I just confirmed for Loehmann’s a whole bunch of great summer must haves and I just have to share.

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It wouldn’t be summer without a hot pair of designer sunglasses. Not only can you express you inner fashionista, but sunglasses are an essential part of summer sun protection as well.  Sunglasses are a true fashion staple this season. With all the different designers and styles to choose from, it’s easy to fall in love with more than  just one pair.

The “in” looks range from the retro look of wayfarers to a classic JackieO glam shade in a rainbow of hues. The big hit this year is the return of the Ray Ban aviator.  Between the aviator and the wayfarer, you cannot walk down the street without seeing a ton of people sporting these classic styles.

Virtually every designer has a line of sunglasses to choose from: Tom Ford to Proenza Schouler. It makes it that much harder to select a favorite pair. Luckily, since Loehmann’s always has the hottest designer labels at the best prices, you don’t have to decide on only one pair.

Come on in and check out the new selection of the best deals in designer sunglasses. With prices starting form $19.99 , you can’t go wrong.

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Along with the weather, one of the best trends of spring continues to grow  even hotter as we move into summer.

Flat sandals, especially the trend setting gladiator sandal, is an absolute MUST HAVE.  Paired with your favorite jeans, a long flowy summer skirt, or any kind of shorts, they will instantly bring you right to the zenith of high style. 

And so many choices to choose from! It’s time now for flip flops, jellie shoes, and silver wedges as well.  Morrocan influences are being seen as well in flat sandals with jeweled thongs and fabulous ethnic finishes.

We have them all at Loehmann’s, of course! Hurry in for a full selection of flat sandals from Giuseppe Zanotti, Sigerson Morrison, Kors, Michael by Michael Kors, Steve Madden, Wanted, Coach, Tahari, Max Studio, Cole Hann, Havaiannas and many more!

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I think it is a year for interesting fashion surprises.  It is summer, but, this summer one of the hottest fashion accessories is the neckwrap.

I have seen this trend all across the country from the hot celebrities in LA to my local haunts in New York,  and even men are sporting this look! If people are wearing it, I am trying to find the best deals for you at Loehmann’s.

I have linens in, perfect for the warmer summer months, prints with fringes or without, and various classic solids in summer brights or neutrals.  It’s a great investment, too, as this look is showing up in the fall runway shows.

For more fun, the neckwrap becomes a prayer scarf. Forget about your heart on your sleeve, now you can wear your thoughts on your neck. With phrases like ‘peace’, ‘love’ and ‘freedom’ printed on them, this trend is going to follow trough to fall.

I have stocked up and there is a great selection of oversize squares, triangles and other shapes at Loehmann’s amazing discount prices.

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While trend spotters are calling for big, bigger and biggest  in costum jewlery at the upcoming design shows, I have a few lovely baubbles to get you ready.

Just in time to accessorize perfect beachwear, trendy thread wrapped bangles are on the floor now. In multiple colors and low low prices, you can pick a rainbow. These beauties can go everywhere; from jeans to dresses, they stay simple yet exotic.

I also just found a lovely supply of this year’s most popular trend: Color Enamel bangles. Brightly colored hinge cuff bracelets are key this season, and in these colors, oh, you want some. I know you do!

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And off I go.. I have more shopping to do so you will too!

That’s the Loehdown,

Ava

The 1940’s and 1950’s are the foundation of inspiration for one of the more fun trends in summer dresses. Retro or “Rockabilly” inspired dresses are a great way to add a bit of glamour into your fashion wardrobe this year.

With cinched waists that define the female hourglass shape, full or pencil tight skirts and the natural tendency to match with a sexy high heel or fun slingback shoe, these styles helped define femininity for over 60 years.

One of the easiest ways to incorporate this look is with a fabulous summer sun dress. A full circle skirt, either with the traditional above the knee length or a more modern take above, lends itself to a night of dancing under the stars. With sleeveless, backless, and strapless styles, they can easily go from the beach to a cocktail party and anything in between.  Whether in solid colors, a vintage ditsy print, or the amazingly fun polka dot, colors go from white to bright and graphic.

The bonus is that this is the kind of dress that everyone looks great in. The full skirts can hide a multitude of winter binging sins. The additional waist definition can either show off what you do have, or help define what is not quite there. The bodice details, whether in a sweetheart neckline, or trim, or buttons, or even a chris cross of straps tied up in a bow, bring the eye up to the neckline and face. Plus pairing with a heel of some kind, with the full skirt, demands a sashay kind of walk which is full of both movement and grace. It’s hard not to feel wonderful when you look that good.

