Girly girls will fall head-over-heels for Spring's romantic ruffle trend. Darling Giles presents them in their frilliest, most swoon-worthy feminine form. But lest you pass out from all the pastel, remember that opposites attract, and an edgy element such as a distressed moto jacket, black leather belt or tailored blazer will go a long way as you court this look. Because it's all about contrasts - hard and soft, sheer and solid, dark and light - just like real-life love affairs.

[1] Silk Frill Dress at Topshop.com, £65.00
[2] Premium Silk Pleated Ruffle Dress at Asos.com, £40.00
[3] Pintucked Dress at Forever21.com, $27.80
[4] Lauren by Ralph Lauren Wrap Ruffle Dress at Macys.com, $179.00

Colorful, old-world embroidery gives these breezy peasant tops the perfect folk-art-meets-fashion aesthetic. With two affordable options to choose from, you can pick the blouse that best suits your taste and your budget.

Cheap: INC Embroidered Peasant Top at Macys.com, $69.00
Cheaper: Mexican-Embroidered Tops at OldNavy.com, $34.50

Remember the thrill of playing "dress up" as a young girl? Recapture that giddy feeling with this tiered polka-dot frock inspired by Betsey Johnson's Spring 2008 collection. Chances are you can even pay for it with the money that's in your piggy bank.

>> Tiered Polka Dot Dress at Forever21.com, $27.80

Save up to 40% off at OldNavy.com during their big Spring sale AND save 20-50% off items from their Modern Safari collection in stores (thanks to alert reader TexNYQueen for the tip!!). Hurry, this stuff is going fast!

What we've got our eyes on...
Left: Printed Belted Dress $29.50 $16.99
Right: Patch-Pocket Shirt Dress $34.50 $22.99

My notion of a Spring wardrobe "essential" might not be the same as your idea of a wardrobe essential. With that in mind, I proudly present these must-have orange shorts for Spring! See, ever since I spotted Versace's perfect pairing of sherbet pink and orange, I've had my heart set on finding some citrus-hued shorts - without a designer pricetag, of course - and BAM, just like that, Forever 21 created them. (At least, that's how it played out in my mind.) Life is good.

>> Orange Pleated Cotton Short at Forever21.com, $15.80

Related post:

• The perfect pink blouse to mix with your new orange shorts