Eva Mendes' first spring collection for New York & Co. has hit stores, and this past week I had a chance to scope it out in person. I was drawn into the store by a pink and white embroidered lace dress ($80) that happened to be from her line, so it's succeeding in the sense that it grabs your attention. Once inside, I eyed a lace skirt ($65) in the same embroidered lace fabric paired with a draped-front blouse ($47), and tea-length floral dress ($80) that were both unique and feminine and sexy in a throwback kind of way. Eva is inspired by vintage fashions and it shows (in a subtle way - longer hemlines, cinched waists and the prints). It's an otherwise modern and fresh collection that you can wear to work, family gatherings like Easter or spring Christenings, date nights - even a spring wedding! (Especially this sexy strapless number , $80.) Just be sure to wait for a sale, and as readers have advised, sign up for email alerts from New York & Co. to get coupons. No need to pay full price at this store.

Shop the Eva Mendes collection online at nyandcompany.com. Free shipping over $50 (no code needed).