fAs the weather starts to warm up (especially here in the Midwest), it's common to feel excited, anxious, and ready to change things up a bit and perhaps even add a few new things to your wardrobe.

You've been asking about recommendations for Spring and we're here to deliver with an unsponsored review of Spring Essentials from Madewell.

If you really want to start the season off on the right foot, you may consider doing a Closet Cleanse first. That way, you'll take stock of what clothing, shoes, and accessories you have, what you need, and what you are would like to add to your existing wardrobe.

If you want to jump right to it here are some quick easy ideas for you to get started thinking about your Spring wardrobe. In Spring, we suggest you add layering pieces to your wardrobe such as jackets, lightweight sweaters, blouses, and tees. Additionally, you should take stock of your denim and think about adding a new wash, color, or silhouette.

Spring transition outfits are made much easier if you have the essentials you need to put outfits together. Have you taken our Wardrobe Essentials Mini-Course? In less than 30-minutes, we teach you what wardrobe essentials you should have in your closet to help you get dressed more easily on a daily basis.

If you're ready to jump into shopping, here are some of our Spring essentials from what has become one of our favorite retails over the past several years: Madewell.

You may be surprised to find out that Madewell is one of our favorite retailers, but here are some of the reasons we've come back again and again:

• Exclusive sizing (Plus, Petite, Tall, Taller, Maternity & Curvy)
• Socially Responsible Company
• Sustainable Products
• Madewell Insider Program 
• Free Shipping & Returns for Insiders

All of the reasons above are definitely reason enough to shop at Madewell (seriously, the exclusive sizing is incredible), but over and above all of these reasons, the sales are great, the prices are pretty reasonable, the styles are cute and the accessories are hard to beat.

This past week, Jill stopped into her Madewell store and tried on over 20 items and came home a few pieces, but more importantly, came away with some discoveries that will be helpful for your Spring shopping.

One the key essential pieces for Spring is the "third piece" of your outfit. What's a third piece? To elevate the look of your outfit, it needs three key elements. Your first and second elements are your top and bottom (pants, skirt, etc.) The third piece is that extra something that finishes off the whole look. Here are three of our favorite lightweight layers ( or "third pieces" for Spring.

Next, we're often asked where to find "good, basic, inexpensive tees". We can happily report that Madewell comes through with flying colors, offering a wide variety of styles, silhouettes, colors, patterns, and sizes in both long- and short-sleeve. If you're looking for a classic tee silhouette, you'll want to try the Northside vintage tee. If you prefer a slightly loose fit and can wear a dropped shoulder seam, the Whisper Cotton tee (available in v-neck or crewneck).