Given the scorching high temperatures that the north east experience in recent days – a suggestion to buy a blazer (albeit a white one), may meet me with some resistance but that’s just what I am about to do.

I just love the idea of a white blazer.  So for me a summer must have is a crisp and perfectly tailored piece.  I know making this suggestion may come as a surprise to some and others may question my sanity; but I am not crazy (I think) and I am not backing down.  A summer blazer is the perfect accessory to add to your wardrobe.  When properly stylized it can help to create super chic outfit that looks expansive but is fairly affordable.  And, the blazer can be worn for the cold train rides when running around town, or in the office under your breezy summer wares.  Besides, it can really make a statement- a really cute statement.

My favorite way to stylize the white blazer is to pair it with cropped satin shorts and a feather/lightweight cotton tee.  If you want to dressed up, pair with your favorite pumps;  or, keep it casual with summer sandals.

Sounds great – right? And, now I am sure you want one for yourself. After looking at many selections, I have some great suggestions for you.

Love the Bouclé jacket ($118.30) from Talbots pictured above.

And, I love the Cotton/Silk Twill Double Breasted Jacket (^$99^.99) from Ann Taylor.

My mother has taught me to love sunglasses.  According to her -  the perfect pair of sunglasses  can set the tone for the day;  a bad set will ruin your day while the perfect pair will improve your mood.   Needless to say my mother takes her sunglasses shopping very seriously.   When the first hint of summer   my mother,   begins her quest for the “perfect”  pair of sunglasses that will establish her signature look for the season.

I, too, now am always on the hunt for the perfect pair of sunglasses. My ideal frame,  is chic, looks fab, and makes a statement.

The Red Hot ($275) frames,   from Jee Vice is such a pair.   Recently, spotted on the famous faces of  Isla Fisher, Kim Kardashian  and Anne Hathaway, the stylish frames  are versatile and yet perfect for your daily routine.

The bold frame, stylish color and trendy look,  have won me over and I am now lusting for a pair.

The Fabulous Report loves LOFT and we know you do too.  A little over week go (January 26), I  attended a preview for the summer collection at Industria Studio.  As always the collection was superb and classic needless to say, I loved it and so did apparently a lot of bloggers. Many of whom are now being accused of violating FTC rules and of course this left many bloggers up in arms and are accusing Jezebel with poor reporting practices. YIKES.

I  was genuinely pleased with the collection– no bribes for me here.  Though, I did receive a $10 gift card, watch out LOFT here I come– want to join me, in a spending spree?  Going once…Seriously! That said, rather than rave about the collection, I decided to do something different and contacted LOFT Senior Fashion Director Alia Ahmed-Yahia. I asked the fashion director for her take on the absolute must have for the summer from the collection.   You really are going to enjoy what she picked; plus, what’s better than a  “stylist” to help you pick pieces than the director herself?   The selections range in price from  $12.50 for a Raffia pins to $98 for a Sailing Ferns dress (my favorite).  There’s something for every budget.  Sadly, you will have to wait till May for the collection to hit stores so mark your calendars.

Alia’s MUST-Have LOFT Picks for Summer

- Oversized Bag – Summer is the easiest season of the year to pull off oversize printed bags. I’m loving large scale zebra prints for summer. LOFT’s large metallic neutral zebra tote is perfect to wear to work and is large enough to pack it for a quick weekend trip! (Zebra print tote $59.50 )

- A Graphic Printed Dress - I love LOFT’s sailing ferns maxi dress.  It can be worn to the beach or dressed up with some statement jewelry for a night out. (Sailing ferns dress $98)

- Raffia Pins in neutral colors- They instantly add interest to any basic look!  And can be worn in a variety of ways – on a scarf,  a brown braided belt, or even to accessorize a basic sandal.  (Raffia pins – small 12.50, large 14.50)

- Lightweight Anorak in Green – It’s my replacement for the summer cardigan. You can dress it up for a cold office environment by wearing over a floaty dress and adding a hard leather brown belt over the  jacket. (Anorak $79.50)

- Jeweled Metallic Flats- I especially love pairing these with a short for a more casual look.  (Jeweled flats $69.50)

- Jeweled Bib Necklaces.  They provide an instant uplift to an easy summer knit dress. (Jeweled bib necklace $44.50)

Images  below courtesy of LOFT.

See the choices in pictures…