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

I am in love with these Frye peep-toe slingbacks made from rugged whip-stitched leather that have just the slightest hint of cowgirl. If the price drops down just a little bit more, I might have to get them, but they are currently on sale for $129.95 (down from $188.00) at Anthropologie.com. Just don't buy my size! Kidding.

Mossimo Peace Heeled Sandal, $29.99 at Target.com

I am also in love with these Mossimo Peace Heeled Sandals—in fact, I fell in love with these babies first at my local Tar-jay before discovering the Frye "originals" during a routine lust-session over at Anthropologie.com. If I know what's good for me, I'll pick up the Mossimos because they're just $29.99 and actually have real leather uppers. Oh and right now, Target's having a "buy two get one free" sale on select shoes, so check that out too.

I was wondering if you knew of any places that have cute, dressy cardigans? —My

Forever 21's "luxe" line Twelve by Twelve consistently offers the most fashion-forward cardigans by using unique colors, prints and shapes plus pretty details like lace, fancy buttons and contrasting trim. The dip-dye cardigan shown here is just $29 and also comes in coral.


I will be heading to the lake this summer and would love to find the perfect sarong that will go with several of my bathing suits. … Do you have any recommendations? —emy

Check out Sassy Sarongs (www.sassysarongs.com) for solid, printed, and plus-size sarongs as well as tips on how to tie a sarong. You can also enter to win a giveaway in partnership with Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle for a $50 Sassy Sarongs Giveaway!


I would love some nude sandals that are affordable, preferably under $20.00. —Nicole

For tan, beige, taupe, light brown or nude sandals around $20, check out Charlotte Russe. This jeweled gladiator flat ($18.99) is perfect for casual occasions, while these braided rope wedges ($22.99) should carry you through dressier occasions.

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