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.

These hot pink denim jeans from Forever 21 have got me singing...

"Some say it's mystic
It's electric
Boogie woogie, woogie
You can't resist it
It's electric
Boogie woogie, woogie
You can't do without it
It's electric
Boogie woogie, woogie
Jiggle-a-mesa-cara she's a pumpin' like a matic
She's movin' like electric
She sure got the boogie..."

>> Hot Pink Kaira Skinny Jean, $29.80

Related Links:
>> Spring 2008's neon & neutral trend

Nothing says "Be my Valentine" quite like sexy lingerie. Then again, nothing says "turn off" quite like a steep price tag. Lucky for us, red-hot lingerie doesn't have to cost a bundle. And why should it? We make the case for cheap thrills:

• Sexy is a state of mind, not a dollar sign.


• Gents don't care one way or the other (but if they want to buy us fine lingerie as a gift, that's perfectly acceptable - and encouraged.)


• Rough play in the boudoir warrants worry-free prices at the checkout counter.


• Passion is stifled by overpriced, overly precious underthings.


• All your favorite budget fashion retailers carry chic intimate apparel at dirt-cheap prices. Try H&M, Forever 21, Rampage, Marshall's, T.J. Maxx and Target.

Budget lingerie from Forever 21: [1] Satin Lace Slip in hot pink, $10.80 [2] Bella Babydoll Slip in rose, $15.80 [3] Jessica Slip in black, $12.80 [4] Satin Lace Slip in purple, $10.80

Feathers are in full flight in the fashion world. Catherine Malandrino's Salvador sleeveless mini dress (left) boasts a hem of frothy feathers, but despite its hefty $326.90 pricetag, this little birdie has flown the coop (that is, it's sold out). Nonetheless, we budget babes can still spread our sartorial wings and fly thanks to Twelve by Twelve's affordable feathered mini dress (right). At $59.00, it's not cheap cheap cheap, but as the saying goes, "A feathered frock in the hand is worth two in the bush."

Twelve by Twelve's Jeweled Silk Minidress is the cat's meow with it's soft leopard print, rhinestone embellished neckline, and vintage silhouette.

Replace the velour band with a skinny leather belt to cast off any element of Fall, and you'll instantly be in step with some of Spring's top trends instead: The print says urban safari, the color palette consists of classic neutrals, and the fabric choice is light and sheer. And buying things on sale? Well, that's always in style.

>> Twelve by Twelve Jeweled Silk Minidress $59.00 $28.99