Tomorrow marks the six month anniversary of this blog! Thank you all so much for reading and sticking with me during my sporadic postings. My commitment this month is to write two posts per week (no long hiatuses in April!), but I need your help. Although I can see how many of you read my blog on any given day, I don't know that much about you individually. So that I can better choose topics, I am asking that everyone answer three quick questions about you and your style in the comments.

To sweeten the deal, I am also running a comment contest this month. For any April post that reaches 15 comments (excluding any comments I may write), I will randomly choose a commenter who will win a practically stylish gift. Comments will be open for one week after each post and if there is the requisite number of comments at that time, I'll announce a winner.

If every reader answers today's questions, we will easily have our first winner this week! This blog is all about you so I need your feedback to keep it going strong. And now, without further ado:

1. What is the dress code for your workplace? Are you allowed to wear denim? If you don't work, what types of outfits do you need for your day-to-day life?

2. If you are running late in the morning, what is your go-to outfit? Why do you choose it? What don't you like about it?

3. What would you like to see me write more about? Are there any style challenges you would like me to address?

Thanks for your comments and for continuing to read my thoughts here!

Spring is beginning to feel like a possibility here in the Midwest as well (50 degrees today!) and although shorts weather is still a ways off for me, it is always fun to start planning ahead. The outfits that I have curated show a range of layering options that should keep your shorts looking spiffy and polished from the cooler spring days to the heat of summer. Also, since many buildings run their air conditioning at levels that resemble Chicago winters, it is usually handy to have an extra layer in your bag.

You'll notice that none of my outfits include a polo shirt; this is mostly because the only polo I own has a giant "Legoland" logo embroidered on it. I don't buy polo shirts because there are many other options that are just as easy to wash and wear and that I find more flattering on my frame. The neckline on most polos is high and has the extra bulk of the collar (which I can never manage to keep looking crisp) which limits your ability to layer with necklaces and scarves.

Since there is both a bold color and a bold pattern in this outfit, it was important that everything felt related. Choose either all warm colors, all cool colors or, like I did here, colors that mix together to create the third (yellow + blue = green).

Spring is all about transitional pieces. Many of your winter favorites can still be worn and with a few layers, the summer ones can be pulled out of storage. Although the stores are full of eye-catching, new items that beg to be brought home to your closet, there are only a few pieces you really need to bridge the gap between your long-sleeved winter wardrobe and your short and sunny summer one. These ten must-haves not only provide a refresh for spring, but can also be mixed and matched this summer and fall.

3. Colored Crop or Walking Short
Pair back to long sleeve tees, cardigans and cotton sweaters. Add a coordinating patterned scarf to embrace the season's colors. For work, tuck in an oxford, belt with mid-width black or nude and finish with a blazer (sleeves cuffed, of course!) and a pointy-toed slingback flat. A brightly colored bottom makes any outfit warm weather appropriate.

Spring Refresh Tip: Switch out the black in your outfits for navy or light grey to create a softer, neutral palette.