Drawstring linen shorts will keep you feeling and looking cool this summer, whether you opt for a pair from Vince ($145, shopbop.com) or Gap ($44.95, gap.com). See if you can spot the designer pair by clicking either image below!

I bought a super cute skirt at Target on clearance - A-line and short, with a cool, almost retro patterm (see image at right). Now that I have it home I have no clue what to pair with it. I tried it on with a plain white tank and my favorite sandals, but that seems blah! Could a military-type blazer work? Should I try a contrasting color? No clue! I'd hate to return it! —Erin

A printed a-line skirt is a summer essential, so I'm really glad you asked this question! I'm not a big skirt person myself so I scoured the web for inspiration and discovered a few common themes - it's all about finding the right proportions, and mixing-and-matching those wardrobe staples.

Here are three ways to wear your skirt using items you probably already own:

1. With a black scoopneck top and boyfriend blazer, like Lauren Conrad. Note how she's tucked her top, which is fitted and has a flattering scoopneck, then topped her look with a boyfriend blazer that hits her mid-thigh. She's also rolled the cuffs for the cool factor and finished her look with strappy sandals. I think ballet flats would work with this look, too.

2. With a chambray shirt (long sleeve or sleeveless would work), tucked or untucked, and nude heels or sandals. Oh So Glam nails this look. Add a pop of color with a clutch or bag that matches one of the colors in the print.

3. With a white blouse and wedges. Eva Mendes' skirt is longer than yours but I think the same principles apply. Just be aware of proportions - by tying her blouse, Eva shows off her waist. You could also try tucking a white blouse. I love the rolled-tab sleeves for summer. Add casual wedges (espadrilles would work nicely too) and you're ready to go.

P.S. I really like how you styled your skirt with a white tank top! I might add a denim jacket and pop of color with something like red ballet flats, plus a crossbody bag.

What advice would you share with Erin? Let her know in the comments.

I am going on a cruise this summer with some family and friends to celebrate my husband's big birthday. What should I pack and wear? I want to look adorable and fun, but when I travel I often end up looking plain and practical. I'm 5' 4" and I love Cameron Diaz's style but I don't have her height. My body type is more like Hayden Panettiere but I'm brunette and not as thin. Other celebrity styles I admire are Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively. —Katie

The celebs you've named may have very different red carpet styles, but they have a lot in common when it comes to their casual, summer styles. You'll see them in breezy dresses, comfortable flat sandals and cool accessories that give them a pulled-together yet effortless look.

The inspiration:

• Pack a colorful scarf and little white dress like Blake Lively for the perfect day-to-night cruise look.
  


• Take a cue from sexy girl-next-door Cameron Diaz and pick up the perfect denim jacket, fab fedora and wear-with-everything shorts.
  


• Pack at least one maxi dress - Victoria Beckham's sleek style lends itself to a black maxi dress - it's so sophisticated yet casual and easy to dress up or down with a few pieces of jewelry or metallic sandals.
  


• Think boho tunics and vibrant bikinis for lounging poolside or walks on the beach, like Hayden Panettiere. Your tunic can double as a top with shorts or a cotton skirt.

Now that you've got your inspiration, here's a practical list of 15 essentials to pack for your summer cruise. Best part, everything's under $60! Inject your own personality by picking the colors, prints and silhouettes that speak to you.



1. Neutral tank top
2. Denim jacket
3. Flat sandals
4. Twill shorts
5. Striped shirt
6. Chambray shirt
7. Straw hat
8. Cotton skirt
9. Maxi dress
10. Linen pants
11. Sunglasses
12. Wedge sandals
13. Scarf
14. Print bikini
15. Crossbody bag

What advice would you give Katie? Let her know in the comments!

Target has introduced a new coupon savings program called Cartwheel that lets you save on everything from food to fashion, then share the deals with your friends on Facebook. You'll need a Facebook account to sign up and you can access Cartwheel at cartwheel.target.com on your computer, tablet, or mobile device.

Basically, you just browse the deals - which are organized into timely collections like "Memorial Day," "Grad Party Picks" and "Swim Shop" - then save the ones you like to your account. When you're ready to use your coupons, you can either print your Cartwheel barcode from home, or use your mobile device in store to access your barcode using your mobile browser.

I discovered Cartwheel while using my Target iPhone app but unfortunately right now the two are not integrated, meaning you'll have to use Cartwheel using a browser such as Safari. I hope Target merges Cartwheel with the Target app rather than creating a separate app, which would just complicate the process.

I haven't redeemed any of my Cartwheel deals just yet but I've got some good ones lined up, like 10% off Merona crossbody handbags, 15% off Nate Berkus home items and 20% off Gardenburgers. There are a lot of 5% off coupons which seem like a waste but you might be able to stack these with the 5% off you save if you use your Target Red Card, thereby saving 10% on purchases.

I think it's a fun concept and we'll see if I actually use it. The trick with coupons is to resist buying things you don't need just because you have a coupon, IMO. But if you can save on items you would have purchased anyways, it's a win-win!

Have you used Cartwheel yet? What do you think?

Designers conjured images of cool, reflective pools and exotic oceanfronts with their spring 2013 collections, from Monique Lhuillier to Michael Kors. Whether you try this trend with a dose of Mediterranean blue nail polish or go full-on-out in a digital water print, here are 5 ways to catch the aquatic trend wave under $50.

{Shown above from left: Ashley Madekwe in Monique Lhuillier, a look from the SS13 Michael Kors runway, Behati Prinsloo in Naeem Khan}