Budget Fashion

Actress Thandie Newton wore a multi-tiered Jonathan Saunders organza dress to the premiere of No Country For Old Men that perfectly highlights her smart taste in fashion: The color palette is bold yet flattering, while the silhouette is visually interesting without overshadowing her gorgeous figure.

Equally important are the ways she's chosen to style her hair (simple, smooth, and chic), and her makeup (fresh, dewy, and understated). Sexy peep-toe heels provide the perfect compliment to complete the look.

We haven't got one bad thing to say about this look, except the dress is a wee bit beyond our budget. Enter Forever 21's Tiered Shift Dress (right). At $22.80, it might not be pure silk or have a designer label, but it's definitely a steal.

>> Left: Jonathan Saunders 'Brent' block color mini dress at Net-a-porter.com, Was $1,635 Now $1,144
>> Right: Tiered Shift Dress at Forever21.com, $22.80

Pink is hot, but hot pink is even hotter. Just take a look at Burberry Prorsum's Spring 2008 runway - the three looks above elevate Barbie's favorite color to dramatic new heights. Now wipe the drool from your chin, and keep scrolling for some budget friendly ways to add this irresistible hue to your wardrobe...

alice + olivia for Payless Platform Missy Sandal at Payless.com, $35.00


Isaac Mizrahi for Target Bollywood Summer Dress at Target.com, $44.99


Nine West Fold Over Clutch at WilsonsLeather.com, Orig. $59.00 Now $44.25

I feel like Spring's nautical trend has been eclipsed by all the rest (global, urban safari, bright colors, artsy prints, etc.) - but it's out there, and it's one of the easiest to wear. Take, for instance, these Trina Turk "Pim" shorts (left): A sailor-style button front secures cuffed twill shorts, flatteringly fitted with a V-shaped inset waist. You could wear them with a striped bandeau top to continue the seafarer theme, or mix trends and pair it with a bold print halter top (shown here: Trina Turk 'Astrid' Blouse, but budget versions abound, too.) In short, both land and sea offer limitless inspiration for our Spring wardrobes.

>> Left: Trina Turk 'Pim' Shorts at Nordstrom.com, $178.00
>> Right: Double Button Cuff Short at Forever21.com, $17.80

SPREAD YOUR WINGS Take a cue from Alexander McQueen (who took his cue from Mother Nature) and transform your Spring wardrobe with some unexpectedly stylish butterflies.

Clockwise from top left: Butterfly Print Dress at Topshop.com, £40.00; Metallic Butterfly Tunic at Forever21.com, $22.80; Gold Butterfly T-shirt at Forever21.com, $15.80; Embroidered Butterfly Satin Top at Forever21.com, $24.80; In Background: Butterfly Cotton Scarf at Forever21.com, $5.80; Butterflies Necklace at Topshop.com, Now £12.50.

American designer Rogan Gregory is next in line for Target's GO International. Gregory is a former Gap designer and 2008 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award winner with three of his own socially-conscious labels: his eponymous Rogan collection, ethical T-shirt label EDUN, and Loomstate, featuring all-organic tees and jeans.

What's unique about Rogan for Target is that all the cotton used is 100% certified organic. So while the styles themselves aren't exactly jaw-dropping, it's affordable, eco-friendly stuff we could easily wear every day. I'm dying to get my hands on an organic bamboo and hemp hoodie, and can't wait to see if the jeans will have that trademark fit which Gregory's pricey line is so well-known for. Plus, we're just happy that fast fashion is going green(ish).

The collection launches on Target.com/go and at most Target stores nationwide on May 18, 2008, and will be available through June 28. Scroll down for more pics...and tell us what you think in the comments.

I like to think I'm a free spirit at heart, but I can't say I've ever felt the urge to wear tie dye to make that point. Still, I'll try almost anything once (stress: almost), and these tie dye halters are starting to grow on me (number III is more dip dye than tie dye, but whatev). Forever 21's take (center) is my favorite for those rich emerald green hues - and because I don't want to invest too much in a trend that might be here today, gone tomorrow...

I. Young Fabulous & Broke Tie Dye Twist T-Bar Back Jersey Dress at ASOS.com, $392.58
II. Tie Dye Chiffon Halter at Forever21.com, $27.80
III. French Connection Pretty Grunge Dress at fcuk.com, $178.00

During a Sex and the City: The Movie reunion on Oprah last week, Sarah Jessica Parker looked positively lit from within wearing a bright floral frock. I think it's a sign that I need to buy something floral, too... that, and the fact that my neighborhood has literally come to life with an eruption of colorful spring flowers including dogwood, magnolia, crabapple, and cherry trees as well as flowering shrubs and bushes like forsythia, azalea and now, lilacs.

Of course, I know florals are huge for Spring, but it seems like lately, the entire universe is conspiring to make me take notice of this trend, take the plunge and actually buy something with a floral print - and it's working!

Forever 21 is in on the scheme as well with an incredible offering of unique, fresh takes on florals. I think I'll start with one (or two) of the skirts above. It's so simple to wear floral skirts, just pair with a solid tank or tee, strappy sandals and you're done. Summer, here we come.