The challenge of shopping for stylish duds at Marshall's might just get a whole lot easier: Introducing THE CUBE, a brand new department at Marshall's that puts all of your favorite apparel, shoes, bags, sunglasses and accessories taken from different parts of the store, in one convenient location.

Like the recently launched Marshall's Shoe MegaShop, this easy-to-shop "boutique" is carved out of the store with its own updated look and feel, and features "younger, more contemporary fashion," according to the Marshall's press release.

Seriously, I can't wait to check it out. It's like they've done the dirty work for us, which should make our shopping experience much more pleasant. And hopefully all these niceties won't mean higher prices.

>> Find out if there's a CUBE near you.

Above: Two looks from Zara's Spring/Summer 08 collection

Thanks to a shopping tip from long-time reader Peaches, I learned that Spain-based apparel retailer Zara will open its newest store in Chicago, located in the Old Orchard Mall during fall 2008! The 27,200-sq.-ft. store will be the first location for the company in the Chicago area, and the fast-fashion giant (think H&M on steroids) also plans to open a 30,000-sq.-ft. second store at Chicago Place, located at 700 N. Michigan Ave. Zara operates more than 1,000 stores in 69 countries.



Forget about Gaudi: Here's a photo I snapped of the Zara on Passeig Gràcia in Barcelona, Spain.

I gotta tell ya, I'm having one of those full-circle moments because Zara was my first budget fashion love. I discovered this amazing store when I studied abroad in Spain during my college years, then literally cried when I had to come back home and realized I wouldn't be able to score fabulous Zara bargains on my way to class anymore. They have a couple stores in New York City (and elsewhere in the U.S.) but it's not like I can just hop on a train and shop there whenever I feel like it. Ok, maybe I could but I'm lazy. Anyways, here we are in 2008, and Zara is finally opening up a big ol' storefront in my beloved hometown, Chicago. Dreams do come true.