Twelve by Twelve's Jeweled Silk Minidress is the cat's meow with it's soft leopard print, rhinestone embellished neckline, and vintage silhouette.

Replace the velour band with a skinny leather belt to cast off any element of Fall, and you'll instantly be in step with some of Spring's top trends instead: The print says urban safari, the color palette consists of classic neutrals, and the fabric choice is light and sheer. And buying things on sale? Well, that's always in style.

>> Twelve by Twelve Jeweled Silk Minidress $59.00 $28.99

Forever 21 is showing off some sweet new looks that seem to say spring is on its way. If you live in a cold clime, as I do, you know temperatures won't start to climb for another couple of months, but you can still start to scout out fresh items to spruce up your wardrobe during this mid-winter season. Pick up the Striped Anchor Sweater to get a leg up on Spring's nautical trend. Bright Erika Super Skinny Jeans ($29.80) in yellow will have you in step with the citrus shades that are also huge for Spring. And, the navy Pleated 3Q Chiffon Tunic ($17.80) shown below is also available in eye-catching aquamarine, another hot hue for Spring.






>> See all the looks here.

While rich, royal purple was one of fall's hottest hues, come spring '08, we'll be seeing a more cheerful, toned-down hue that mixes pretty pinkish lavender and soft lilac. Fresh and floral, spring crocus is perfect for wearing on its own, or for pairing with the season's overarching palette of classic neutrals.


Spring 2008 Trend Alert: Pretty purple hues from Tracy Reese, Michael Kors, and Vera Wang. Image source: Style.com

Love it? Hate it? Can't wait to wear it? Share your budding thoughts on Spring 2008 trends in the comments.

>> Related Post: The Top 10 Colors for Spring 2008

Clockwise from top left: Spring 2008 looks from Diane Von Furstenberg, Badgley Mischka (2), and ADAM. Source: Style.com

Ombré, from the French ombrer meaning "to shade," is a dip-dye effect given to fabric in which the color is graduated from light to dark. The intoxicating technique, which naturally lends itself to billowy silks and bohemian silhouettes, was picked up on Spring 2008 runways by designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Badgley Mischka and ADAM (formerly Adam + Eve). While we can't expect budget retailers to recreate the sunset-glow of ombre by actually hand-dipping fabric (they've tried it by mechanical means before, but the effect is usually more tacky tie-dye than ethereal ombre) we're hopeful that modern technology will make it increasingly possible for this irresistible trend to reach the masses come spring.

J. Crew's notoriously pricey duds are now on sale and at prices we can afford! Take an additional 20% off FINAL SALE items at the preppy-chic retailer, now through Sunday January 20. Here are some deals we spotted...

Save big on a fantastic selection of elegant dresses - if you're a fast-acting bride-to-be, this Sophia short silk dress would be a stylish option for your bridesmaids. Now just $139.99 (plus an additional 20%), it's still available in sizes 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10!


Heck, if you're a bride on a budget - or simply a bride with better things to spend her hard-earned cash on than a dress she'll wear once - this Goddess Long Dress is gorgeous and looks like it was meant to be a wedding gown! It's on sale for $159.99, plus an additional 20% off when you add it to your cart.

And, remember our earlier obsession with the Balenciaga blazer? Well now you can get J. Crew's version, the Double-faced wool Lexington jacket, on sale for just $99.99 (plus 20% off).

Take your pick of gray or ivory. This piece will never go out of style.

Here's another great buy that will always be fashionable: classy and comfortable Brewster leather high boots, on sale for $99.99 (plus 20% off). Also available in extended-calf sizes, these boots were made for walkin'.




There are a ton more great deals, especially on cold-weather must-haves like cashmere sweaters, cable-knit cardigans, plus cozy hats, gloves and scarves - so be sure to check it out - the sooner the better!