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.

Feminine, flowy forms dominated many Spring 2008 runways as did prints and palettes inspired by art. Christian Lacroix was no exception: At left, a floor-length loose fitting maxi dress is drenched in an exuberant watercolor design. But how to take this look from the realm of fantasy into reality? Try this very accessible chiffon bubble hem top from Wet Seal (right) for just $20.50. Wear it now with a smart jacket or knit shrug to prefigure fashionable things to come.



Left: An artistic look awash with watercolors from the Christian Lacroix Spring 2008 Ready to Wear collection. Image source: Style.com
Right: Wet Seal Chiffon Bubble Hem Top, $20.50

Because it's best to wear flats barefoot (or with Kushyfoot Ultra Low Cut Foot Covers), it's important to find a flexible, breathable style that won't pinch your toes or chafe the back of your heel. After all, it's the comfort factor that causes celebs and fashionistas to swear by shoe makers like Sue London and Tory Burch. But whereas they pay hundreds for style and comfort, we budget babes need only spend $20 to slip our tootsies into these supple leather "Rebecca" flats by Aerosoles that are equally fabulous in form and function.

From Aerosoles.com: "A supersoft leather skimmer that fits like a dream. Adorned with antiqued ornament and strap detail. Extra cushioned insole and elasticized heel give a secure fit. Flexible rubber sole. Red, white, or black leather." $79.00 NOW: $19.99