This week marked the official start of spring, and despite the delightful warm weather, we're not quite ready to bare our toes. We loved seeing how Julie of Sincerely, Jules and Glamour style editor Megan Gustashaw paired the Neel with printed pants and spring jackets for a fresh transitional look. Megan describes why Neel is the perfect transitional shoe: "The espadrille heel and Mary Jane shape make the Neel feel like a spring shoe but the covered toe and dark colorway totally fly in fall. I love how comfortable they are and how solid the heel is — you can walk miles in these babies!"

BONUS: This weekend only, we're taking 20% off all Loeffler Randall espadrille styles. Simply enter the code ESPADRILLE20 at checkout to receive your discount. This sale ends March 26 at 11:59 pm EST. Click to shop Loeffler Randall espadrilles.

Make sure to check out our Pinterest for more espadrille style inspiration, and get stoked for summer with Megan Gustashaw in our interview below.

You love New York summers so hard. What are you most looking forward to this season?

Megan Gustashaw: It's true! I'm most looking forward to eating outdoors and riding bikes and walking around without a jacket on. Even though I love living on the East Coast, summer is my favorite season.

What is your spring/summer style inspiration?

MG: All-American bombshell. Yes, I just said that.

What is your favorite sentence that you've written in the last month?

MG: "Because it's Friday: an illustrated guide to Fall 2012's statement collars." Cool project. Cool day of the week!

What is the last thing that made you laugh?

MG: My husband always makes me laugh. He does funny impressions of our cat and of wacky NY people he encounters during the day. I love a good impression. We also sing 90's jams in our apartment together. That always makes me laugh.

I tend to splurge on: shoes, duh!

I tend to save on: I can get down with some affordable denim.

I always find a treasure: on eBay! If you're looking for a "classic" piece like a trench or a leather shoulder bag or are just, like, obsessed with a brand (i.e. me with Ralph Lauren Purple Label), eBay is great.

Spring reading: I'm in the middle of Freedom and don't want it to end! The characters in this book are going to stay with me for a long time.

Guilty pleasure: Raucous dinner parties. Things with lots of cheese.

I have loved LR since 2005? I was working in a clothing store called Shop in the LES. There was a pair of white anaconda boots. It was love at first sight.

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The Nadia Bootie has become the #1 pick from the Loeffler Randall resort collection. LR Creative Director, Jessie Randall describes Nadia as "the perfect combination of both masculine and feminine. It's a go anywhere, wear every day kind of shoe that is sexy and understated at the same time." Leandra Medine, of Man Repeller fame who sports the Nadia in both raffia and tortora, describes her booties as the "most rad raffia espadrille hybrid booties known to mankind."

Check out the following links for more ways to style the Nadia featuring Christene Barberich of Refinery 29, Liz Cherkasova of Late Afternoon, Eleanor Friedberger of The Fiery Furnaces, Leandra Medine of Man Repeller, or our own Jessie Randall, and a fabulously styled post featuring fashion marketing students from Chicago's New Trier High School.

Leandra Medine, the visionary behind The Man Repeller, was recently spotted in the Nadia booties strutting around Beverly Hills, CA. Embracing the concept that fashion is for yourself, Leandra finds unique uses for day-to-day accessories and makes each piece her own.

"The inspiration for Resort '12 was a kind of deconstruction of nautical elements — we were interested in the ropey feeling of espadrilles and the graphicness of stripes that translated into clean straps across the foot. The shape of the Paloma echoes the prow of a ship while the mignon twists on Rachel and Luca also resemble fraying rope."

"I love Sasha, the wood flatform shoe. It is exactly the kind of shoe I'd want to wear during this transitional season. It looks amazing with little socks in colder weather or without in the sun. Our Nadia bootie with espadrille wrapped heel and platform is the perfect combination of both masculine and feminine. It's a go anywhere, wear every day kind of shoe that is sexy and understated at the same time."

