I am headed to New York City for a 4 day, girls-only trip near the end of May. I was hoping you could help put together some practical, yet stylish, outfits for touring the city as well as something to go out for dinner in. I am on a low budget and in dire need of fashion advice! I love the effortlessly stylish looks you've put together in the past. If you could help, that'd be amazing! Thanks!!!! —J

Springtime in New York City is beautiful. May temps go into the 70s, a little cooler in the evenings, but it's always a good idea to dress in layers since weather is predictably unpredictable. Wear comfortable shoes so you can do lots of walking and pack light so you can do lots of shopping! Bring things you can wear more than once and accessories that do double duty (like the adorable metallic cross-body bag I found, you'll see it below!)

Here are three outfit ideas featuring items under $100 (most are much less) to help you enjoy your NYC vacation in style & comfort:

The Burberry Gauntlet watch features an edgy pyramid stud band. Get it on sale for $489 at burberry.com.


This pyramid stud watch from Urban Outfitters evokes a similar feel for a lot less. Get it for $34 at urbanoutfitters.com.

Hervé Léger's Cross-over bandage dress sells for $1,450 at Net-a-porter.com.


The straps on this Fitted Cutout Back Dress reminded me of the Herve Leger. It's available in purple or black for $69 at arden b.

Urban Outfitters is having its popular Last Chance $5 Sale right now! The sale includes great tops, bottoms and fashion accessories. Seems like they keep adding new merchandise into the mix so keep checking back! Sale ends 04/19/2010.

Faux leather jacket in gray, $29.99. Fit great and felt surprisingly soft!

Last week I wrote about spring fashion trends at TJ Maxx, and today I have a few highlights from my trip to Marshalls and the adjoining Shoe Megashop. In the bag department, I spotted a cherry red cross-body bag in soft leather by MICHAEL Michael Kors which I recognized from an online sale at Rue La La just days earlier. Similar styles sell for about $160 at Macy's; the Marshall's price was $79.