What: Sleeveless Smocked Gauze Cover-Up Dress, $69

Why: Oh, Eddie. Who knew you had such a feminine side? I always thought you were too immersed in your River Runs Through It fly-fishing habit to give us ladies much more than mom capris and boxy tees. I was mistaken. After a recent perusal of your catalog, I noticed your dress section has really come into its own, with a refreshing assortment of simple, inexpensive frocks.

This lightweight gauze dress makes for a perfect swimsuit cover-up or a stand-alone dress for a hot August day. Thank you for making something so perfect for summer. Keep up the good work.

Get Yours: eddiebauer.com

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What: SwimShape Tank Swimsuit, $89.50

Why: When I think of Lands' End, I think of Mrs. Murphy in charge of our car pool who would pick us up everyday from school wearing her yellow raincoat – even when the sun was shining – and her very distinct saggy bottom mom jeans. We would go to her house and eat our 4pm snack at the kitchen table where, without fail, there would be a Lands' End catalog open on the counter. 

Miraculously, this childhood memory did not completely scar me and I recently mustered the courage to check out their swimwear upon the request of a friend who swore the suits were attractive.  

Well, she was right. I found this retro red halter SwimShape suit that's not only cute, it's like SPANX for the pool. Seriously, the suit will suck you in like no other. It took me a good minute to pull it on, but once everything was in, I looked pretty good for being allergic to the gym. 

Get Yours: landsend.com

And check out our latest Swimwear Guide for other suits to stock up on this summer.

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What: Nicole by Nicole Miller Tunic, $28

Why: You'd think it would be easy to find something good in mall store JCPenney, thanks to the recent infusion of well-known designers (Ronson et al). However, the challenge still lies in seeking out pieces that those of drinking age can wear. As you may recall, Charlotte's line was cute, for our teenage cousin.

But on a recent trip to JCP, I was elated to discover an assortment of well-made, truly vintage-looking tunics from the Nicole by Nicole Miller line – all on sale. I wore one the other day and was asked if it was my mom's from the 60s. Best compliment ever.

Get Yours: jcpenney.com

UPDATE: Oy, this tunic just sold out on the site (I told you it was a good one), but there are some others to choose from that are equally as cool. So hurry.

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What: Kelsy Flip Flop spotted at Ann Taylor LOFT, $29

Much like a toddler, put anything shiny in front of me and I am amused for hours… hence my silver tote, chunky gold necklaces, and now Ann Taylor LOFT Flip Flops in gunmetal melaaaaange.

I don't know when the normally plain Jane LOFT became so fancy schmancy, but I'm certainly not complaining as I only shelled out $29 for a pair of fun summer shoes to complement my summer black.   

Today through April 12, buy a full price item and get 50% off your second item with coupon code STYLE50. 

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There's a Bon-Ton en route to my extended family's house in the middle of nowhere PA, and although I'm not too fond of obligatory family road trips, I do look forward to stopping by this surprisingly fun department store on the way. Bon-Ton has all the major brands, great discounts, and interesting jewelry pieces by Victor Victor Alfaro (who designed a line exclusively for the store).

Both this Link Necklace ($43.40, was $62) and Charm Bracelet ($14.69, was $36) are suitable for lighter weather ensembles, and will make perfect gifts for the second cousins. 

Get Yours: bonton.com

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I had no intention of going back to Caché after finding unadorned LBDs (I didn't think the store could hold back from bedazzling any more of its goods) but when I walked past the window, I couldn't help but notice two dresses that didn't catch the light like a dining room chandelier. Both this tangerine tube dress ($78) and raspberry one-shoulder dress ($88) are refreshing options to snatch up in anticipation of the pleasant weather to come.

And while I still won't be adding Caché to my list of stop-bys, I'll at least make a mental note to turn my head every time I pass the sparkly display. 

Get Yours: cache.com

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Okay, I kind of cheated on this one. Yes, I went into Mandee (which happens to be next door to Wet Seal …of course) and actually found some stylish plaid button-downs, but they're not on the website. So, instead, I've decided to feature two winter coats that also caught my eye. However, I don't feel completely sincere in my mall store discovery since neither of these coats are Mandee's label. The cropped swing ($50, was $100) is Steve Madden and the chic belted black one ($100, was $200) is Jessica Simpson. 

I have also seen both of them in (non-cheesy) department stores, but I feel it's my duty to spread the word that there's more to Mandee than strappy tween tops and hooker shoes.

Get Yours: mandee.com

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What: Naturalizer Radcliff Boots, $100

Why: Last winter I followed a very well-dressed young lady into Naturalizer purely out of curiosity. I had always assumed this store was for working women who cared more about a comfortable commute than fashion-forward shoes. I was dying to see why this little trendster was making a point to browse their shoe selection. And to my surprise, there was a stylish array of boots on display, including booties, snow boots and mid-calf styles. I picked a pair of retro-inspired slouchy boots that reminded me of Ali MacGraw.  This winter, I returned to find these motorcycle boots that work perfectly with leggings. And of course, Naturalizer hasn't sacrificed on comfort – which is what they do best. The store is still full of the old school clientele – but now they have to make room for pushy fashionistas. 

There's a sale going on right now too – get up to 70% off boots, shoes, and handbags. 

Get Yours: naturalizer.com

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All of their jeans were on sale for $15, and I found a pair of these grey skinnies (officially named the Fashionista) surrounded by magenta, mustard, and cobalt pairs. Surprisingly, there weren't any rhinestone-encrusted back pockets or extreme crotch-baring low waists in sight. The style and color reminds me of my Acne jeans, and the fit is flattering thanks to the little bit of lycra. However, I'd recommend going up in size, since Wet Seal is, after all, still a tween store. 

Get Yours: wetseal.com

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New York & Company. New York & Company is actually great for inexpensive winter staples– scarves, clothes, and hats. But recently I've been spotting some stellar clothing on the racks. Check out this classic tuxedo shirt ($17.50, was $35), boyfriend cardigan ($25.90, was $37), and eclectic circle print dress ($29.50 was $59) – right on point with the wearable art dresses seen on the runways.

JCPenney. Even before JCPenney came out with its wanna-be Polo American Living line, I still visited this bargain department store to stock up on tights, undies, and the occasional timeless houndstooth blazer ($112.50, was $150).

Aldo. Whenever I think of Aldo I think of the mall near my high school in New Jersey – never a good association. However, the store has been putting out some decent footwear lately, like these vintage-inspired peep-toes ($80) and classic patent ballet flats ($60). 

Arden B. There's an Arden B close to my subway stop and a big red Clearance Sale sign lured me in one afternoon. Lo and behold, I found their jewelry section to be fantastic. Two favorites are this drop chain necklace ($34) and wood grain ring ($18).

Do you have a favorite cheesy store wear you find great clothing or accessories? Let us know in the comments section below.

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