- Jessie Randall, LR Creative Director

For more of Jessie's Resort '12 styling tips check out these articles:

Lucky Magazine

Refinery29

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Many a day we've wished for the luxury of a personal stylist to strategically mix and match the perfect outfit. Enter Stylecaster's Fashion Director Truc Nguyen, who graced the Loeffler Randall showroom for a resort-inspired styling session. With a sharp eye and quick hands Truc Nguyen snuck us a peek at her styling kit must-haves, and shared her thoughts on dressing for the season.

It's just getting cold in NY - how do you get excited about the resort season?

Truc Nguyen: Resort, not Spring or Fall, is actually the one season that stays in stores the longest. Which is why it's become such an important collection for designers from a production and sales standpoint. What I love about Resort is that it tends to also be the most versatile and pragmatic season, and one full of brighter colors that help you get through the dreariest of winter days. It also makes me think of vacations to warmer climates, which is always nice!

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How can you wear these shoes now? What looks fresh to you?

TN: I love all the espadrille rope details on the resort styles!! It's so rustic but paired with the clean, neutral leather and modern shapes it looks quite fresh to me. I think all these styles will look great with super bright clothes we've been seeing on the runways as well.

I think that how you wear these shoes now depends on where you live, but here in the Northeast I think these are actually great transitional shoes considering the crazy weather fluctuations that we've been having. The Neel, Nadia, and Sasha styles, for example, would look just as great with bare legs as they would with tights or ankle socks. I would wear them all with sheer tights and a dress right now, with thicker tights or colorful socks and pants when temperatures drop even more.

Describe your style philosophy.

TN: I think that style is so personal, and it's really about the individual as much as the garment or fashion item that they are wearing. I do have a soft spot, though, for brands that focus on selling beautifully constructed, classic designs with a slight twist.

What goes in your styling kit?

TN: For every stylist, there are essentials that you must have in your styling kit. This includes basics such as stain removers, lint rollers, and safety pins. For me, good hosiery and undergarments are also essential for any outfit, and Wolford makes the softest most durable tights and I'm a big fan of socks from We Love Colors! I also can't ever go on a shoot without my gadgets. I love my little waterproof digital camera from Fujifilm to take behind the scenes snapshots, and my iPad is perfect for checking in with the office and showing inspiration images to the team on set, so we're all on the same page.

Although I know several world-class stylists who only wear heels, I prefer to be comfortable when I'm running around and working 12-hour days on set. These Loeffler Randall brogues have been my shoot-day companion pretty much since the day I bought them, and I'm hoping the Sasha platforms from the Resort '12 collection could be another comfy option.

What is inspiring you right now?

TN: I'm always interested in and inspired by travel, and we just booked our next vacation, to Turkey. I have a feeling that seeing Istanbul and all those amazing caves in Cappadocia over the holidays is going to be inspiring my wardrobe for next year!

Your latest purchase?

TN: I just bought an exotic-skin evening bag from YSL, at their sample sale last week, and I'm so excited about it because it's the kind of thing I can see myself still wearing twenty or forty years from now, and it won't ever be out of style. I'm getting to the age where I'm trying to invest strategically in my wardrobe!

By Mary Tomer

When not in graduate school or interning at Loeffler Randall, I keep up a blog dedicated to all things Michelle Obama style, chronicling every First Lady look from J.Crew to Jason Wu. Last week presented an exciting milestone in my adventures as a blogger gal, as I had an opportunity to join the media ranks in covering the South Korea state visit at the White House.

Naturally, one of the first questions to spring to mind was: What to wear? A journalist friend advised me to be dressed up but understated. Accordingly, I constructed my own reporter look, turning to a favorite black vintage dress, a skinny leopard belt, and shoes I've admired all season, the Loeffler Randall Risa wedge pumps.

