If you're starting to build up your spring and summer wardrobe, a trip to Kohl's is a must. The LC Lauren Conrad collection has lots of warm-weather essentials, like the perfect denim shirt, denim vest, denim jacket and white skinny jeans. If you follow my daily "Dress by Number" posts, you'll see these pieces come up again and again because they're so versatile and work with almost any style aesthetic, whether you're bohemian like Alessandra Ambrosio (seen in a white jean jacket here), chic like Miranda Kerr (seen wearing a denim shirt here) or trendy like Jessica Alba (seen wearing a denim vest here). But instead of paying hundreds of dollars for designer takes on these pieces, you can find them for under $30 or $40 at Kohl's. Sometimes less. Other highlights included cute day dresses, pretty blouses and breezy skirts. See more of my real-life photos after the jump (I couldn't resist mixing in a few items from other in-store brands, too, so let me know if you have questions about any of the items).

This weekend, I scoped out the Kate Young for Target collection which launched back on April 14. I'm going to sound like a broken record but I didn't try anything on because I'm now 33 weeks pregnant. I did, however, inspect the pieces still in stock, which included such highlights as this star print Peter Pan collar dress ($49.99), this leopard print dress ($49.99), and these "Neema" flame detail pumps ($39.99). I have to admit the prices on this collection seemed high (I'd knock $10 off all the items I just listed), while quality was comparable to past collabs. I didn't see the one piece I really wanted which was this yellow beaded shift ($59.99) - so we'll pretend the credit card gods were just doing me a favor.

Did you buy anything from this collection? Are you waiting for it to go on clearance?

I finally got around to checking out the Derek Lam for Kohl's collection this week at two stores in my area, and both were still fully stocked with nearly all the styles in many sizes. That's a good thing, right? This is a really strong collection but figuring out how to wear the pieces will take a little effort on the part of shoppers - even though everything's pretty casual and relaxed, the prints and unique cuts make things challenging - or interesting, depending on your point of view. Since I'm majorly pregnant at the moment, I just gazed wistfully at the styles I wanted to fit into. Then, I spied this striped drop-waist dress that looked like it might just cover my bump, so I tried it on and - to my amazement - it fit! (I went up one size, too.) Not only that but it really felt quite nice, hugging in the right places and draping in others. And since it was on sale and I had a coupon, I bought it. I think Lam put a lot of thought into this line and it's worth a look. But no need to rush.

More off the rack photos after the jump - have you bought anything from this line yet?

It's time to start thinking about sandals (if you haven't already) because the moment the sun comes out, your toes will want some serious breathing room, too! Topping my list: Something cute and comfortable that I can slip on and off with ease and wear with everything from skirts to jeans and shorts. I've been seeing these criss-cross flat sandals everywhere and think they're the perfect pair for summer. Here are three options under $30:

Cheap: American Eagle Outfitters sandal, $29.95 (available in yellow, pink, turquoise, beige or brown)

AEO Criss-Cross Sandal

Cheaper: Old Navy cross-strap sandal, $24.95 (available in orange, green, blue, brown/black, brown or white)

Women's Cross-Strap Sandals

Cheapest: Mossimo for Target "Lavinia" sandal, $19.99 (available in other black, brown, red or blue)

Women's Mossimo Supply Co. Lavinia Sandal

Model and Bad Boy recording artist Cassie was just announced as the face of the Forever 21 summer collection. Forever LA x Cassie for Summer 2013 features the Connecticut-born beauty celebrating the eclectic, vibrant culture of Los Angeles. The Collection consists of two parts: The West Side and the East Side. The East Side Collection represents LA street wear aesthetics, inspired by the free-spirited urban culture of the 90s, and incorporates alternative and vintage-inspired pieces. The West Side Collection highlights the laidback coolness of the city of angels featuring bright pops of color, vibrant sneakers, oversized sunglasses, bold crop tops, electric-hued shirts, and abstract prints. You can play up this trend a little with neon accessories or go all-out with a midriff baring top (although I don't recall wearing either in the 90s...hmm). See anything you'd love to own this summer?