Thanks to the most successful re-branding in decades, my go-to staples have been from Ann Taylor for the last few seasons. Vanished are the images of frumpy ladies, soccer moms, suburban housewives. In their place: the hip modern girl. She's not afraid to shake it up, toss some flirty accessories into the mix, and scrunch up her blazer sleeves. That's not to imply she's lost her polish; on the contrary, the Ann Taylor gal has gained it. She's got a modern take on dressing, with a smorgasboard of fresh American influences at play. The prices still can't be beat and neither can the sizing - petite and tall, in addition to regular cover the gamut of proportions. For Fall 2011, clean lines and bold graphic colors with an urban edge for the busy woman - or yes, girl -who doesn't stop going all day and who refuses to compromise style.

Can't wait for fall? Spring must-haves include the: Nautical Stripe Sweater, $68 and Signature Wide-Leg Marina Pants, $98.

I'm obsessed with Joseph Altuzarra (especially that insane coat from last season that folds and molds around the body like a piece of art- (jump to see photo of me in it!). The caliber of his details and workmanship is usually found only among designers with many more years on him.

I was so sad I was unable to attend Barneys' Spring Trends Breakfast, hosted by Joseph and Barneys New York's Fashion Director, Amanda Brooks, but I got the scoop from our NYC-based editor.

First Suno for Kenya and now Sammy for Ethiopia. Happily, the line between ethics and luxury is becoming more blurred all the time. Sammy Handmade in Ethiopia is preserving the country's longstanding weaving tradition by creating gorgeous accessories and bringing them to Barneys New York. Supported by The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Sammy works with a co-op of women with AIDS-affected families in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital city, who have been trained in embroidery and handcrafts in order to support their families.

I love a warm-weather scarf and nothing says "summer" like a touch of colorful tie-dye. These handmade wallets, clutches, and scarves are the perfect gifts, especially for yourself! Funky, spirited, completely unique - but the best part is the cause. When you buy Sammy Handmade, you're not only injecting avant-garde tie-dye and gauzy color-blocking to your look, you're directly supporting women and families who need it most. At Barneys New York for $90-$215.

Star Embroidered Scarf, $98.

Eyerus Scarf, $90

Rainbow Striped Scarf, $90.

Aster Tie-Dye Wallet, $155.

Even if you're way beyond your days of college-age spring break debauchery, something hits us this time of year. Yes, winter's over, but it's still not summer yet and an escape from the routine feels very necessary. Isn't it nice when your hardest decision involves little paper umbrellas? Mai Thai, daiquiri, or mango margarita? While you probably want to steer clear of Cancun or Cabo San Lucas this time of year (unless you care to party with frat guys and hey, more power to ya!), you definitely deserve a holiday. So Bermuda, Bahama, come on, pretty mama...And if you're stuck in the grind, you can always just dress the part.

A billowing maxi dress with airy long sleeves says, "I enjoy cocktails in the cabana, not body shots at the bar." Alice + Olivia "Hadley" Long Kimono Dress. On ShopBop for $440.

When you're not barefoot, you want a heel that makes you feel like you are and still lets your holiday cohorts know glamour knows no bounds: Christian Louboutin Patent Leather Platform Slingback Sandals. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $895.

A wide-brimmed straw hat announces that you love being out under the sun, but say no, thanks to its harmful rays. And aren't afraid of going a little boho: Eugenia Kim "Honey" Sunhat with Chain. On ShopBop for $275.

Vacations call for traveler's jewels - at least one worldly piece that implies this isn't your first exotic getaway. This turquoise beauty will assert you as reigning poolside queen: Alexis Bittar Beaded Collar Necklace. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $495.

A hard wicker bag says you mean business. The business of pleasure, that is. Getaways are made for bringing out kitschy accessories you'd shy away from at home, like the handbag version of a picnic basket:Tiffany "Cleo" Bucket Top Handle Bag. At Tiffany & Co. for $795.

It's no easy feat for leather and lace to come together in classic, elegant form. The fact that it's on-trend is just the icing on the cake. An all-lace fitted and tailored dress is normally relegated to the hairspray-blasted updo-wearing Upper East Side crowd - so stuffy my lungs would stop working! But the leather details bring spunk and youth, more "Gossip Girl" than teatime at Bergdorf's. The contrasting top and bottom is a flattering visual feast. With soft nude lining the effect is, well, a little nude, and the narrow leather cutouts on the back show actual skin. So lovely and hot at the same time, your date won't know whether bring a bouquet of roses or a crystal-covered whip. How about both? Either way you'll be the toast of Madison Avenue. On Net-a-Porter for $3,990.

Pair with: Shoe choice is crucial. Get sexy with your heels and strut this dress into siren territory. Christian Louboutin's dominatrix-inspired "Lady Daf" Mary Jane will let your date know you mean business. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $995.

This is by far the chicest interpretation of the season's biggest trend I have seen to date. Color-blocked dresses tend to translate to harsh sections of color (only when the aspired look is mod, is it successful). Giambattista Valli's carefully crafted silk-crepe and stretch-jersey dress is in a class of its own. Elegant folds soften the look, and a carefully crafted tulip silhouette draws the eyes upward and slims the hips and thighs.