The choice of shoe required some consideration. By nature, I'm a tried and true flats girl, but if any venue calls for a heel, it would seem to be the White House. Risa proved to be the perfect compromise. The pointed toe, the mix of patent leather and suede, and the added height offered a dose of femininity and polish. Meanwhile, the wedge provided welcome stability and comfort. Twelve hours and three events later, after climbing media risers and running to catch a cab in a thunderstorm, I was still on my feet and going strong.

With shoe peace of mind, I was free to soak in all the wonderment of the White House, which is just as majestic and picture perfect as one might imagine.

Enjoy a few snaps from my day:

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See more from Mary's trip to the White House on her blog, Mrs-O.com

We've been big fans of the Holmes & Yang since their first collection launched in 2008 - from flowing silk separates to impecably tailored jackets, each piece constructed with extreme attention to detail. That's why we were thrilled when longtime LR employee Brooke Sirianni made the big move back to Los Angeles to head up clothing production for Holmes & Yang last spring. Lucky for us, Brooke is bi-costal at the moment, as Holmes & Yang produces almost all of their clothes right here in New York City. We caught up with Brooke last weekend in the city to photograph some of her favorite fall looks from Holmes & Yang and Loeffler Randall.

Describe the Holmes & Yang philosophy.

Brooke Sirianni: Holmes & Yang was born out of the desire for beautifully made clothing that can be worn over and over. We produce all of the heritage-quality pieces in the USA, mainly in New York City's garment district. The pieces transition so easily from day-to-night, work-to-weekend, that I only need to pack a few for my trips.

How does LR compliment your wardrobe?

BS: Like Holmes & Yang, LR shoes are interchangeable for so many occasions. My days in NY are non-stop: checking on production at our factories in midtown, reviewing new development with our designers, and meeting with potential vendors all over the city, it's great to know that what I put on at 7 am will still be appropriate for dinner at 8pm. I can pack 2 - 3 pairs of LR shoes and know they will work with everything.

Images by Erik Melvin [click for Brooke's comments on each look]

How do you dress for fall in LA? How do you change it up when you visit NYC?

BS: Moving from NY to LA, I definitely miss the seasons and change in weather! Fall in LA means throwing my shawl collar blazer on over a dress or skirt and I am good to go all day; no need to check the weather report! Coming to NY, I love layering the same clothes with tights and chunky sweaters for extra warmth.

What is the one thing you never travel without?

BS: Everyone in our company is obsessed with the suede dancer jacket. Wearing it is heavenly - so soft and warm, but chic enough to wear over almost anything. That is the best part about the line - the pieces transition so easily.

What are your must - dos when you come back to NYC?

BS: I try to hit up my old haunts when in town - we just did dinner with our patternmakers at Peels (one of my favorite restaurants) in the East Village - the fried chicken is to die for! I love 9th street espresso and look forward to Green Table's grilled cheese sandwich every trip!

Your perfect weekend is...

BS: Waking up in New York after a week of working the garment district, having brunch with friends, strolling around the west village, and flying back to LA in time to see Sunday's sunset.

For more Holmes & Yang, be sure to check out the H&Y Facebook page.  Most pieces are available at Barneys and Montainge Market.

Jessie Randall's wardrobe reflects her lifestyle which balances wanting to look stylish while still being comfortable. It is this balance that shows through in her unique designs. Today, as we introduce a chic new Slip-on bootie to the LR Rain Boot collection, Jessie explains why she loves the versatility and simplicity that makes each rain boot style special.

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"I have always wanted a sleek rain boot that just seamlessly integrates into my wardrobe. That's why I love our rain collection — I wear these boots even on days when it's not raining because they are comfortable, functional and stylish. On days when the weather looks iffy I'll put on the boots and I don't feel like my entire outfit becomes all about the weather. They don't scream 'rain' but they do an excellent job of weather protection."

