How to Spring-ify Your Work Dress Code

Two female colleagues discussing work while walking alongside each other in officeSpring has sprung and the fashion icons have spoken. While you may be stuck behind a desk in your office space, you don’t have to forego the fun feeling and fashion of spring. Grab a pen and take notes because it’s time to cover what to wear and what not to wear for spring work outfits in this dress code guide from your friends at Ebates.

Don’t: Too Long Dresses

Everyone loves a good maxi dress. They’re comfortable. They’re effortless. They feel like a comfy blanket that you’re wrapped in all day. Unfortunately, that floor-length dress will inevitably get caught under the wheels of your chair and can look a bit sloppy when it’s too long, so it’s not high on the list of clothes to wear to work.

Dolce & Gabbana Pleated Floral-Print SkirtDo: Mid Length and Fun

You can enjoy the ease and comfort of a dress with the fun spirit of spring in your office wear. Choose a lively print and opt for a mid length dress or skirt that creates a nice bell silhouette. Saks Fifth Avenue has this gorgeous pleated skirt in a bright and bold print that can be used as office wear or for a nice weekend look.

Don’t: Anything Sheer

You’re going to spot plenty of sheer details in fashion this season but these looks are not intended as spring office outfits. Whether you work at a hip and young company or a conservative and formal place, the sheers should be left out of work outfits. There will be plenty of other times for you to show a little extra skin. If you’re donning anything with sheer, make sure the underlying layers are covering well.

Professional woman in skirt and blazerDo: Layered and Light

Layering is always a good idea for work clothing, especially when your workplace can be mistaken for an icebox. Pair a higher-waisted skirt with a neutral jacket and belt to create an elongating look that will make you feel tall and confident. The perfect looks are the spring work outfits that make you feel as great as you look.

Don’t: Exposed Shoulders

Nothing says relaxed yet chic quite like the look of a nice off-the-shoulder top. But this daring fashion trend is best enjoyed in any venue but the workplace. Even the most liberal work place dress code will typically steer you away from showing too much skin. There are plenty of ways to incorporate a vintage look into your work wear without getting scolded by your manager.

Pink peplum ruffle topDo: Peplum Cut Tops

Nothing says sophistication with style quite like a nice peplum top. The feminine shape of the above ruffled peplum top tailors to the body and bells out at the waist to create an appealing look. Too dramatic of a cut and you may find the look to be cartoonish, but a subtle effect is all you need. When paired with a gorgeous pencil skirt, you’ll have a great look that’s work appropriate but will also look nice when you join everyone for after work drinks.

Don’t: Thong Sandals

You may be ready to jet for the beach but the workplace is not where you want to be caught in this fashion faux pas. No matter how dressy the sandal may look, this style should be appreciated after hours. If the workplace allows it, you can let your toes run free, so to speak, without making a poor footwear choice.

Women's legs in orange shoes. Bright orange shoes and bag. Blue coat, orange classic ladies shoes and tote bag. Rainy day. Street fashion. Street style. Business casual look. Autumn outfit.Do: Fun Flats

You don’t have to wear sky-high heels to look like a million bucks. Enjoy all of the fun styles and cuts available in fashionable flats. Keep it dressy in black leather or make it playful with bold cotton prints. You’ll even find fun strappy and lace up styles this season. OnlineShoes has plenty of shoe deals to help you find the perfect spring footwear. Find shoe coupons for all of the latest trends and you’ll get the perfect finishing touch for your look.

Don’t: Daytime Sleepwear

As much as we’d all love to roll out of bed and into work wearing our comfy pajama clothes, you probably want to keep the silk nightgowns away from the office outfits. You’ll see plenty of the slinky slip dresses in style this season but beware. If you’re not sure if it is sleepwear or work wear, it’s best to skip it entirely.

Vero moda women's yin floral blazer - snow whiteDo: Fitted Blazers

Blazers aren’t just for men. These structured jackets are great with nearly any office look. A neutral toned blazer with a nice fitted shape looks good on every body type. Pair with a flowy skirt or colorful pants to keep a playful look professional. Or you can go ultra spring-y with this floral jacket paired with crisp slacks. Find a style that keeps you comfortable while boosting your confidence.

