The first thing I buy when I'm updating my wardrobe for a new season is my outerwear, and this Spring I was jonesing for, of all things, an updated anorak. I am eternally amused when designers take a boring, bastardly or otherwise maligned piece of clothing and resurrect it as something covetable and cool, which is precisely what Stella McCartney did months ago on the SSO8 runways with the anorak, and well, here we are today, seeing dozens of anorak offerings at every price point, in every store.

After this grand introduction, you'll probably find it amusing to see the jacket I actually purchased - it's the humble gray number on the right in the photo above. But God is in the details (trust me!) and this jacket, which I scored for $20 at H&M, has everything I could ever ask for and then some. Big pockets are perfect for stashing keys, doggie treats and plastic bags for my many daily walks with my Boxer pup. Or ya know, just for looking cool.

There's a hood, too, which is helpful considering I live in a part of the country that definitely sees plenty of Spring showers. To the untrained eye, it would appear my "revolutionary" new anorak is merely about function, but believe me when I say it has much more finesse. It's hard to explain. But I love this coat.

The closest thing I could find to it online is this Free People Nylon Hooded Jacket (above left) available at UrbanOutfitters.com for $168.00. Yeah, kinda steep. Urban has a bunch of similar styles coats, though, so definitely check them out if you love this trend as much as I do.

But wait, there's more...




Here are a few more budget-friendly anorak finds for your viewing pleasure. Try a bright color if you wear mostly neutral shades, and vice versa. I won't lie and say you'll look automagically chic, because wearing the unstructured anorak will require its wearer to do more careful styling in order to look put together and up-to-date. If you're having doubts, stick with a classic trench. But if you're ready to try something new to transition you into Spring, give the beloved anorak a go.

[1] Beige anorak at MangoShop.com (search for ref. 63015408) Orig. $99 Now $68.99
[2] Go International Twill Anorak at Target.com, $49.99
[3] Kenneth Cole Reaction City Anorak at Nordstrom.com, $98.00
[4] Bubble Sleeve Parka at ASOS.com, $121.06 NOW $61.63
[5] INC International Concepts Pullover Bubble-Sleeve Jacket at Macys.com, Orig. $69.00 Now $44.99

Buckle.com has an assortment of funky blazers marked down from $46-$69.50 to $7.01-$25.01. Yup, you heard right - you can get a blazer for as little as $7 (and most are under $15). The styles are pretty out there, but hey, you've got the skills to style them right. Check them out here.

Here's some good news to sweeten your Monday: Now you can shop ONLINE at dsw.com! This promises to be a great new site for budget babes with a passion for shoes (that's pretty much all of us I think) - but please pace yourselves, ladies!

It's Clinique Bonus time at Macy's now through Sunday, May 4th. Yours free with any Clinique purchase of $21.50 or more. Value $50.00

Your Bonus Includes:
Different Lipstick in Raspberry Glace
Long Last Lipstick in Beauty
Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
Liquid Facial Soap Mild
High Impact Mascara in Black
Clinique Colour Palette: Colour Surge Eyeshadow Duo in Like Mink
Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Smoldering Plum
Choice of a pink or purple cosmetics bag

In February JCPenney launched its new American Living label, a collection of Americana-infused women's, men's, and children's apparel and housewares masterminded by Ralph Lauren and his Global Concepts division.

I love the music they use in the The American Living commercials directed by Bruce Weber, who has worked on other campaigns for Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Abercrombie & Fitch. (FYI, the music is by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, case you're curious.)

But aside from that, I am not loving much else about this collection. The styles look outdated rather than classic, and everything is too expensive (which must explain the recent price cuts I've been noticing).

In fact, According to The New York Times, the American Living collection costs about 15 percent more than the highest-priced private labels now sold by Penney under brands like Concepts by Claiborne, Joneswear and Liz & Co.

For example, a woman’s seersucker skirt costs $70; a distressed jean jacket costs $100; and a large leather hobo costs $115.

I'm also not too keen on the brand's rustic bald-eagle-and-flag logo. A bit contrived, don't you think?

So my gut tells me this collection will be a major flop with shoppers. But if it lasts, at least American Living will provide a nice...er...counterpoint to Penney's upcoming Fabulosity clothing line.