lookbooks

Victoria's Secret released the third issue of its 2013 swim catalog, titled "Summer of Sexy." And to showcase this latest round of swimwear, Candice Swanepoel, Alessandra Ambrosio, Erin Heatherton, and Maryna Linchuk took the beaches (once again) in an apropos lineup of very sexy looks. From the curve-enhancing push-up iterations — complete with gold-chain detailing and lacy overlays — to the retro ruffle-trimmed suits, to the sportier floral-printed bandeaus and bottoms, this is the kind of warm-weather styling that actually applies, albeit with a much sexier VS tinge, to the getaways we're planning for Spring break and beyond. So if you've got surf, sun, and sand on your mind — and in your sights — then click on for a preview of the swim catalog now, and shop the collection at Victoria's Secret.

— Additional reporting by Marisa Tom

We always look to J.Crew for styling inspiration, and its latest lookbook has offered up another batch of tips and tricks to get us through the sunny season. Highlighting the brand's favorite looks, stylist Gayle Spannaus styled unpredictably chic outfits that can easily take you from the office to cocktails in one fell swoop. Case in point: we love the idea of pairing a floral-print pencil skirt with a striped tee for an effortless take on ladylike dressing. Take a step inside for more sweet outfit ideas from J.Crew, and tell us which look is your favorite in the comments section below.

Consider Zara's TRF April edition a look at Spring's pastels, florals, and '90s-inspired denim through a cooler lens. Essentially, if you've deemed any of the season's big trends too sweet or maybe just not wearable, this lineup could quickly change your mind with its easy, albeit eye-catching, ways to outfit everything from softer color palettes to printed sandals. White boyfriend jeans are topped with a sporty zip-up that's washed in a global, graphic pattern; flower-print separates feel more sporty than girlie, thanks to a sweatshirt-style top; and acid-washed denim gets a moto-inspired makeover. In short, Zara does what it does best (yet again), turning out the most wearable versions of even the trickiest trends and styling it all just right. Needless to say, the lineup invokes an immediate "we have to have it" reaction to just about every piece. Click through and you'll see just what we mean.

The sister duo behind the Aussie label Zimmermann — Nicky and Simone — have crafted a Summer '13 swimwear lineup defined by a dichotomous harmony. Impeccable sculptural technique and retro femininity are married within the frilled edges of sweetheart bustlines, dotted mesh bows are delicately adorned to triangle bikinis, and colorful floral prints have been artfully splashed across lightweight rompers, vintage one-piece silhouettes, and halter-neck sundresses. With the Australian countryside (natural sunlight, rolling hills, and babbling brooks all in the mix) as Zimmermann's lookbook backdrop, this is certainly the stuff our Summer dreams are made of. See it all inside, then shop the collection here.

Zara's April lookbook is rife with the kind of pieces that perfectly capture Spring's breezier sensibility. That's not to say there aren't more polished styling counterparts — because there are — but if we're to forecast the month ahead according to Zara, it's looking like a laid-back affair. The floral prints, which are reminiscent of scenes stolen right off of a vintage china plate, take shape on cap-sleeved shifts, shorts sets, relaxed blouses, and pencil skirts. The quintessential blazer comes oversized with bold buttons, in a soft pastel blue tuxedo iteration, and cut in a longer double-breasted silhouette. And where there's silky texture, there's a flowing red jumpsuit, a sportier colorblocked maxi dress, and palazzo trousers to indulge in. Zara's latest is certainly something to be inspired by, and lucky for us, it's also within our wallet's reach. See the complete lookbook here.

With SXSW behind us and Coachella on the horizon, music-festival season just got kicked into high gear, and here to help us with all of our "what to wear" queries is Free People. The bohemian-cool retailer's latest lookbook boasts a bevy of whimsical dresses, cutoff shorts, and gauzy tops for you to wear all Spring and Summer long. From peasant maxis to lace tops, see all the offerings, and get ready to dance the music-festival season away in Free People's ethereal offerings.

New York-based British designer Misha Nonoo has given us contemporary ready-to-wear for a few seasons (check out Gwyneth Paltrow in one of her Spring '13 miniskirts), but now she's also heading into eveningwear territory with a collection of equally stunning gowns and cocktail dresses, available this Summer. When we asked Nonoo what inspired her new line, here's what she told us: "Designing my own wedding dress last May was a catalyst for launching eveningwear. When news circulated that I designed my own gown, I received a slew of custom eveningwear orders from private clients and specialty store retailers." Some of the highlights? The line incorporates European fabrics such as French lace, ostrich feathers, and fil coupé bow detailing, which are all in line with Nonoo's rich aesthetic. We're already envisioning all the amazing red-carpet moments our favorite celebrities will have in Nonoo's exquisite gowns. See every single piece from the Misha Nonoo eveningwear collection in the gallery.

Along with the retailer's Coachella-ready Divided wares, H&M is launching The New Icons, a collection inspired by its campaign models, Joan Smalls, Liu Wen, Lindsey Wixson, and Daphne Groeneveld. And, as you may have guessed by the source of inspiration, the clothes prove just as cool as the ladies wearing them. With a rocker edge that reminds us of Givenchy-meets-Joan-Jett appeal, and a romantic Americana slant that's more Ralph Lauren in the '90s, the latest batch of H&M clothes offers up an easy "road map" for emulating a similar brand of cool-girl styling. We're particularly drawn to the silver-embellished black vest, cream-colored ruffle lace miniskirt, and the drawstring bucket bag both Smalls and Wixson show off in the campaign. Here's your first look at The New Icons collection — available in stores in early April — right this way.

Hudson Jeans' Spring 2013 lookbook is out, and it's chock-full of inspiring Spring denim styling tips. The coolest part? You can snag your favorite pairs right on the spot. Inside, you'll find a variety of eye-catching pieces with black and white stripes (a huge Spring trend), florals, zebra print, ripped finishes, and studded embellishments. So if you're in the market for new jeans, you definitely don't want to miss this.

Starting today, Joe Fresh clothing is available in JCPenney stores around the country — and on jcp.com — making the affordable Canadian retailer's wares that much easier to access. Prior to this two-part launch, Joe Fresh was only shoppable in the New York and New Jersey areas, but with the start of this partnership, it's slated to be sold in up to 683 JCPenney locations nationwide. The contemporary, on-point pieces range from $4 to $249, and from the look of this Spring '13 lineup, there's something for the preppier girl, the breezy dress-wearing style-setter, and the more polished 9-to-5 sophisticate. Click on for our favorites, and then shop the collection straight from the source.