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Among all the florals that designers sent down the runways for Spring 2009, some of the freshest prints for me were modern and abstract in their execution. I love the girly ones, too, but florals that are blurry or painted with wide brush strokes have a great energy about them that makes them particularly fashiony and sexy. The way Emanuel Ungaro styled an abstract floral skirt seems particularly perfect, and I think I may have found four alternatives that could help you achieve a similar look. Question is, would you wear one?

Keep reading for details (I don't want the brand name or price to sway your decisions!)

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For Spring 2009, designers such as Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood, William Rast and Michael Kors sent models down the runway sporting a familiar print that can best be described as "summer" plaid—that classic check print we know and love only in softer colors, lighter fabrics and breezier cuts. Rast took it in a grunge direction, Kors dished it up as preppy Americana, and Jacobs pushed plaid to, um, I'm not even going to try to describe it! Beyond the catwalks, I've seen some perfect plaid pieces coming from labels like Elizabeth & James, Steve Alan and Mike & Chris. And in budget land, there are chic plaid pieces aplenty, too (as you'll see in the widget below.) This might be a passing obsession, but I think I need some plaid, stat. Think you'll try it?

This Alice + Olivia Cotton Sateen Rolled Sleeve Blazer has been spotted on such trendsetters as Lauren Conrad and Olivia Palermo (see our earlier post where we featured Lauren's entire look-for-less here). It has all the hallmarks of a timeless wardrobe essential, one that can be worn infinite ways, which makes the out-of-reach $385 pricetag that much more gut wrenching...


But wait! Wipe that tear away, because here's a blazer that's just as stylish (ok, almost as stylish!), with a price that's easy to stomach: Aqua's Black Boyfriend Jacket with Striped Lining is a very manageable $88 at Bloomingdales.com. Note the fab striped lining that peeks out when you roll the cuffs. Perfection!

Deal alert: $25 Off Purchases of $100 or More at Bloomingdales.com • Enter Code SAVE25 at Checkout. Some Exclusions • Ends 5/10

We have our winner! Congratulations to #18 Karen, who wrote "I love the Bright Side Gloom and Bloom tee." Thanks to everyone who participated!




Please note: This contest is now closed, check back tomorrow for the winner!

Shade Clothing has partnered with the United Way to help families in need. Starting today, Shade is offering a new line of tees as part of The Bright Side collection. Each tee is just $20, and fifty percent of the proceeds of the shirts will go to the United Way to help families who are struggling.

To help get the word out about this great cause, we've teamed up with Shade to offer one lucky Budget Babe reader the chance to win a $25 gift certificate to ShadeClothing.com!

To enter, visit ShadeClothing.com, then tell us which Bright Side tee is your favorite in the comments.

Good luck!!

Be sure to use a valid email address and include info(at)thebudgetbabe.com in your address book so we can contact you if you're the winner. Email addresses will not be shared and will only be used to notify you if you're the winner for this giveaway. Comments must be posted by 12 noon ET on Monday May 11 to be eligible to win. One lucky winner will be chosen at random, and will be announced on Tuesday May 12.

Speaking of the best bathing suits on a budget...Urban Outfitters is now having a Swim Sale, with select styles marked down to $14.99. Mix and match sexy separates, or pick up a fun and flirty one-piece. Not sure when this sale ends, so shop soon for the best selection!

Additional Deal: 15% Off Purchases Over $100 • Enter Code SUNNY15 at Checkout • Ends 5/12