up so I definitely need to add more professional/career pieces to my closet. My list:
-solid cotton black and white scoop tees
-navy silk-material knee-length dress
-red patent belt to wear with navy dress
-wide brown leather belt
-3/4 sleeve slightly cropped black blazer
-jersey mini dress in black, teal, and purple
-more long necklaces
-relaxed shorts
#14 LC on 2009-03-12 18:43 (Reply)
I'm wanting some platform sandals, possibly in a light tan, and I'm dying for floral blouses! But I'm so picky about prints, I can't seem to find really pretty floral prints in my budget (watercolor-y or ditsy prints). I tried on a bea-u-tiful one at Nordstrom (Nanette Lepore) but it was neigh on $300, which puts it well out of my reach...)-: I'm with ya on the cardis, for sure! I have a J. Crew one from a last year in gray and I wore it a LOT to work over sleeveless blouses and dresses. They are so great for making sleeveless things office-appropriate without taking all the summer fun out of them!
#15 Jenava on 2009-03-12 19:36 (Reply)
Those sound alot like my spring list also! Hopefully, some bright colors...gladiators...and a bright wedge!! Lovelovelove your blog.
#16 Fashion Prescription (Homepage) on 2009-03-12 20:46 (Reply)
I would like to see some pictures (or links) to be inspired!!! pleasee!! Just a suggestion
#17 Gisel on 2009-03-12 23:26 (Reply)
Two things that I'm having trouble looking for:
1. Short-sleeved cardi. I went to my local mall yesterday, but didn't find any. Suggestions?
2. Boyfriend blazer in any color (black, pale gray, etc.). Because I'm so short (5'1"), I would like the blazer to be a little more form fitting, particularly the sleeves... otherwise the blazer would be wearing me!

And just to throw it out there-- I was looking at the denim jacket at Old Navy (color is "Vancouver"-- very very light blue), here's the link: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5448&pid=610900&scid=610900022
What do you think of it? I was wondering if this would be good for a summer go-to with anything.
#18 Claudia on 2009-03-14 12:24 (Reply)
Yes!! I am going to post my checklist as soon as I get back from vacation.

I think I want a little cardigan to wear with the thakoon for target skirt I bought a while ago. I would love it if somebody could take a look at my site http://nevernothingtowear.wordpress.com
You'll have to scroll down to the post "random conglomerate..."

Also I would LOVE to find a cheap ($20 if possible?!) boyfriend blazer. My dress code requires a sweater or blazer and I think that would be a fun way to sort of edge things up a bit.

TIA!
#19 Sarah (Homepage) on 2009-03-15 23:56 (Reply)
Number 16, the jumper, is a sexy necessity!!!
#20 Max (Homepage) on 2009-05-15 10:31 (Reply)
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