Work outfit ideas don’t have to be stuffy. You can have fun with your looks without any meetings with HR regarding your work dress code. Spring is the season of bright pops of color and your spring work clothes should be a reflection of that. Enjoy your look and you may find that you enjoy getting ready for work just a little bit more, even on a Monday. Maybe.

 

 

19 Spring Break Survival Must-Haves

Beach Blanket and Bikini on GrassWe know spring break couldn’t come any sooner and you’ve been dreaming about fun-filled days in the sun. But before you hit the road, set sail, or take flight to your spring break destinations, make sure you are prepared with this complete checklist of items to ensure a successful, stress-free trip. From hair care essentials to electronic accessories, you can find it all with Cash Back at Ebates and maybe even cut costs with a promo code or two.

  1. Dry shampoo – A MUST when you get too busy site-seeing and partying to shower everyday
  2. Sunblock
  3. Lip balm with SPF – Because sun-burned lips are no bueno
  4. Sleep mask – Especially good for camping when you don’t feel like waking up with the sun
  5. Face cleansing wipes
  6. Ear plugs – For spring breakers headed to concerts. Also, your crew may rise earlier or pass out later than you, so pack a pair to keep you in dreamland.
  7. Folding water bottle – Easily conserves room in your bag for light packing
  8. Water shoes – Beach hikes get treacherous.
  9. Mobile charger
  10. Fanny pack – For hands-free partying
  11. Electronic key finder – Because things get misplaced in the middle of shenanigans
  12. Ibuprofen
  13. Sun hat
  14. Mini flashlight – Outdoor evening concerts only become a situation when it’s time to use the port-o-potty.
  15. 2 swim suits – Because there’s nothing worse than having to slip into a damp suit. Brrr!
  16. Cheap sunglasses – You are going to lose them. Just make peace with it now.
  17. Snacks
  18. Magazines/books – Kick it old school with paper and save the juice on your phone.
  19. Small card games – They take up little space and are great for those one or two chill evenings you may need to recoup.

Editors’ Party-Rocking Picks

 

 

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Your Main Man Crush

Valentine's Day Gifts for HimWhether you want to go practical, luxurious or full on mush-mode, we’ve got the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts for him with Cash Back at Ebates to make shopping for your sweetie all the more sweeter. Celebrate a budding romance with super cute gifts for your boyfriend or give your long-time partner something he can use every day like popular electronics or on-trend clothing staples. Find something for every budget with our expert-picked Valentine’s Day ideas for him.

Smartphone Projector

Smartphone iPhone Movie Projector

Share your favorite viral video or get some Netflix and chill on the go with this super cool smartphone projector.

Rogues Of London Black Bomber Jacket

Black Bomber Jacket

Keep him warm while looking red hot with this gorgeous mixed-fabric bomber jacket from Topman.

Vans Late Night French Fries Shoes

French Fry Vans

Honor his appetite for greasy snacks with these snazzy Vans sneakers featuring golden, delicious french fries.

Sennheiser Wireless Headphone System

Sennheiser Wireless Headphone System

Now he can watch TV in bed late into the night without disturbing you, thanks to this top-rated wireless headphone system.

Brownie Bouquet

Brownie Bouquet

If your guy has a mean sweet tooth, don’t hold back this Valentine’s Day and treat him to a full bouquet of decadent brownies he’ll totally (maybe) share with you.

Insulated Cooladio Cooler

Speaker Mesh Cooler

Turn your camp-outs up a notch and drop a beat with this hybrid cooler and boombox with built-in speakers.

Angeleno Wood Watch

Wooden Retro Men's Watch

Give his accessories game an interesting boost with this wooden watch in a retro yet rugged style.

Bacon Cookbook

Bacon Recipes

Help him give into his carnivorous cravings with mouth-watering recipes in this ultimate bacon cookbook.

Yoda Mug

Yoda One for Me Mug

Fact: Dudes love Star Wars. Give him a taste of the force with his morning Joe and let him know he’s the “chosen one” with this super cute Yoda mug.

3D Printed Mounted Rhino Head

Mounted Rhino Head

Give his dwelling a manly touch without the hassle of hunting. This wall-mounted rhino head is 3D printed to make for one modern home accent.

