Every season, a fresh crop of rookies hits the “New Arrivals” section of our go-to shopping destinations, and with so much promising product at play, it’s hard to know what to root for. For our new series The Touch Down, we consult the people in charge of the draft — the buyers and fashion directors at our readers’ favorite shops — to find out their best bets for the season’s MVPs (most valuable products).
When it comes to the traditional store layout, the area that brings us the purest excitement (aside from the sale page!) is that fresh-as-a-daisy “New Arrivals” section — and right now might be the best times of the year to mine this section for fresh talent. As a season of awakening and rebirth, spring has made our favorite shops come alive with optimistic separates in lightweight fabrications and fun-loving accessories, and we’re gearing up for an epic warm-weather shopping scrimmage.
To help us navigate all of the freshly delivered goodness, we turned to the people who are responsible for it: the fashion directors who scout the marketplace all year long for the best of the season — veteran shoppers have spent their careers painstakingly analyzing products’ performance. We knew they’d have expert insight on where to allocate our dollars, so we asked them to help suss out the serious gems from all the shiny things. Click through to see the most exciting picks from what’s just touched down, selected by the professionals who know the rules of play.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Nordstrom
We spoke to Senior Fashion Director Shannon Schafer about the most of-the-moment pieces at the heritage department store.
“ Monica Sordo is an exciting new jewelry brand. Monica’s pieces are inspired by her travel and unique in their design. They feel rustic and modern at the same time — right on trend for summer 2019.”
Monica Sordo Samay Icayo Drop Earrings, $450, available at Nordstrom
“Shell jewelry has transformed from beach basic to elevated elegance. Shell studs, charms, and pendants are the coveted accessory this summer.”
BP. Double Layer Shell Necklace, $29, available at Nordstrom
“The mule is an easy staple that can be worn from summer into fall. This footwear silhouette can work with almost any outfit, from dresses to denim. The most fashion-forward options are in bold colors, snakes, or rustic wovens.”
Cult Gaia Della Mule, $398, available at Nordstrom
Urban Outfitters
The trendy online retailer is full of affordable separates and on-point designer collaborations. Chief Merchandising Officer Gabrielle Conforti gave us the scoop on an unexpected new brand and a budget-friendly vegan beauty line.
"We’re so excited about the launch with Betsey Johnson this week. A contemporary revival of the designs from her Spring/Summer 1997 runway show, the 10-piece collection includes classic ’90s dress silhouettes in babydolls and slips with classic Betsey prints and patterns."
Betsey Johnson UO Exclusive Prom Queen Strapless Chiffon Midi Dress, $350, available at Urban Outfitters
“This week, we are introducing new summer favorites to our exclusive beauty brand: a skin quench spray serum, get fresh toner pads, and a lip smudge in five shades. All of the products feature natural ingredients, are vegan and cruelty free, and will enhance your natural features; leaving skin replenished, refreshed, and naturally illuminated.”
ohii Get Fresh Toner Pads, $16, available at Urban Outfitters
“Call me biased but in all seriousness, this is my go-to spring dress. The ruffle detailing at the mock neck, sleeves, and hem make for an effortlessly feminine look that you can pair with sandals, or chunky sneakers. I’m also sucker for dresses with pockets.”
Urban Outfitters Gabby Ruffle Babydoll Midi Dress, $79, available at Urban Outfitters
“Graphic tees – starting at $29 – are the best outfit completer and the easiest inroad to give your look personal identity.”
BDG Perception Long Sleeve Tee, $44, available at Urban Outfitters
Anthropologie
We flipped over the recent release of the bohemian boutique’s plus-size collection — and, as promised, the good stuff just keeps on coming. Special Sizes Bwuyer Aly Kauffman told us what we should Add to Cart.
“Bl-nk is a brand from the UK that we love, not only for its beautiful prints, but also for creating intricate detailing that makes each style feel truly special. This jumpsuit comes in an amazing watercolor stripe perfect for summer.”
Bl-nk Gallery Row Jumpsuit, $180, available at Anthropologie
“The fun fruit pattern of this midi skirt immediately makes you smile.”
Maeve Summer Orchard Skirt, $150, available at Anthropologie
“A go-to pair of jeans is a staple in any wardrobe. The Levi’s 311 High-Rise offer a cool and versatile look — plus amazing value, at under $100.”
Levi’s 311 High-Rise Shaping Skinny Plus Jeans, $89.5, available at Anthropologie
Zappos
This customer-friendly online destination isn’t just for shoes — Zappos’ Style Room Creative Director Karrie Meiklereid helped us find the best of dresses, swimwear, and accessories, too.
“Sneakers continue to be on trend and the P448 sneakers have a little something extra that will have you standing out from the crowd.”
