Whether you’re on a budget or not my advice to you is to stay on a budget and spend your savings on your Vay-Cay spot. When packing, remember there are a few things you shouldn’t leave home without.

The 1st thing when getting ready for your getaway is a swimsuit. Victoria’s Secret is my absolute favorite place to shop when heading to the beach. Why?? Because they have a wide variety of swimsuits you can mix and match.

When it comes to a cover-up please stay on trend. Dump the wrap and hop into a cotton romper that you can wear anywhere. The romper is the hottest trend to invest in this summer and its the perfect piece to throw over that adorable bikini like this one from Forever 21 that retails for only $12.90

A pair of denim shorts, a white tank, flip flops, a bright beach towel and a big tote bag to throw all your items in are just a few things that you’ll also need for your get-a-way!

And when you’re ready to go out at night or just head to the beach, you’re not going to want to carry a big hand bag so pick up a Full-Zipped Wallet like this from Aeropostale to keep track of your cash and ID’s!  It’s the perfect accessory for any Spring Break Trip and long after you get back from the beach!

Now, I absolutely LOVE Converse (one of my favorite outfits of all time is black leggings, black converse, and a baggy t-shirt), but sometimes that thick white sole isn’t quite what I had in mind… you know what I mean?

Not only does the diet edition have less of a “sneaker” feel, I think these would be adorable worn with a variety of looks: cut-offs or… with any shorts, really…with leggings too, no matter the style (looove ‘em in neutral for spring)!

Or you can do like Jennifer Aniston does and pair them with boyfriend jeans, a fedora, a casual T-shirt and a cute scarf for a carefree Sunday afternoon look. TOO cute!

With a price tag of around $45.00, I can’t think of one reason not to buy these. That’s right… the perfect spring shoe, ladies… right here!

For the warmer weather, dark skinny jeans are still acceptable but these “acid washed” jeans are a fresh and fun update to your Spring wardrobe!  And while I’ve expressed my dislike for boot- cut styles in the past, with these lighter colors I’m being a little more open minded and I kind of like the flare leg on them like in the picture above!

But if you’re still unsure if this demin trend is for you, here are some styles you can try out with a minimal investment:

And even though some of the contestant’s wardrobe consists of top designers, like Vera Wang, you can look like one of the AI kids for a fraction of the price…here’s how:

When I watched American Idol a few weeks ago I thought Michelle Delamore’s look was right on trend for the 22 year old singer. And while I may not always agree with the judges on their opinion of the contestants performances, that night we all agreed that she looks fabulous!

She wore a white mini dress by Vera Wang, black tights, a cropped black jacket, heels and Lady GaGa-esque gloves. So… if you’re dying to know how to get this look for less start your shopping at CheapChica favorites like Charlotte Russe, Free People, and Forever 21…but remember to start with the focal point of the look.

In this case, I started with the dress and found one just like it at Forever 21 for only $29.80 and built my outfit from there…and while this trend setting singer was voted off, her diva style that night was a real winner!

This adorable jumper is made from  bamboo cotton french terry which is the kind of material I want to live in all Summer long!  This style is also available in white and I have to add that it’s the perfect buy for the start of Spring.

Use the code ELWOOD50 to save  50% off the entire Elwood range starting today on Nimli.com!

Following my daily ritual of checking the new items on Forever 21’s website, I came across a lovely lace dress that mimicked a dress I had previously obsessed over from Free People.  Although I get a “slight” discount from Free People (the benefits of being a previous Anthropologie manager…gone part-time associate) I still have a hard time spending THAT much on their clothing.

However once again Forever 21 came though on providing me with my fashion fix! This lovely lace mini dress is great on so many levels. From the contrasting fabrics, stud detailing around the neck and the sexy T back, this is one item that won’t last very long.

Originally $148 at Free People now yours for only $22.80!!! Can you believe it…hurry up and get yours!

After a disappointing collection at H&M that was way overpriced, it’s back to lusting after more shoes I can’t have from their always impressive selections…like this caged style!

I tried these on last Spring in Orange and I instantly fell in love.  They were the perfect mix of edgy and feminine and they seriously made my feet look so good–if feet can actually ever look good!

Anyway, with a $800+ price tag, that purchase never happened so when I saw them on Bluefly.com I got super excited, but they were only offering a 20% savings…and that does not a deal make.

But you know what is a good deal? This almost identical style from Piere Dumas!  Unlike the originals, they don’t offer that awesome Orange color, but if you’re looking for a black Spring/Summer sandal that doesn’t feel too heavy with skirts/dresses and all of the season’s lighter fabrics, these shoes are definitely it!!  Last time I checked they had sizes 5.5-11 in stock so act fast…at only $49 these are sure to be a sell out!

Look one features the luminous Susie Bubble in a photograph by Cafe Mode. The bright pink blends beautifully with nude beiges. A neon pink blazer is a bold and fun way to incorporate color in look two, via Chictopia. The pearls are a cute touch!

Look three, also via Chictopia, is a subdued version of pink, but looks fun, casual and comfy to wear anytime. Leopard print accessories and multiple layers of patterned pink make for a fun and stylish outfit in look four, via Team Peter Stigter. And how great is her leather blazer?

Click it/ Skip it: Click it! Not to sound like a broken record but I’m kind of obsessed with this banded style right now, and this dress from Express is one of the best renditions of the trend (besides the originals) that I’ve seen yet!

Fit: The great thing about this dress is the size run!  It comes is XXS through L but my recommendation is to size down. I know that sounds nuts, but the whole point of this dress is that it fits snug against your curves –so if you size down, it’ll hug you in all the right places while sucking you in, in all the wrong places!

Shopper’s Notes: The color on this is really beautiful…it’s got a hint of metallic but you won’t feel like a disco queen!  I also LOVE the wide one shoulder strap–it makes the silhouette very modern and current!!

It’s no secret that printed dresses are everywhere, and there will only be an even bigger influx of them with the dawn of spring. And those trillions of black boyfriend blazers you’ve been double-guessing yourself about buying? Well, you finally have an excuse to snag one on sale (I also found a few for you below).

What’s truly great about this look is that it’s very trendy yet it somehow can consist of… juuuust about any printed dress (add in an asymmetrical element if you’re feeling extra daring), just about any black blazer (you can score ones at under $15.00 if you’re willing to dig at Goodwill), and just about any black t-strap heels or sandals.

So basically, a cute, comfortable outfit that will flatter many-a body type and attainable for under $100.00. What are you waiting for?