 

 

 

The Best Things to Buy in November

November may be all about holiday gift shopping but don’t forget that you still have plenty of time to check off your list. In order to stretch your budget as far as it can reach, you may want to jump on certain items this month and leave others for December. Here is our complete guide on the best things to buy in November.

Kitchen Goods – Restock your own cook’s corner or plan gift-buying for all the foodies and chefs on your list this month. Experts report that nearly half of all kitchen sales have featured the lowest prices of the year on top items like Pyrex containers and even KitchenAid mixers.
Stores to watch: Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond.

Major Appliances – Black Friday has been known to feature the hottest appliance sales on items like Dyson vacuums, washers, dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators. However, the entire month of November is fair game. So while you may not be planning to gift an entire washer/dryer unit, you may consider taking this time to upgrade your own.
Stores to watch: Sears, Best Buy.

ToolsTools – Expect to see amazing deals on select hand tools and power drill sets. This is usually typical for the colder months when people are less likely to take on household projects. However, beware. Some purchases may require in-store pickup while others will offer free shipping. Always be clear on the purchase terms before checkout.
Stores to watch: Ace Hardware, Lowe’s.

Tablets – Tap into savings with rock bottom prices on cheap tablets including Android and Windows models. Believe it or not, you may be able to score off-brand Android tablets for as low as $20 and Windows tablets for as low as $45! Want to save even more? Go with a refurbished model. If you’re an Apple user, don’t fret. The iPad mini 4 and iPad Air 2 are projected to drop significantly in price with the upcoming release of the iPad Pro.
Stores to watch: Lenovo, Best Buy.

Clothes – Start shopping for clothes on the Monday before Black Friday to see the most savings on apparel for the whole family. The average clothing sales for this time of year can take off over 50% while some can go as low as 80% off. Also, be on the lookout for clothing coupons that can take up to 60% off.
Stores to watch: Kohl’s, J.Crew.

Video GamesConsole Bundles – Black Friday is slated to bring the best prices of the year on console and game bundles including PlayStation4 and Xbox One. The best bundles will include two free video games normally priced at around $60. If you’re tempted to buy a refurbished console to save money, it may actually be a better deal to go with a bundle so be sure to weigh the costs.
Store to watch: The Hut, Game Stop.

15″ Laptops – Expect to see amazing price drops on big-name laptops that use either Intel’s current generation Core i5 processor or the Broadwell Core i5 CPU. These laptop sales will also extend to generic laptops, however, you may want to opt for higher quality at a great deal. Big names will go for about $300 while bargain bin, 11″ laptops will be as low as $150.
Stores to watch: Kmart, Microsoft Store.

Candy! – Need we remind you that Halloween has passed leaving lonely Halloween candy on shelves just waiting to be eaten? Fill those candy dishes with fun-sized errthang at next to nothing!

 

 

 

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

Spring Trends: Mix, Don’t Match

mixdontmatch

While color blocking may have been all the rage to make a bold statement a couple of years ago, mixing prints is definitely the new daring. Before you dive into this fashion-forward trend, just heed a few pieces of advice to make sure you pull off a hot look and not a hot mess.

outfit1

When you have a printed top and bottom, bring in some neutral accessories to avoid overdoing it. The woven bag in this outfit gives the clothing center stage but has it’s own subtle detail that makes the complete look very chic.

Leaf Print Tunic (Topshop $90) | Striped Midi Skirt (Topshop $60) | Alexander Wang Sandals (Saks Fifth Avenue $525) | Bottega Veneta Bag (Saks Fifth Avenue $3,750)

outfit2

Stripes in any color are perhaps the easiest print with which to pair. Plus, they can be dressed up or down. This outfit is breezy and chic with printed joggers, chunky wedges and an oversized tote.

Billabong Turn Away Pant (Backcountry $44.95) | Hurley Tank Top (Backcountry $29.95) | Steve Madden Wedges (Onlineshoes.com $79.95) | Oversize Tote (Karen Millen $499)

outfit3

When you’ve got a large area of print going on and you want to play it down for daytime, a sleek black or neutral blazer is your go-to. Plus, printed shoes are always an easy way to experiment with prints.

Nieve Dress (Reiss $320) | American Vintage Blazer (The Hut $199.95) | Bella Vita Leona Heels (ShoeBuy $99.95) | Soho Bracelet Set (Macy’s $58)

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.