Spring Fashion Breaks

It only takes a few minutes of scanning your favorite stores online or strolling through the mall to realize that now is a great time to give yourself (and your wallet) a break. Emerge from that stuffy old parka and come into the daylight savings plan. It's time to get stimulated again.

Retailers are ready to make you a deal. You'll find winter clearance sales in full swing ... and even bargains on new spring merchandise.
As a general rule, you can get away with paying less for clothes you wear this time of year.

Here are some places you'll find some real fashion breaks for under $50:

— The whole "Bollywood" trend is playing at an Old Navy near you. From printed slouchy bags for $12.50 to paisley tunics for $24.50 to printed flip-flops for $6.50 (love the argyle ones for the guys), there are plenty of ways to update your wardrobe. And you can even try a trendy "maxi dress" at these prices.

— JCPenney is also part of the maxi trend with their designer collections. Instead of a sundress, why not go for a longer length dress like the paisley one by Bisou Bisou or the bold striped version by Allen B. Schwartz on sale for $59.99? Well, they do cost a little more than that original $50 budget, but these dresses look much more expensive than they are. Visit www.jcpenney.com for more details.

— Macy's has always a great place to browse for the latest trends on a large scale. This year, Macy's has a thing for choosing great dresses embellished with flirty ruffles or fluttery sleeves — all for under $50. And guys aren't left out either. Check out the polos and crewnecks for $9.99 at www.macys.com.

— Ever since Vera Wang stepped onto the retail stage at Kohl's, the fashion quotient has been moved up to a new level. Vera is still providing fresh and fun items to this store's merchandise lineup.

Her signature plum-colored sheath dress is a great deal on sale at $44.99, but her painterly floral T-shirts at $19.99 are perfect for spring and summer. And don't forget to check out newcomer Dana Buchman's collection. Check out the animal-print aviator sunglasses for $25 at www.kohls.com.

— Target is another retail giant that has tapped into the designer-driven market, giving consumers great looks at even better prices. Mossimo Giannulli's collections are always budget priced — I mean we're talking jersey dresses in the latest candy stripe colors for $19.99 — but I always head first to the accessory aisles.

This spring, Target is partnering with internationally acclaimed accessories designers Lily Band and Sulaika Zarrouk to launch a limited-edition handbag collection, Felix Rey for Target. The Felix Rey for Target collection will be in stores beginning March 29, 2009 until June 14, 2009 and ranges in price from $19.99 to $49.99. Visit www.target.com for more information on these products.

— If you haven't been in a Sears store in awhile, you might be surprised at what fashionable goodies await you. The Apostrophe collection is brimming with trendy pieces that you can easily work into a professional wardrobe. For more casual options at budget-conscious prices, check out the Tropical Escapes collection online at www.sears.com. And you'll find classic halter dresses and tie-front tunics for only $17.99 each.

— One of my all-time favorite designers is Norma Kamali. Her concrete-clad store OMO, on W. 56th Street in Manhattan, is a must-see for fashionistas of all ages. Even though I love visiting her inspiring store when I go to New York, I have to tell you I'm very happy that Norma's at Wal-Mart now, too.

It really inspired me when I ordered a black jersey top for $20 online at www.walmart.com. This "All-In-One" piece can be worn as a boatneck tunic, a halter, a one-shoulder top or a skirt. Now that's getting a lot for your money, if you ask me.

Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association.

Tag: fashion in fashion