Madewell's polka dot blazer is serious enough for a casual office while still playful enough to make a cheeky fashion statement. ($96.60, down from $138 at shopbop.com)

Madewell Short Dotted Garcon Blazer

Get the look for less with Xhilaration's polka dot blazer instead, which is $24.99 at target.com. Wear it with a simple solid top and colored denim (or even printed pants if you dare).



Which would you wear?

Lots of exciting updates from H&M today: First, we have the Spring 2013 Lookbook images (you've already seen the video lookbook back in November). I like the pineapple tee. Designers like Balmain and Isabel Marant seem to be major sources of inspiration this season, from the color palette to the exaggerated jackets on shoulder, bohemian embellishments, use of prints and other cool-girl details.

Next, I got news back in December which I tweeted that H&M will be the first fashion company to launch a clothing collecting initiative worldwide. From February 2013, customers will be able to hand in used garments in H&M stores in all 48 markets. Sustainability is an important part of H&M's offering, says the company, and H&M strives to reduce the environmental impact of clothes throughout their lifecycle. How amazing is this?! Hopefully other stores like Forever 21 and Target will be next.

Meanwhile, the new fashion brand & Other Stories, H&M's new "luxury" brand, will launch its first collections during spring in seven cities and through an online store on stories.com in ten European countries. You can follow & Other Stories on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news, including (I hope) when they'll be opening in the United States.

Banana Republic is teaming up with Milly founder and designer Michelle Smith for a limited-edition capsule inspired by the "summer sophistication of the Hamptons." The Banana Republic Milly Collection will feature over 60 pieces for women and men (Milly's first foray into menswear, in fact) including feminine silhouettes in splashes of neon for her and tailored separates in bold prints for him. Prices range from $39.50 for jewelry to $175 for apparel. Previously Banana Republic teamed up with Trina Turk and the results were fab. I have a huge designer crush on Milly for her use of color and prints, so I can't wait to see more! Look for the Banana Republic Milly Collection in late May 2013 at select stores as well as online at bananarepublic.com.

Shown above: Sketch from the Banana Republic Milly Collection, courtesy of Banana Republic.

For their first catalog of the new year, Free People headed to Amsterdam to shoot "Girls on Bikes" with photographer Guy Aroch. Models as well as "real girls" cycle through the bike-friendly streets in Free People's most recent collection of "casual, flirty and effortlessly chic styles." Makeup by Deanna Hagan and hair by Amy Farid was kept natural and fresh, lending to the shoot's street-style vibe.

And some exciting news for ladies who love their bikes: Free People will also carry a limited edition assortment of artisan accessories to outfit any bike in style this month. Items include hand-tooled and painted bike seats, crochet skirt guards, embossed handlebar grips, hand-painted wooden bike stands, and even wine bottle holders. Pieces will be available exclusively on FreePeople.com starting this month.

Click through for more photos...totally dreamy, no?

These fun polka-dot jeans were one of the many items to grab my attention in the latest edition of the J.Crew Style Guide.





Scoop them up for $135 at jcrew.com.

Toothpick jean in polka dot

Get the look for less with these Merona polka dot pants, $27.99 at target.com.

Merona® Women's Ankle Pant (Fit 2) - Black Dot Print

Or try Forever 21's polka-dot ankle pants for $16.50.

FOREVER 21 Polka Dot Ankle Pants