Earlier this week I attended the T.J. Maxx/Marshalls Fall 2012 preview in New York City to scope out the trends that we'll be seeing at the end of summer. While you're gearing up for the Memorial Day weekend in shorts and flip-flops, retailers are showing magazine editors and bloggers their finest riding boots and cozy coats.

So here's what to expect for fall: Ladylike pieces with an edge, call-of-the-wild animal prints, jewel tones, and colorblocking. Easy enough, and easy on the wallet since most of last year's trends will be back!

The T.J. Maxx/Marshalls team reiterated the fact that all their merchandise is brand new, top-notch, designer names, current and in-season trends that just happen to be priced 20-60% less than what you'd pay at department stores. Thousands of new items arrive weekly in each store, sourced by buyers who scour the globe in search of the best items at the best prices.

Keep reading to see some highlights from the event. I will be honest, I wasn't wowed by the styling but there were many individual pieces that I loved, like Dolce Vita loafer flats, a BCBG wrap dress and a Vince Camuto leather handbag. You can see even more photos from the event on my Facebook page. Let me know what you think in the comments!

UPDATE 6/1/12: And the winner is… #18 Donna F.! Congrats to our winner and thanks to everyone who participated.




Please note: The giveaway portion of this post has ended and is closed to further entries.

Sorrelli jewelry let me pick out a few of my favorite spring pieces to wear and share with you guys! Have you heard of Sorrelli? I was familiar with the brand after seeing their jewels on some of my favorite bloggers but had never owned any Sorrelli of my own. It's all really unique antique-inspired heirloom jewelry made with things like Swarovski crystal.

I gravitated towards the Sugary Sweet Necklace in Andalucia ($112.80), Ring in the New Year necklace in Andalucia ($74.40) and Ring in the New Year bracelet in Andalucia ($57.60) because they're shiny but also subdued, so you could wear these pieces layered with a t-shirt and jeans or with a cute summer dress. Or you can wear them as I've done, with man-repellant high-waisted paisley harem pants and a blazer. Oh yes.

These pieces are more expensive than what I'd normally pay for costume jewelry but I've been told these pieces last and they are worth the price for special occasions, gifts or (drumroll please) this fabulous giveaway! One lucky BB reader will get to win the exact pieces that I'm wearing in these photos (valued at nearly $250!!). So let's get started!

How to Enter to Win my Sorrelli Spring Picks:

• Visit www.sorrelli.com, then tell me what's your favorite piece in the comments section below.
  


• Tweet about the pieces I've selected or your favorite spring piece. Tweets should include
  @budgetbabe, @sorrelli, #sorrelliluv and #MiMiluv. Leave a separate comment per tweet (5 max).

That's it! Good luck & shine on.

{What I'm Wearing: LC Lauren Conrad Blazer c/o Kohl's, H&M Harem Pants, Forever 21 Camisole, GLO Wedges c/o Kmart, Jason Wu for Target Clutch}