P448 Star 2.0, $298, available at Zappos
“This dress is so versatile and perfectly on-trend with the slip dress silhouette and leopard print. Dress it down with your P448’s or dress it up with a pair of heels. Great price at under $100!”
Bardot Leopard Slip Dress, $99, available at Zappos
“I love the unique details on this knife-pleated bucket bag.”
Thacker Lydia Bucket, $348, available at Zappos
Shopbop
The online store, despite having outgrown its Midwest brick-and-mortar location, still maintains a boutique feel, with the perfect mix of products both trend-forward and wearable. Fashion Director Caroline Maguire gave us some seriously cool-girl picks.
“We launch so many new designers on a daily basis! One that I’m super excited about is Farm Rio. Every time I put on one of their pieces, I immediately want to go on vacation! Their prints and fabrics are amazing.”
Farm Rio Rainbow Puff Sleeve Dress, $185, available at Shopbop
“My favorite product right now are these jeans from e.L.V. Denim. I love the idea of mixing two different washes.”
ELV Denim The Twin Boyfriend Jeans, $430, available at Shopbop
“We just launched a tie-dye collection in celebration of spring and summer. One of my favorites is this exclusive tie-dye blazer from Lioness.”
Lioness Palermo Blazer, $104, available at Shopbop
Need Supply
We’re always watching this super-hip online destination for the coolest of the cool new brands, and Women’s Buyer Michela Vinton did not disappoint with her suggestions.
“We just introduced Rita Row. It’s a Spanish brand, designed and run by two friends out of Barcelona. The brand utilizes natural and sustainable fabrics and they produce everything in small batches locally around Barcelona. The styles are so easy and perfect for the upcoming summer heat. Personally I’ve been eyeing the two piece tie front check swimsuit.”
Rita Row Highwaisted Swim Set, $125, available at Need Supply
“We did a really fun exclusive earring capsule with Rachel Comey. We worked closely with the brand to come up with some seasonally fresh color stories. My favorite are these lilac drop earrings.”
Rachel Comey Splitleap Earrings, $115, available at Need Supply
“Farrow is always a great value! The fabric of this dress is so soft, and it’s the perfect shade of lavender. Since it’s a wrap, it’s easy to throw on while running out of the house, or you could dress is up with some high sandals for an evening outdoor drink.”
Farrow Edith Striped Dress, $118, available at Need Supply
11 Honoré
This plus size e-tailer is bringing luxury brands to their customer, and we swoon over their beautifully photographed, super-elegant picks. Fashion Director Jessica Raiter gave us the scoop on what she’s after.
“We’re so excited to add Apiece Apart to our growing list of designers doing full size ranges for the first time. My personal favorite style is this belted jumpsuit.”
Apiece Apart Las Isla Jumpsuit, $395, available at 11 Honore
“I will be living in the Nami dress from Mara Hoffman this summer. It’s perfect as a beach cover-up or paired with statement earrings for dinner al fresco.”
Mara Hoffman Nami Dress, $395, available at 11 Honore
“This ruffled skirt is a great summer workhouse and has all the elements of a dream item — in breathable cotton, it’s high-waisted and ruched at the hips. You can pair it with a blouse for work, or with a t-shirt and denim jacket for brunch.”
Parker Coraline Skirt, $208, available at 11 Honore
Amazon
You can get a little lost browsing the massive e-commerce destination — luckily, we had Amazon Fashion Vice President Michelle Rothman to help us navigate the waters.
“We are thrilled to offer FEED bags to our customers. This canvas bag is not only great for everyday use, but every purchase of this bag provides 50 school meals as part of FEED’s movement to end childhood hunger.”
FEED Logo Field Messenger Bag, $78, available at Amazon
“Tie-dye is such a playful trend this season, and this head-to-toe Core 10 look delivers on style, quality and price. Wear separately or together — either way you have a great seasonal update to your athleisure wardrobe.”
Core 10 ‘Icon Series’ The Ballerina Sports Bra, $36.55, available at Amazon
Core 10 Spectrum Yoga High Waist 7/8 Crop Legging – 24", $39, available at Amazon
“Every woman needs a go-to blouse to take her from day to night, and I love that this one has a pop of animal print – feels light and breezy for the season, and it’s under $30!”
Lark & Ro Long Sleeve Tie Neck Blouse, $29, available at Amazon
“This is one of the chicest sandals of the season, and is available in prints, metallics and neutrals in Amazon stores. It’s just the right amount of fun and flirty but is versatile enough to be the perfect addition to any spring shoe wardrobe. I love the femininity of the bow and rounded heel.”
Loeffler Randall Emilia Slide Sandal, $350, available at Amazon
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Source: Refinery29 – Emily Ruane