 Wedding season is almost here. We hope that you won't be stuck wearing a taffeta nightmare of a bridesmaid's gown — a too-common fate that we wish upon nobody. (Okay, maybe on our very worst enemy, but even then, we feel bad about it.) If you're the lucky bride-to-be, accept our congratulations... and might we share an idea with you? With everybody watching their pennies these days, creating a reasonable wedding budget is more important than ever. Gone are the days when a dress would cost $5,000 — and with equally beautiful but more affordable options, you don't need to spend a lot for the perfect big-day dress. Stylein's Yumeo dress is the right fit for a casual beach or backyard wedding. Its adjustable spaghetti straps show just enough skin to be seductive, while the flowing maxi-dress shape keeps things soft and sweet. Back ties create a flattering empire waist, which eliminates the need for pricey tailoring. And after the wedding, you won't need to pack this versatile piece away — just add tan sandals and you're ready for reception, honeymoon, and all the summer nights ahead.
 We can go on and on about Wink NYC's amazing Phoebe dress. It's not just the cheerful pop of pink that makes this a spring style staple. And while we love the cool cutout in the back — so unexpected, so understatedly sexy — that's only part of why we dig this dress. Why do we really love this piece? It's super-flattering on a variety of body types. Curvy girls will appreciate the cinched waist; those who have a little less up top will dig the criss-cross draping in front. (Makes the girls stand out!) But don't take our word for it; check out Real Simple's rave. They say it's flattering for every figure, and what can we say? Great minds think alike.
Say the phrase "elastic waist" and we usually have unpleasant flashbacks of our high school soccer coach, who wore unfortunate Hanes drawstring-waist sweatpants. (Loved the guy, but sartorial splendor was not his forté.) We've shunned the whole stretchy-waist genus of trousers ever since then, resisting even during the whole Juicy Couture leisure-togs phase. Until now.  It's taken a lot to break us out of our elastic-fearing shell, but these Clu banded pants coaxed us out. We love how they combine the comfort of your coziest schlep-around-the-house pants with a dose of city-girl cool. And unlike the sweatpants of olden days, these are made of a sexy cotton-silk blend that's much more "drinks at Japonais" than "huddle around the Gatorade." We love these because they're endlessly versatile, they're easy to pair with just about everything in your closet, and they're a great alternative to leggings. Would it be a, um, stretch to say that they may be the perfect piece for spring?
 Thanks to our friends over at Couturiette for picking the Anastacia Dress by Sretsis as one of their NYC Spring faves. We couldn't agree more. This ice-blue dress with shirting inspiration has the structure and shaping of the recent "political posh" trend (conservative, formal) while staying fun and flirty with a strapless, sweetheart top. So easy to accessorize with a bright pop of color! Check out more of Coururiette's picks.
Style maven Graham Kostic of Glossed & Found caught up with Team SHE Leader Nicolette Prpa to learn about the new looks pouring into the store this spring. Recession, reschmession: these looks are hot, easy and affordable. Best of all? They build on trends past, so you can get away with one or two new pieces and spruce up your look for the current day. 1. Boho Looks. You saw this a little last Spring, prepare for it to blow up this season. Look for winners from Rebecca Taylor and Garconiera. 2. The Boyfriend. You know it. His bagged-out, oversized jeans. Rips, tears, maybe some paint if he's the artistic type. Get your slouch on with jeans from PRPS and a tee by KAIN or T by Alexander Wang. 3. Political Posh. You can thank Michelle O on the cover of Vogue for resurrecting Jackie's ghost and turned the political morass of the past two years into a fashion coup. Look for structured, conservative looks you can tweak with a bit of youth (like, say, the Celia by Reb. Taylor)
 Time for a little Fashion 101. Let's start off with some vocab, shall we?
basics (bā-siks): - The go-to pieces that provide the foundation of any wardrobe
- The layering items that you'll want to wear day after day
- The latest endeavor from designer-of-the-moment Alexander Wang
Wang's much-anticipated collection of basics is finally available, named — what else? — T by Alexander Wang. And of course we have all of the line's best tees, tanks, and dresses right here. They're as soft, well-cut, and slouchy as you'd expect from Wang. In fact, they're so sleek that we're not sure if "basics" truly describes the way they can transform a woman into feeling simply sexy. Slip into one and you'll see what we mean.
