Dear Dolly:

Where can I buy cute summer shoes locally?

Well, I love South Moon Under for its Marc by Marc Jacobs casual wedges and funky Kors sandals. While I was there I discovered they sell Emilio Pucci espadrilles and slides. They come in beautiful blues, purples and pinks and are very uptown. Check out their $39 leather flip flops in seven colors by Jeffrey Campbell. They are adorable. The Little Shoebox has so much but I really like the Tory Burch flats in quite a variety of colors. Vasarri has lots of dressy evening shoes and sandals in such designers as Bruno Magli, Christian Lacroix, Jimmy Choo and Anne Klein.

And Ruth Shaw has the best Jimmy Choo patent white sandals and patent black sandals I’ve seen all season and I’m told they are very comfortable. For a funky look, be sure to try Ma Petite Shoe in Hampden and Matava at Belvedere Square and Green Spring Station. Benjamin Lovell Shoes in Harbor East is a good bet too, especially if you are looking for a sensible shoe that still has a little pizzazz.

I was pleasantly surprised to see there is so much out there in little ole Baltimore. Go look!

Dear Dolly:

What is one piece of clothing I should buy to update my summer wardrobe?

1. City Shorts - These are a must-have. And not old Bermudas! Wear the new shorts long but not below the knee. You’ll look like you’re standing in water.

2. New dress - Trapeze, Empire Waist, Shirt Dress. Wear as them short as you can, and for a really fashion forward look, wear them over pants.

3. New shoes - I don’t care what kind, just invest in a new pair and they will make anything you own look better and current. Frankly, I think gold or silver flats or wedges are the best place to start.

Dear Dolly:

Where can I find my husband a new bathing suit?

The best selection is at Cohen’s and the preppiest at J. McLaughlin. Cohens carries Quiksilver, Vineyard Vines, Tommy Bahama and a few Polo by Ralph Lauren. Macy’s has a great Ralph Lauren department so you should find plenty there, too. J. McLaughlin, known for its preppy motifs on pants, has put them on bathing suits. You can choose from scull and crossbones, crabs, sailboats and more, all adorning bright, colorful trunks. Prices start around $50 and go up to $95. But he’s worth it, I’m sure.

Dear Dolly:

I want to look good in my shorts this summer but I want to exercise outside the gym. Any suggestions?

Yes! Besides running, biking or hiking, the usual suspects, my friend Patti Quicksilver, a yoga instructor and spin teacher, suggests jumping in the pool. Instead of swimming laps, tread water! You can watch your kids, chat with a friend, bug the lifeguard or just enjoy the sun. Patti tells me the resistance in water is so much higher than with other sports, your thighs are sure to benefit. And you’ll stay cool while burning calories. Time yourself but don’t watch the clock. Time will fly by and I promise you won’t drown! Try it!