Poor Macy's. With all the attention given to JCP's financial woes, Target's glittery designer collabs and even Kohls' entrée into the designer-collab circus, little credit has gone to Macy's, which quietly keeps rolling out their own big-name, low-priced fashion collections for the masses. So here's what going on at Macy's at the moment:

1. Macy's has launched Marilyn Monroe, a new apparel collection that re-imagines the 20th century bombshell for the 21st century fashionista. The Marilyn Monroe line embraces silhouettes that fit and flatter, from retro halter dresses that cinch at the waist to gingham tie-front, button-down tops and pink polka dot denim. Soft blues and pinks highlight a girl-next-door quality, while bold reds and black and white add a sense of allure. The collection retails from $29 to $89, exclusively in the Mstylelab department at 150 Macy's stores and online at macys.com/mstylelab.

2. Betsey's making a comeback after filing for bankruptcy! The new Betsey Johnson dress collection for Macy's is a whimsical line of fun, punk-rock frocks that are perfect for prom season. Encapsulating everything Betsey, these "sexy, flowing dresses incorporate bursts of bold color, playful prints and modern shapes. Betsey Johnson dresses bring a sense of excitement, confidence, and individuality anyone who wears them." This is definitely where Betsey Johnson shines, but I'm not so sure about the prices which range from $99 - $249.

3. Macy's trend-loving customers can shop the new MADE Fashion Week for Impulse collection, inspired by New York's MADE Fashion Week initiative co-founded by Jenné Lombardo, Mazdack Rassi and Keith Baptista. Okay, so no one outside of the NYC fashion scene has probably ever heard of MADE but it's hugely influential within the industry. Now you know? Available exclusively at 150 Macy's stores and on macys.com/impulse, customers shopping the Impulse department can look forward to 20 to 30 new pieces rotating onto the floor throughout the season.

4. Remember Madonna's line for Macy's? Well, the original Material Girl has expanded the collection to include Truth or Dare intimates and lingerie. It's rather generic looking and uninspiring (like the control top slip shown above, $50) and I'm sure she had nothing to do with the design. But I am loving some of the shoes for spring. I found out about this collab when I picked up a free digital copy of Star magazine. Draw your own conclusions.

Images courtesy of Macy's

Here's the Kate Young for Target lookbook which we've been looking forward to seeing since January. Kate Young is a celebrity stylist who Target tapped to create an exclusive collection of women's apparel and accessories, including an assortment of special occasion dresses.

"I've been working with Target for a number of years as a stylist, so having the chance to design my own collection with a brand I already know and love is like a dream come true,” said Kate Young. “With this collection, I wanted to design standout pieces that allow women to experiment with fashion and create their own red carpet moments."

Kate Young for Target is "modern and versatile, embodying Young’s eye for pushing trends." Known for creating memorable Hollywood moments, Young designed a collection of special occasion dresses for day and evening, as well as standalone separates and accessories that mix and match to create endless ensembles. The collection ranges in price from $29.99 to $89.99 for apparel and $14.99 to $49.99 for jewelry, handbags and shoes.

I'm guessing most shoppers won't recognize the name nor will they flock to stores for this collab, but the dedicated Target-collab-lovers among us (myself included) will be there with bells on come launch day. My favorite pieces are the bright yellow dress and the polka dot floor length dress. Which pieces do you like?

The limited-edition collection will be available April 14 at most Target stores and on Target.com.

This is a sponsored post with H&M.


H&M is doing something HUGE, you guys, and I'm so excited to be able to share this mind-blowing message! So here goes: ALL H&M stores now offer garment recycling collection services! Bring in any piece of clothing, from any brand, in any condition, and H&M will recycle it for you!

Need another incentive (besides saving the planet)?! You'll get a 15% off coupon for the item of your choice for each bag of clothes you donate (limit two bags per day).

Donate before March 31st to bump your discount up to 15% off your entire purchase, plus a chance to win some very cool prizes.

Garment recycling is just one crucial step that H&M is taking to be greener. I've told you about their Conscious Collection, and here are some fun facts:

• H&M is the #1 user of organic cotton worldwide
  


• 100 million liters of water are saved in denim production
  


• 2.3 million garments donated to charities
  


• 5 percent reduction in carbon emissions

For all the details and to get inspired, check out my "un-haul" video above – and DON'T LET FASHION GO TO WASTE!

Wondering what happens to all the clothes you donate? I know I do! Visit www.hmconscious.com to find out.


Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Opinions are my own.

Yesterday I headed to my local Kohl's store to shop their Grand Opening Sale which is going on now through Sunday March 17th. Do not miss this sale! I tweeted my favorite finds as I shopped and shared two spring outfits, then purchased the items that got the most "likes" from readers - because honestly I loved both looks and couldn't decide which to go with! Thanks to everyone who commented, you guys are seriously the sweetest and you made this mama-to-be feel like a million bucks.





So here's what I got: A coral red blazer ($45.50, saved $24.50), lace stripe white tee ($23.40, saved $12.60), polka dot skinny jeans ($35.10, saved $18.90), and bow ring ($9.60, saved $6.40, similar ring here) - all from the LC Lauren Conrad collection - plus an Apt. 9 bangle ($12, saved $12).

Everything paired perfectly with my favorite ankle boots, the "Kinley," which I bought on clearance at Target for $10.48. It's not sandal season yet, but these ankle boots are perfect for that spring transition weather. So comfy and they go with everything! Seriously love.



I also couldn't help but check out the home decor at Kohl's, which is also on major sale, and picked up a chevron bath rug (in-store only), chevron hand towel, chevron shower curtain (in-store only) and chevron straw baskets! OMG chevron overload. I could not resist. I wish I was one of those sophisticated people who decorate everything in all white but I don't have that kind of restraint. I love color and fun prints that make me smile. My new bathroom accessories are definitely doing that.



On top of the sale prices, I used a 15% off coupon which I received in the mail (since I have a Kohl's charge) and the cashier was sweet and gave me 20% off instead (must be the pregnant lady discount). I also got $20 back in Kohl's cash. Between the home decor and clothing items I purchased, I saved $162.72.

Thanks to Kohl's for giving me a $100 gift card to shop this sale, I still can't believe the opportunities this blog has given me - I know it's just a gift card but having grown up without a lot of cash, it means so much more. I feel like a kid in a candy store each time.

And stay tuned, because I'll be giving away another $100 gift card to one lucky reader to help you shop the spring deals at Kohl's!!

Keep reading for a few more pics plus details on the sales you can find during the Kohl's Grand Opening Sale:

The Princess Vera Wang Spring 2013 lookbook is an explosion of fun spring trends for girls who were born to rule, from the feminine and fun (think pink and lace details) to the bold and bright (giraffe prints and oversized stripes). A riot of accessories like textured handbags and whimsical jewelry round out this upbeat collection. Princess Vera Wang isn't meant for me (obvs) and the juniors sizing makes it tricky for me to shop (even if I did want to try that red lace blazer shown above, ahem) - but I think it's supercute for tweens. Everything's under $80 and you can find the pieces shown here this spring at Kohl's stores and kohls.com.

Shop it online: