This ombre tee is on our short list for Spring.

It's a fresh, of-the-moment take on a wardrobe basic that can be worn in a myriad of ways. What's more, the coral-weds-pink gradation will add a delicious dash of color to any ensemble.

Dip into your coffers and get one before they're gone.

>> Forever 21 Shortsleeve iridescent dye crewneck tee, $13.80

What do you get when the largest fashion magazine brand in the world collaborates with a mid-tier department store? The ELLE collection for Kohl's of course. Having launched last Spring in 300 stores and online, the ELLE collection will expand to all Kohl's stores nationwide by Spring 2008.

The ELLE collection consists of trendy wardrobe essentials such as knit and woven tops, denim and twill bottoms, skirts, dresses, shorts and jackets. Styles can be hit or miss, but with most items priced at well under $50, it's definitely worth checking out.

We recently tried on this ELLE Brushstroke Trapeze Dress on sale for just $12, down from $40. Granted, it looks like a godawful mumu in the product photo online - but in person, it's actually really cute.

The neckline is ultra flattering, the puffy sleeves unexpectedly posh, and the fabric, though not silky soft, is made from that magical sheeny fabric that never wrinkles and always drapes just right.

Okay, so maybe our photo doesn't do it justice, but hopefully you get the gist. All this frock needs is a fab belt, hot heels and the right attitude to bring it all together.

Socialite designer Rachel Roy, who served as creative director for her hip-hop mogul husband Damon Dash's Rocawear line, recently caught our attention with a series of art-inspired dresses for Spring. Her ready-to-wear collection includes this bateau neckline brushstroke-print dress splashed with delicate pastel watercolors. It's lovely, but hardly worth $1,475.00. Instead, make a splash and save some cash in this similar Simply Vera Vera Wang watercolor-drenched dress (that's us modeling it on the right). For the more reasonable price of $78, some might say it's a ::cough:: stroke of genius. (Update: The Simply Vera Vera Wang 'Brushstroke' dress is now available online at Kohls.com, on sale for $58.50.)



Get more designer looks for less. >>
The scoop on Spring trends for 2008 >>

Get ready to navigate the urban jungle in a stylish shirtdress. Take your pick of luxe or less...



Luxe: Rag & Bone Combat Dress, $265.00. 95% cotton, 5% lycra. Dry clean.
Less: Old Navy Safari Shirt Dress, $34.50. 99% cotton, 1% spandex. Machine wash.

Recently, we reported that Old Navy was undergoing a facelift to present shoppers with quicker turnarounds and more fashion-forward options. After visiting one of their stores over the weekend, we're pleased to announce that their latest safari-inspired collection for Spring delivered and is nothing short of delightful.



Immediately upon entering, we were greeted by mannequins sporting these effortless modern safari frocks. You can't go wrong with any of these looks. The colors are perfect for making a smooth transition from Winter to Spring. The cuts are updated classics that flatter most figures. Best part is you could easily dress any of these outfits up or down with the right shoes and accessories.

When the agenda calls for casual chic, try these leather gladiator sandals - they looked super cute in person, and definitely appear pricier than their $19.50 pricetag. Ditto for these sexy strappy platform sandals which are just $34.50. We'll probably end up buying them later.




Other highlights for us included this brilliant orange sleeveless shirtdress (left) with origami-inspired pleats at the neckline. Breezy, soft cotton and a lovely price of $29.50. Says "safari" without being too literal. Also available in khaki or black.

Not for the shrinking violet, this colorful, tribal-print maxi dress (right) is certainly an eye-catching look for Spring - yet the fabric and cut is really laid back. Love it, fits great. At $34.50, it easily rivals dresses that cost five times as much.




In addition to this sharp shirtdress (left), Old Navy had a solid selection of urban safari jackets, shorts, and rompers that looked as good - if not better- than anything you'd find at a store like Banana, but at a fraction of the cost. The khaki shirtdress ($34.50) we tried on looked great with skinny jeans, too. Just make sure to cinch it with a stylish belt, a must-have for Spring (and for showing off those curves).

This feminine belted frock (right) with a smart print and simple silhouette added a vintage flavor to the collection. Perfect for running errands on the weekend, catching an outdoor movie, or browsing a used book sale. Just really effortlessly-chic, and something so comfortable, you'll always be reaching for it. ($29.50)

Bottom line: If you like the modern safari look (and honestly, who doesn't?), this is your one stop-shop to get it. From shoes, handbags, and scarves to dresses, tanks, jackets and cardigans, it's Spring fashion made simple.