Valli dresses are works of art. I have several and only upon scrutinizing them have I realized all their intricacies. They look - and feel - simple and tossed-on, but are actually ingeniously tailored to make you look as good as humanly possible. There's a strategy at play: composed of many layers that go unseen - a concealed hook here, a hidden zipper there - the result is fluid, organic, and shape-enhancing. Outside of working out for three hours a day, there's not better for your figure than a Valli dress. On Net-a-Porter for $4,500.

Pair with: A shoe that does the same favors for your feet. Giuseppe Zanotti's "Henry" metal and leather stiletto T-bar sandals frame and streamline, and the bronze plating is as architectural as your dress is sexy. On Net-a-Porter for $895.

J'adore vintage clothes, but I often come home with crazy outfits that seemed oh-so-right in the dressing room but garish the instant I get home. No thrifted kookiness here! Dita's dress, a great riff on Dior's original "New Look," could be a modern find - credit the exaggerated high waist and bombshell cut. Recall that Louis Vuitton's spring season was all about little tops so fitted they were curve-enhancing and big, full, 1950s housewife skirts. The genius of Dita is that she wears head-to-toe vintage like few do: without looking like she's en route to a costume party. If you can't find anything similar, why not enjoy the satisfaction of a little DIY action? Buy pale pink chiffon and sew your own bows onto a black knit sweater and dramatic skirt!

Steal This Look:

Victor & Rolf Basic Knit Top. On ShopBop for $995.

Holmes & Yang Pleat Skirt. At Barneys New York for $690.

Tom Ford "Nikita" Sunglasses. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $360.

Delvaux Brillant MM Handbag. At Barneys New York for $3,800.

Proenza Schouler Perforated Leather Pumps. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $695.

Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Crème Lipstick in Gabrielle. At Chanel for $32.

Have you heard? Shorts are the new skirts (yes, I'm aware short-and-skirt hybrids are called skorts, but stay with me here). What was once just a staple of preteens, joggers, and beach bums is now not only socially acceptable but stylistically significant, thanks to far more formal styles - we're not talking Levi's cut-offs here! Dress them up with wedges and a flowy top or keep it simple with a T-shirt and flats - it all depends on the length and tailoring - or lack thereof - of the shorts.

First off, taking the prize for the cutest shorts ever: the "Driben" bow short by Twenty8Twelve, with a scalloped hem reminiscent of a Chloé rendition a few seasons ago. I'll classify these as "evening shorts" and wear them for cocktails. A playful hemline is also featured on Pins and Needles' (from Urban Outfitters) woven high-rise version in bright red, except the scalloping here is on the top, for flirty fun. Alice + Olivia takes the dressed-up short up a level with a polka-dot flutter skort - all the convenience of shorts - and bonus - under the guise of a feminine skirt.

On the more casual end of the spectrum are the country ginghams, sailor stripes, and madras plaids. In keeping with their label name, Pret-a-Surf's gingham boy shorts are so retro beach bunny, they'll bring out the Gidget in all of us (and by "us," I mean me; I totally identify with her for obvious reasons). More into sailing than surfing? The "Nacci" striped sailor shorts by Malene Birger are vintage-chic and perfect for steamy summer days (any temperature less than sultry deems these hot pants a thoroughly sassy choice). Last, and least in price, are the "Picnic" plaid shorts by Forever 21 - $10 has never looked so good. And that's the not-so-long and short of it!

Australian label Zimmermann appeals to the beach bunny with a city girl's sensibility. This old school one-piece is full-coverage modest but, thanks to come-hither details like nude mesh paneling and total back reveal, it's modern-stylish. And low-key sultry enough to incite the desire for a beach vacation - or at least the urge to take in a rooftop pool party. With a fab floral print and a polished halter-top, throw on a high-waisted skirt and you can head straight to lunch. You hardly even need a skirt; this poolside equivalent of a cocktail dress is almost an outfit in itself. For the chick who pairs high heels with her swimwear and is more about lounging than doing laps - my kind of girl! On Net-a-Porter for $270.

Pair with: A heel that's high but not high-maintenance. Nothing sexy about a stiletto stuck in the sand! Jean-Michel Cazabat's "Zesta" wedge espadrilles in tan with stretchy criss-cross straps are a breeze to pull on and off. On ShopBop for $295.

The relentless hip and thoroughly original Gwen Stefani reminds us that busy moms need not resort to flip-flops and sweats for a weekend outing with the family. Gwen has always been an expert of the effortless sporty-dressy mix; I can count the number of times I've seen her without an impeccable red lip on one hand, yet she never looks like she's trying to glam it up. This look is a perfect example: slouchy trousers slung on casually and paired with a cropped leather jacket and stretchy striped tank. But what punches it up are the accessories. A rumpled, flowing scarf, woven belt, and stiletto booties worn like they're sneakers elevate the look from ordinary to arresting. These are elements we all have in our wardrobe. Let's thank Gwen for reminding us it's all about the way we put pieces together - you might have a new outfit sitting in your closet that you didn't know existed.

Steal this look:

Vince Bold Stripe Favorite Tank in White. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $58.

Alice + Olivia "Arthur" Cropped Stretch-Crepe Pants. On Net-a-Porter for $200.

Carven Washed Leather Cropped Jacket. On Net-a-Porter for $1,910.

B-Low the Belt Tribal Belt. On ShopBop for $225.

Alexander Wang Noemi Ankle Boots. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $685.

Tilo Summer Weave Scarf in Twig. On ShopBop for $75.