 Did you hear about the huge drug bust at a Phish concert? Apparently the fuzz nabbed a bunch of jam-banders and more than one million dollars of narcotics. Crazy stuff, and yet another reason to just say no, kids. Still, while we can't get down with the doobs-and-hacky sack set, we do like a little bohemia in our wardrobes. Which is why this Garconiera dress is completely up our alley. It has just enough of that Summer-of-Love hippie vibe, but the flirty cut is so feminine and flirtatious. Wear it on its own if you're daring, wear it with white tights or leggings to make it girlier, or let it flow over a pair of skinny jeans. All are totally groovy — minus the patchouli factor.
 March has certainly roared like a lion, but what's blowing us away are the flowing dresses just arrived from James Coviello, Garconiera, Rebecca Taylor, Richard Ruiz and Rory Beca. Seeing this look after months of drear lightens our hearts as much as the weight of these cheery fabrics. Favorites include Coviello's all-over graphic patterns and Gerconiera's vintage-boho looks, something we're students of thanks to Prof. Rebecca Taylor. And Richard Ruiz's use of purple? We can't even be eloquent: we drool. Work the fuller skirts back to bright platform pumps and high chunk wedge sandals (two staples for spring footwear) or get more mileage out of those boots you bought last fall (they'll be back this coming fall). For a skimpier, tighter number like Ruiz's Petal Skirt Slip Dress, work it back to bright accessories like a pair of Biviel 1881s. In like a lion, sure; but with these looks you'll float into April like a darling lamb.
 The paper-bag waist is not just for Amazonian supermodels; it's actually incredibly flattering, especially when it involves WiNK's Devon pant. Usually, we see this kind of waistline in skirts, so it's unexpectedly fresh in trouser form. We love this crepe de chine fabric pant because it's so soft, yet sophisticated. There's a structured casualness to them. Think the comfort of sweatpants with the low-key glamour of Katharine Hepburn, and you're on your way. Who looks best in this style? This style flatters a long torso, creating the appearance of curves. So if you're a long tall Sally, this is the pant for you. (If you're not that tall dial up the high heels!) The key to making this sexy, not schlubby, is choosing the right top. Be city chic with a simple black tank and statement-making jewelry, or soften the look by tucking in a short-sleeved blouse. See? The paper-bag waist is your friend.
 OK, so it isn't officially spring yet — we're counting down the days until March 20 for that glorious day — but that doesn't mean you can't usher in the flowers a bit early. (Retire your heavy wool sweaters in a symbolic rejection of cold weather.) For the ol' vernal equinox, we love this Hyacinth Top from What Comes Around Goes Around because it's unmistakeably springlike. It's the sort of piece that's so easy to wear, you can just toss it on with a pair of jeans and be good to go ... or you can "make it more fashion," as Tyra Banks would say, by teaming it with a bright pair of trousers. (This top + Ksubi overdyed jeans + killer heels = instant gallery-hopping outfit.) Wear it with a flesh-toned cami for a sophisticatedly sexy look, or try a bright lavender layering piece to stand out. Endless possibilities!
 In the pop-culture history of Madonna, there are some things we love and some things we hate. Doing the naked tango with Vanilla Ice — and including him in her Sex book? That's a FAIL if ever one existed. But starting the whole bra-under-the-tee thing? We wholeheartedly stand behind Ms. Ciccone on that one, especially when you're showing off hip underthings like this VPL bra. It's so soft and sexy without being all in-your-face about it. It's the kind of bra that begs to be shown off, which is why it works so well under a filmy, sheer top.  We dig it underneath a Kain pocket tank, but while the weather's still on the cool side, try a slouchy, off-the-shoulder sweatshirt. And if the idea of showing off your bra is a little too Erotica-era Madge for you, never fear: VPL's Breaker tank gives you a similar look with less of the lingerie feel.
 We love rock and roll, but let's face it: Pulling off the Joan Jett look pretty much requires you to be, well, Joan Jett. On stage, the rocker-girl look works — and if your garage band is playing at Subterranean, more power to you. For the rest of us, though, some rock-inspired pieces can look costumey or too Hot Topic. Which is why we are so into this Jack Rabbit studded belt. It's a corset-inspired belt with punk-luxe pyramid studs to toughen up the look juuuuuuust enough. Use it to pull together a ho-hum outfit, to dress up jersey knits, or — if you're really daring — to top a black bodysuit. That's what we think Joan Jett would do, anyway.
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