Plaid for Spring? Sure! Why not? At least, that's the message designer Frida Giannini was giving us with her Spring 2008 collection for Gucci. Gianni proved that plaids, typically reserved for chilly fall and winter seasons, can be fresh and unexpected when the temperatures turn upwards, too. Try the look with these plaid pants from Forever 21 and you'll be tiptoeing through the tulips in tartan.


Left: A look from the Spring 2008 Gucci runway. Image source: Style.com
Right: Forever 21 Flared Plaid Trousers, $24.80

In her Style.com runway review, writer Nicole Phelps pinpoints the theme of the Spring 2008 Marc by Marc Jacobs runway show by calling it "Pan Am stewardesses, by way of Mary Tyler Moore." To illustrate her point (because she's spot on), we offer the look on the left as well as its budget fashion doppelgänger on the right. Oh, and this assessment: Both are so ugly, they're cute!



Left: A look from the Spring 2008 Marc by Marc Jacobs runway. Image source: Style.com
Right: Forever 21 Jessica Satin Tunic, $29.80

Courtesy Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel's Spring 2008 runway was a veritable parade of stars and stripes and all things Americana. Pay tribute to the red, white and blue in your own version of Old Glory-chic with Forever 21's navy and white wide-stripe blazer. Not feeling the Fourth of July vibe? Rock the jacket with Spring's equally hot nautical trend.



Left: A look from the Chanel Spring 2008 runway. Image source: Style.com
Right: Forever 21 Wide Stripe Blazer, $24.80. 3/4 sleeve wide stripe blazer with single hook and eye closure. Features lined welt pockets, back buckle tab.

With creative and tasteful applications of metallics such as this embellished Chloé mini skirt (left) - and its oh-so-affordable Twelve by Twelve understudies (right) - me thinks this trend is here to stay for a very, very long time. And if we're wrong? Opt for the lesser priced version and you'll only be $50 poorer.

Luxe: Chloé mini skirt WAS: $1,910.00 NOW: $1,146.00
Less (Top): Twelve by Twelve wool cowlneck dress, $49.50
Less (Bottom): Twelve by Twelve wool turtleneck dress, $49.50

The latest looks to emerge from the Simply Vera Vera Wang collection for Kohl's continue to beautifully demonstrate the designer's philosophy of comfort, style and individuality—all at a price you can afford. Tell us what you think in the comments...


Intelligent layering


Mixing textures


Comfort and style


Luxe details


Classics with a twist


Rich accent colors


Modern silhouettes