Unfair comparisons are often drawn between floral prints and Laura Ashley or Little House on the Prairie. I say "unfair" because, as British designer Luella Bartley so cleverly proves with her Spring 2008 ready-to-wear collection, floral prints can be fierce. It's all in how you style them (and to a lesser extent where you buy them, because let's face it, the florals at Eddie Bauer won't pass for fashionable no matter how you work those buds).

So yeah, we're lovin' Luella and her diminutive, ditsy print designs. These sweet blossoms have an old-school edge that makes them good enough to pluck - and with our budget-friendly finds (they're everywhere these days!) you can afford to update your Spring wardrobe with an entire bouquet.

[1] Ditsy Flower Print Blazer at Topshop.com, £55.00
[2] Spring Chiffon Blouse at Forever21.com, $22.80
[3] Kimchi & Blue Dolly Shirt Dress at Urbn.com, $48.00
[4] Floral Cinched Bandeau One-Piece at dELiAs.com, $38.50

As you contemplate how you're going to wear ruffles this season, you may be considering a blouse with a ruffled collar, or perhaps a skirt with a ruffled hemline. But if you're feeling truly adventurous, you'll pounce on this cascading ruffle dress that boasts a veritable waterfall of tiered ruffles from top to bottom, and, in the case of the Juicy frock, ruffles on the front and back. (The cheap chic version just has them on the front.) Take the plunge with your pick of luxe or less...

>> Luxe on left: Juicy Couture Cascading Ruffle Dress in Black at RevolveClothing.com, $348.00
>> Less on right: Ruffled Shift Dress at Forever21.com, $29.80

Related posts:

• Look for Less: Tibi Ruffled Halter Dress


• Spring 2008 Fashion Trends: Romantic Ruffles

Do the colorblock rock this Spring with mod fashions and bold accessories. A single standout piece is all you need to bring any drab outfit to life - but with so many affordable options, why settle for just one? Here are seven of our top picks:

[1] Nine West Colorblock Fold Over at NineWest.com, $59.00
[2] Isaac Mizrahi for Target Empire Colorblock Dress, $29.99
[3] Blake Colorblock Bag at dELiAs.com, $26.50
[4] Simply Vera Vera Wang Colorblock Pleated Top, orig. $48 sale $36
[5] Nine West "Jobilyn" gladiator sandal at NineWest.com, $79
[6] Chinese Laundry "Sinead" t-strap sandal at LorisShoes.com, $40
[7] Woven Colorblock Dress at Forever21.com, $22.80

Bluefly, a popular online purveyor of discounted designer fashion, just launched a microsite called b*fly which carries contemporary (read: young & hip!) apparel at up to 40% off.

I'm loving this ditsy-print floral top from Free People for $41...but $99 for an Alice + Olivia tank top? I don't think so.

Time will tell if b*fly becomes a mainstay budget-fashion shopping destination for yours truly. Check it out and let everyone know what you think!

>> Visit b*fly.com

Looks from the Celia Birtwell for Express Collection: Mystic Daisy Print Pussycat Blouse, $79.50; Little Rock Print Victoria Blouse, $79.50; Mystic Daisy and Mini Posh Dot Prints Volume Sleeve Dress, $128.00

Textile designer Celia Birtwell has re-imagined her signature prints for a limited edition collection at Express. During London's '70s boho scene, Birtwell's designs graced the pages of Vogue and the forms of Twiggy, Bianca Jagger and the Beatles. In 2006, the designer had a hugely successful collaboration with UK high street chain Topshop.

Birtwell's prints are definitely fab, but dear sweet Express, your prices are still too high. You'll have to do more to get me to bypass H&M next time I'm at the mall and shop within your walls. Perhaps when these looks go on sale, I'll come a-knockin'.

>> View the collection (pssst...hey Express, when will you start selling your duds online??)