13 May “Work the Shirt” Challenge with Trends: Stripes, Cobalt, Floral and Metallics

Hello Ladies

I am here to tell you about a fun fashion challenge that I did over the week in connection with Concord Mills Mall, in NC. They contacted me to see if I was interested in a  Challenge called: Work the Shirt. Myself, along with other bloggers, were given this soft chambray top from the LOFT. The Mall has a sale called: Accessorize Your Spring from May 7-31st where shoppers could enjoy savings at the mall and find many accessories to update or create new spring looks. I decided to do the challenge as I thought it would be fun and I could add a few items that are trending right now to my wardrobe. With me, as you know, having EDS, I had to look at the map ahead of time to discern where I was going to go to maximize my time. I can not stand or walk long periods at the mall, but I was up for the challenge as I had planned out ahead of time what I wanted to achieve. I was able to shop for these items using the $100 Simon Mall Gift card that was supplied to me for the challenge.

I was given a card along with the shirt, in the mall, that would give me additional points if I added this particular trend to my look. My trend of focus was: metallics! I had planned on getting a pair of slip on rose gold sneakers as I saw myself wearing them with some of the pink in my wardrobe, as well as a neutral. I love the comfort, and the fact that not only metallics are on trend, but the slip ons are as well. I found my pair at Steve Madden. I also added a pair of pressed Gold dangling earrings for  mixed metallic look . For florals, I wore a  cropped jacket in floral, a white necklace with flowers, and paired the look with white jeans ( on trend) and my LOFT Chambray top as the dark blue stands out among with florals and white. Prior to going to the mall, in the mail I received the Loft chambray top. All of the bloggers received a size Medium. I know Loft and my size, and in tops I wear an  XSmall. I received the shirt, and realized it was very roomy in the medium, so I had to take the material and pin it  back in order to create a more streamlined look. My suggestion would be to have different sizes for the different bloggers in order to show women of all sizes, and the best fit in the shirt.

Next, I stuck to the shops I was most familiar with, THe LOFT, Ann Taylor Factory outlet, Steve Madden, and Banana Republic. I tried to be efficient and not spend as much time on my feet but get what I had in mind.

The 4 trends that are very popular right now, and are showcased at the Concord Mills Mall Event are:

• Cobalt: Cobalt is a beautiful and striking blue that works on most skin tones. Add a cobalt off the shoulder top for an even more trendy look right now. Create an all white look with a “Pop” of cobalt in a pair of heels or a clutch. A favorite color combination that is very popular right now is blue and yellow. Cobalt and yellow are one of those eye-catching combinations.
• Stripes: Stripes are very big right now as well. I am sure many of us have at least one striped shirt in our closet. Do some pattern mixing, ala Pattern Mix 101 with florals and stripes.. a floral bag worn with a black and white striped top. Striped ( pinstriped) blue and white off the shoulder tops are here and have some fun mixing it with some floral jewelry, or mixing your stripes in interesting ways. Wear a  striped top with a floral scarf, add some boyfriend jeans and slip ons and you have a pulled together casual look. Perhaps add the cobalt bag? With your jeans, why not carry a striped tote to the beach?
• Florals: You all know I am a floral girl. Kind of a girly girl, who likes elegant looks. Floral accessories are big, from scarves, to flower statement necklaces, and one of my favorites, a pair of floral heels, wedges or embellished floral flats. Great to add to your look for more pattern interest and to add some spring in your step!
• Metallics: Metallics are fun and can be a bit edgy as well. Add a pair of trendy rose gold or silver sneaker slip ons to your white jeans and make them your neutral.  Rose gold looks great with pinks and any other color like olive, browns etc, as they are a neutral and versatile. Mix your metallics! Yes, the fashion police won’t hunt you down. Rose gold, bronze, gold, all add to the summer look, Wear some metallic bronze cuffs and silver sandals along with your other trendy look- the shirt dress. Give your black jumpsuit some added shine and summer look with the addition of metallic bangles, earrings and slip on gold sandals.  Block heeled shoes are also on trend, treat yourself to a pair in silver.

As mentioned, I don’t typically shop as the mall, due to my condition. However, if I were to, Concord Mills is a nice mall with some great sales from their Factory or Outlet Stores. The Loft Outlet, Ann Taylor Factory, Banana Republic stores in which I shopped, had some great sales at 40-50% off shorts, dresses, off the shoulder tops and dresses, jumpsuits, jeans, tanks, and many items one would wear for spring. The values were there and I find it best to do any mall shopping during weekday afternoons. We did just that, shopped on a Monday afternoon, with less crowds and my “mission” in mind.

I enjoy keeping up with the trends as a fashion blogger and find that not all are meant for everyone. If you do find ones you would like to add to your wardrobe, think of the many ways the trend may be incorporated in order to make it go farther in your day-to-day looks.

My outfit: Floral Jacket, Loft Chambray shirt,c/o  Ann Taylor white skinny jeans c/o , Steve Madden rose gold slip ons c/o Concord Mills Mall, white necklace floral, Francescas c/o,  Gold earrings,

**$100 Visa Card and LOFT Chambray shirt was gifted to me by LOFT and Concord Mills in accordance with the Work the Shirt campaign challenge. Opinions are that of my own.***

Have a great weekend, and tell me which of these four trends are you more apt to wear,why?

Jess xo

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