If full on vintage swing skirt looks make you feel too much like Halloween, you can still stay on top of the look without a total committement to decades ago. The 1940’s inspired pencil skirt can add an interesting sihouette to a stale office look. In more “office-y” fabrics; natural cottons, summer weights, and solids and plaids, a fitted, higher waisted skirt still demands the cinched waist, giving a great opportunity to show off a very “now” wide belt. Pairing with a cap sleeved blouse or a fitted and belted jacket; you can go from work to dinner with just a retouch of lipstick to freshen your look.

One of the things that is just so creative and fun with Rockabilly inspired dresses; you can take it as mild or as wild as you feel comfortable with.

Dress Up game Series: Intro

The Romantic Dress; dress up game series part 1

The Maxi Dress; dress up game series part 3 

Baby Doll Dresses; dress up game series part 4

Under the heading of “romance” some of this season’s hottest trends are combined into must have dresses.

Ruffles, that made headway back in the fall ‘07 collections, continue to find places to adorn. On a flounced hem, layered in tiers, on a sweetheart neckline, or capping cuffs, nothing can soften a look and add that perfect touch better than a perfectly placed ruffle.  Bows, which are tied to the upcoming fall collections as well, help cinch a waist, top a collar with a ribbon, or add interest to a view. Both ruffles and bows add dimension and interest along with another romantic favorite: the 3d floral appliqué.

Gathers and shirring, in this year’s favorite sheers find their way underneath to flounce a skirt, peek out from a hem, or give the illusion of coverage where there is not.  In fabrics such as voile, chiffon, tulle and Swiss dot lace, they create a great contrast to the silky feels of satin, charmeuse and silks.

Imagine a satin corset type bodice covering a sheer chiffon ruffled sleeve blouse, and you have one of the most perfect juxtapositions of smooth and texture, all in one. These are the kind of dresses where detail is queen, and less is just less. A full flounced shirt tied with a silky bow over a lacy top and a sheer illusion of a ruffled shrug can only be considered romantic perfection, rather than fussy or overdone.

All the soft fabrics in even softer colors, gently whisper of romantic escapes, luncheons on the grass, and long walks in fields of wildflowers. In fabrics printed with antique florals, and vintage roses, these summer looks inspire the little girls in all of us, wanting to be a princess in our very own dress up game.

Dress Up game Series: Intro

Rockabilly Dresses; dress up game series part 2

The Maxi Dress; dress up game series part 3 

Baby Doll Dresses; dress up game series part 4

Now that June is officially here, and summer is finally just around the corner; it’s time to really celebrate. There is no better way to break out of the hum drums, kick back and relax in the sun,  then by having  some summer fun, and nothing this season says fun better than the plethora of amazing summer dresses.

It has been called “the Year of the Dress”. There are so many dresses out this season, in so many styles, that they can’t just have their own post. They need their own series.

From long dresses to short dress, empire to a-line, simple sheaths to detailed pleats, there is a dress for every mood and every occasion: dresses for work, for cocktail parties, for summer fun on the beach.  From retro inspired Rockabilly looks to contemporary and organic eco-friendly cottons and linens, from sporty tennis sets to romantic Merchant ivory seaside frocks, tribal inspired Ikat prints to soft and gentle roses, polka dots to ombre, soft to bright, solid to pattern, Hippie to Hollywood, no matter what your style, there is a dress for you this year.

There are just too many to detail in one post, so as the summer progresses so will our coverage of the dresses. Nothing says summer like the perfect summer dress, so let the fun dress up games begin!

The Romantic Dress; dress up game series part 1

Rockabilly Dresses; dress up game series part 2

The Maxi Dress; dress up game series part 3

Baby Doll Dresses; dress up game series part 4

WABC Reporter, Kemberly Richardson of  Eyewitness News, visited the Loehmann’s Chelsea store in New York for the best in discount clothing.

Looking for the hottest fashion trends of the summer as identified by Lucky Magazine, Kemberly was on the hunt to find the best of the best; all for under $100. Of course, Loehmann’s is the place to find the best in designer must have’s at discounted prices.

Floral patterned dresses and tunics plus colorful and trendy beads and bangles were had. Kemberly found summer shorts of all lengths including fun nautical styles. Also on the list was groovy “bohemian chic” maxi dresses in colorful patterns. 

Unable to pass up on super savings and fabulous finds, Kemberly even bought a wondeful white spring coat and sundress for herself!

 The segment will be aired on Monday, June 9th during the 5 o’clock news at approximately 5:40pm.

If you are wondering what summer trends might be waiting for you at your local Loehmann’s, then this will give you a nice tempting peek and inspiration. Don’t miss it!!