At the LOFT blogger event in NYC, I asked Trend Director Alia-Ahmed Yahia to walk me through her 10 essential summer wardrobe items and share tips on how to wear them. Watch and learn, ladies! Alia is a natural on camera and her foolproof styling advice is sensational. The best part is that all the items shown are under $75.

If you don't have time to watch the video (although I highly recommend you do!), or just want details on any of the items featured, you'll find them below. LOFT provided the product pics and I tracked down all the items on their website. Phew! This is seriously a great starting point for any summer wardrobe, inject your personal style to make it more "you" and you're all set.

LOFT's 10 Summer Wardrobe Essentials Under $75

Last night, I attended a blogger event at the Times Square Ann Taylor LOFT location in New York City where I was invited to meet the creative team behind the company and ask them any question my heart desired about the company and their products. Everyone I met was extremely friendly and gracious, but more than that, I could feel their excitement and enthusiasm for the brand—when employees believe in the company, the customer can, too!

Here are some of the take-aways I got from the event that I thought you ladies would find useful—if you have any questions, hit me up in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them (or get the answers from the folks over at LOFT—they're more than eager to help!).

What You Should Know About Ann Taylor LOFT

Everything about "The Perfect Shirt" by Current/Elliott—a button-down, long-sleeve chambray shirt in the softest sun-faded hue and breathable cotton—truly is perfect. Everything, that is, except the price. It's not exorbitant by any means but $188 is a lot of money to spend on one shirt. Let's look for some cheaper alternatives, shall we?


For once, J. Crew offers a more affordable version of something! Their perfect chambray shirt is $98 and probably worth every penny (can't say for sure as I do not own one, but I can see this quickly becoming your favorite shirt for summer). Wear it just as you see it here, with colorful shorts and a delicate necklace. Love it!


Urban Outfitters also has an affordable chambray shirt for $52, available in either a dark or light wash. Take a cue from this product shot and wear your chambray shirt as you might wear a cardigan—it's a great lightweight layer that will look great over camis, dresses, even rompers. Add a belt on top for even more stylish possibilities.


This near-perfect chambray shirt costs just $49.50, and while it's actually for men, a fellow blogger and reader named Chelsea recently dropped me a note to say that she works for the Gap and has noticed many of the men's shirts actually fit her better and are generally priced lower than the women's clothing. The lesson: Borrow from the boys and save some cash!

Think you'll pick up a chambray shirt for summer?