Over the past 6 months or so, Marshalls stores have been slowing rolling out "store-within-a-store boutiques" called The CUBE, which are basically glorified juniors departments where all the latest contemporary brands are supposed to be housed. If your nearest Marshalls has a CUBE, you'll recognize it by the bright pink signage and different music track that plays within its bounds.

My past trips to the CUBE have been disappointing (at best), but during a recent trip to a CUBE location in Chicago, I was pleasantly surprised to see a CUBE clearance section and just a better selection of clothing overall. I spotted brands like Free People, Guess, DKNY, Jessica Simpson and Kensie Girl, and a lot less Baby Phat and Rocawear (no offense to anyone who wears those brands but Marshalls should not assume that's all teens wear, ya know?).

I ended up buying a cotton plaid shirt-dress ($14.99), two-in-one tank dress ($14.99), striped hooded tank top ($11.99) and a BB Dakota navy blazer ($16.99). My sister bought a Kanye West sunglass case and Forever 21 jeans (yup, F21 at Marshalls) for $7. And my nephew got the cutest Dr. Seuss board game, but that's not fashion related. Anywho, here are some photos I snapped of my loot as well as other awesome items off the racks.

Have you noticed any improvements at the CUBE locations near you? What would you still like to see happen?

MORE PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP

BB Dakota piped navy blazer, $16.99. It's made of the softest sweatshirt fabric which makes it a fun casual take on a somewhat austere preppy look.

Soft, thin cotton jersey tank top with a little hood and grommet details along the neckline. Something semi-stylish for hot weather. ($11.99)

I recently visited a Marshalls Shoe Megashop location that was stocked with designer brands at amazing prices, including Michael Kors, Steve Madden, Etienne Aigner, Havaianas and Just Cavalli. Here are some photos I took of the goods to give you a sense of what you might find at a Marshalls near you. (I didn't buy any shoes on this trip, but I did a lot of damage in the CUBE—more on that to come!)

I finally checked out what was left of the Matthew Williamson for H&M collection at the store on Fifth Avenue at 42nd St in NYC, and in all fairness, there wasn't very much to review. But I think I got an adequate taste of the collection's summery, world-traveler, exotic get-a-way vibe, as well as a sense of the quality (on par with the rest of H&M's "nicer" things) and the prices (steep). The only thing I really wanted was a wildly colored bag but I couldn't fathom spending $95 odd dollars on a canvas duffle from H&M, Matthew Williamson or not. Did anyone scoop up some goodies from this collection? What did you think of it?

MORE PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP

Pucci-esque chiffon kaftan. Love the print. No place to wear it.

detail of the kaftan

Ok, I'll admit I felt kinda glamorous when I tried it on...

No trip to NYC would be complete for me without a quick peek inside Zara, a high-street fashion chain that I fell in love with years ago when I was studying abroad in Spain. Zara updates their racks with clothing every week it seems, but here's a sampling of the latest spring offerings that had me drooling. If you need something sexy for a summer wedding or the perfect white blazer, Zara is the first place I'd check! More pics after the jump...

A dress of python print and sequins

A Chanel inspired jacket

Detail of the tweed and unfinished ruffled edge trim