"As a mom I love these boots because they are easy to wear. I love our new slip-on rain bootie that you can slide into while wrangling a wriggly baby trying to get everyone out the door. Our tall rain boot is just as easy. I don't even unzip them, I just slip right into them without even bending down. These boots are great for being out on a rainy day and getting a lot of work done. I can push a stroller, grab groceries, or take the dog out for a quick walk in them. Similarly, on days when I'm in the office I can wear them with more dressy things and they work just as well. They are also supremely comfortable, which is a must for me. The mini wedge gives just the right amount of lift." - Jessie Randall, LR Creative Director

Fall shoes are in! Yes, it's the middle of August and still 90 degrees outside, but it's time to plan your fashionable transition into fall. The only thing to do: get yourself into some statement shoes to update your end of summer wardrobe and lead your look for fall. Now, which ones to choose? Our PR superstar Maria Bui takes the challenge, enlisting the expert eye of Refinery 29's Kristian Laliberte.

Kristian, what do you like to see on a gal?

KL: I think it's really important to be genuine. I hate when a girl looks like she's trying too hard or piling on several trends with no clear direction - you can really tell when someone's thought out their outfit, but is still comfortable with their style. I love, love, love a polished gal - dewy makeup, sharp tailoring, gleaming hair. Chic.

Maria, what is important to your look this fall?

MB: Number one priority: Heels that dash. I run around the city all day meeting with editors so I need shoes to impress, but also that are comfy enough to get me from point A to point B ten minutes ago.

KL: I love the silhouette of this outfit. Maria has a whole Marilyn Monroe thing going on! The Zuri cheetah haircalf pumps are so classic, but also fashion-forward.

MB: Definitely not for the demure; the Zuri stilettos are head turners without being too loud - a fine line in fashion.

KL: Even though this look is on-point for the August heat, the leather top means it will work well into September - I think a somewhat oversized blazer would make it even more sophisticated if you get chilly.

KL: These Natane stilettos slay me. They are just so friggin' sexy. I'm really liking what Maria is doing here - yes, it's a bit dressy for work, but for an important meeting with her edgier clients, it's fashion as an adjective.

MB: This outfit has hidden surprises everywhere, with the peekaboo back of the blouse, leather panels on the pants, and lace-up detailing on the Natane. I'm a sucker for cheeky little numbers like this.

KL: We're indulging in some inter-office gossip. Seriously though, don't those shoes look like they can get you into trouble? The best possible kind, obviously.

MB: Little does Kristian know: I'm terrible at keeping secrets.

KL: Maria's got the whole city-dweller-who-hikes-on-weekends thing going on. I love how she mixes the light-colored skinnies (and cuffed 'em up) with LR's Maudie bootie, and throws on a sporty-ish, oversize raglan tee on top.  Adding the heavy necklace feminizes the look.

MB: If you were wondering, yes I did attend a wilderness camp, and yes, I can build a mean fire to prove it.

KL: Those boots are definitely going to be a best-seller. Remember the Monolo Blahnik Timberland moment? This is the grown-up, much cooler step-sister.

MB: The khaki canvas and leather combo make the Maudie so street chic. These shoes were so made for strutting.

KL: I like that this is so day, but can also be so night. Maria can amplify her makeup, turn the bag into a clutch, and voilà, she's ready to dance, dance, dance at Madame Wong's - ice cream cone optional.

MB: Sky-high Estrella paired with high-waisted shorts give the illusion of legs for days, which all 5 foot 2 and 3/4 inches of me appreciates.

KL: We were joking about my chicken legs - so Maria deserved a little ice cream on her chin.

MB: Kristian's chicken legs are so sexy.

Kristian, what tips are you bringing to your own wardrobe this fall?

KL: I just moved to a pretty small studio with not a ton of closet space, so I am really trying to buy strategically. For work I go out pretty regularly, so it's also good to buy items that can transition from day to night so I don't need to go back to my apartment.

Maria, how did Kristian's advice help?

MB: Kristian is always three steps ahead of every trend, and he can rework any outfit to make it anew. He plays the whole "look like you're trying without looking like you're trying" game so well.