Canadian-based fashion brand Joe Fresh was scheduled to launch its new line at JCPenney stores last Friday, March 15, so I headed to my nearest store to check it out - and lo and behold, there it was! A brightly lit, Joe Fresh store-within-a-store, fully stocked and ready to go. Quelle surprise!

Visually, everything looks great, a million times better than the rest of the outdated department store (which has been slowly getting revamped as well). And the styles are right on point, think classics pieces with a modern sensibility. Highlights include the colorful skinny jeans, gingham button downs, crochet shorts, tailored shorts in bright prints and casual day dresses.

I didn't feel up to trying things on what with my bump and all, although I'm sure some of the knit tops would have fit me just fine, so I can't speak to fit. But in terms of quality for the price, I think they're right on. Most items are under $39.

I had the whole shop to myself during my trip with the exception of one group of 3 ladies who came through to check it out and I overheard one say to another, "Hey these cardigans look nice! $16, not bad!" (direct quote LOL). So there's some anecdotal evidence that shoppers might be responding well. I've noticed a few items are sold out online, too. Joe Fresh for JCP is a breath of fresh air, no doubt about it, but will it be enough?

After perusing JCP, I ventured back into the mall and into the adjacent Forever 21, which has been newly renovated and now occupies two levels. I was greeted by high ceilings, bright chandeliers, and loud music. Eager shoppers shuffled around, deeply engrossed with rack upon rack of eye-candy. It was a stark contrast to JCP and made me wonder if the flailing chain can survive. Maybe they should start selling groceries and toilet paper? That's what gets me to Target...

Have you scoped out the new Joe Fresh for JCP collection? What did you think?

I'm always impressed with the variety of styles in the Simply Vera Vera Wang shoe collection at Kohl's, and my last "inspection" of the line was no exception. For early spring, highlights include perforated heels in a nude or black color, wedge sneakers (inspired by Isabel Marant, no doubt), metallic sneaks, bow-embellished flats and colorblock wedge sandals. I can't speak to quality or comfort as I'm not in the market for new shoes at the moment but I think a lot of these have that "you got those at Kohl's?!" wow-factor that's worth a look.

More pics after the jump - see any styles you love?

Shop it online:

On Friday, I visited my local H&M store to check out the new pants collection, pick up some new maternity duds and drop off a bag of clothes to be recycled. In case you missed it, all H&M stores now offer garment recycling collection services and when you bring in a bag of clothes, you get a 15% off coupon good for the item of your choice. I teamed up with H&M to help get this message out and you can see the video I created here. But aside from that, as a customer, I just wanted to see if my local store was actually participating and I was so glad that yes, they are! The process was really simple, just drop off your clothes at the checkout and get your coupon. Easy peasy. I asked the store employee how big each bag should be and he didn't seem to know, so I think if you filled a regular size plastic shopping bag from the grocery store or a reusuable tote, you'd be good to go. You can bring up to two bags per day.

Moving on...I ogled lots of fab spring pieces that I can't actually wear since I'm preggers. You would think you could just size up in things but that hasn't been working too well for me. LOL. Oh well. I'm loving all the print pants, bold floral prints and pretty pastels. Silver heels and coral accessories also caught my eye on this trip, two affordable ways to update your wardrobe for spring.

I'll share my maternity finds in another post, which included a striped tee, navy skinnies and a coral cardigan (technically not maternity but it fit well).

Have you tried out H&M's recycling program yet? Picked up any new spring items?

A couple days ago, I went to T.J. Maxx to pick up some coffee (T.J.'s is my go-to source for cheap, whole-bean coffee), but of course, I was sidetracked by the new spring handbags and shoes. And the home goods. It happens. My store had rolled out lots of colorful options to help you refresh your wardrobe and your space. Handbag highlights included Jessica Simpson mini colorblock bags in mint green or bright orange, pastel satchels made from fine Italian leather and Michael Kors tech sleeves in rainbow hues.

For shoes, I was loving the bright flats from DV Dolce Vita and Nine West as well as sparkly heels from Ivanka Trump (I'm told her heels are comfortable). In home decor, I nearly cried tears of joy when I saw two amazing chevron chairs by Cynthia Rowley - the print was just so happy! And the price was decent, too, $129.99 each.

Ultimately, I stuck to my plan and bought a couple bags of coffee beans and, confession time, I got a neon/neutral Rebecca Minkoff bag - but I'll probably return it. I just needed it to come home with me for a few days. LOL. I was shopping with a friend who told me, "Your T.J. Maxx is so much better than mine!" and now I'm beginning to think that she (and many of you readers) are right!

See anything here that you'll make a trip to your T.J. Maxx for?

{Shown above: Jessica Simpson mint glitter crossbody bag, $19.99 (compare at $58)}