Michelle Smith (right) is the design force behind Milly, the women’s clothing line she launched in 2000. At 18, Michelle’s passion for fashion brought her to the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC where she also worked part time at Hermes. After graduating from FIT, Michelle Smith secured a Paris-based internship with Hermes while continuing her studies at the French design school, ESMOD. After internships with Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior three years later, she came back to the US determined to develop her own line. Combining flattering silhouettes, graphic prints and a vintage vibe, Milly clothing is beautifully made and fun to wear. We began our Milly shopping spree at Chickdowntown, where we found a wide variety of dresses, separates, bathing suits and tunics. Long patio dresses are a groovy statement this summer for a chic and pulled-together look at your neighbor’s barbecue. Choose among the long turquoise coin bead halter dress ($520), the coral beaded hostess dress ($495) or the retro peak-a-boo hostess dress ($383). If you’re not comfortable with the whole floor-length thing, you might prefer this boho halter dress ($446, pictured) or the equally fetching double ring dress ($342). Perhaps you’re more in need of a few separates to bring on vacation, in which case this cerise chain strap cami ($221) would be a great choice paired with these paisley metallic trim shorts ($207). The shorts could also do double duty worn with this white square neck tunic ($292), which could then be paired with this aqua mini skirt ($198). Milly fans on a smaller budget will want to click on over to Saks, where we found many pieces on sale, including this knit marine mini dress ($177), boatneck ripple sweater ($86) and drawstring dress ($168), all of which will have you looking stylishly nautical. Don’t forget the other brick and mortar etailers — Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Bergdorfs are all well stocked with enough Milly styles to see you though the summer and transition you into fall.