While we don’t exactly have a huge budget for spring or summer wardrobe this year (mostly just gift cards I’ve been saving carefully from Christmas), I can’t wait to pick up a few items and mix and match them with my warm-weather clothes that have been tucked away all winter. I think that’s my favorite part of putting away seasonal clothes — all of a sudden I have “new” things to wear! For spring while it’s still a little chilly, I’m envisioning a look like this one. Simple basics with metallic flats and some color on my nails and in my bag. A cute haircut and pretty earrings go a long way too!

If you’re longing for some spring duds but are low on cash (or you just don’t know where to start), I’d definitely snag a copy of my pal Jill’s new ebook, the Spring 2010 looks:book. For only $4 she lists wearable spring trends (with examples and sources!) and even mixes and matches them into fresh new outfits to get the most bang for your buck. Even if you only have the cash for a few new pieces, you’ll get great ideas for how to mix them into your existing wardrobe. I bought mine, and you’ll be seeing me sporting some of my new looks soon!

What trend (or old fave) are you looking forward to now that the weather is warming up?

Rachel McAdams, my choice for best dressed.

Sandra Bullock, Best Actress, looked stunning in sparkles and the night’s signature lip color, hot pink.

Maggie Gyllenhaal was gorgeous in florals.

This isn’t a great picture of Elizabeth Banks’ dress, but I loved it when she was presenting.

Call me crazy, but I think Miley looks grown up and beautiful in this gown.

Kristen Stewart’s dress was classic and elegant in an unexpected shade of matte inky silk.

All photos from People.

Example #1. Mix evening with daytime. Maybe you think a sequined dress is too much for day? Wrong, at least when it’s toned down by casual jacket and kicks. Bring it all together with a bag that is still shiny but has a casual shape, like a cross-body tote.

sparkle by Magchunk featuring Converse shoes

Example #2. Bring color to the forefront by picking a top that contrasts with your jacket. Here I chose red. For Elizabeth’s jacket, which is purple, I might choose a bright olive green or bright pink. Add a simple denim or courdory skirt and platform sandals.

color by Magchunk featuring Nine West shoes

Example #3. Accessories are king. With just a plain tee and straight-leg jeans with a rolled-up cuff you can have a show-stopping outfit by adding the right accessories. I started with a belt and shoe combo. I wanted a pop of color in the belt that would stand out from the color of the jacket. With the shoe you COULD go matchy-matchy but I think a glittering metallic steps it up a notch. These shoes shouldn’t be strappy prom shoes. A pump or stilletto in a fun texture. To tie it all together, a mixture of bangles with metallics and the pink of the belt work perfectly.

bangle by Magchunk featuring American Eagle Outfitters jeans

Well Elizabeth, do you think you could find pieces like this in your closet to try out? Readers, you’ll find that by thinking outside the box (the box here being: anoraks go with sweaters and pants) you will open up a whole new facet to your wardrobe. Take these specific items as suggestions and find something within your own budget!

Well the weather is a bit gloomy today in Seattle but we did have a burst of sun yesterday afternoon that picked my spirits up. Today I’m riding that sunshine wave by dreaming about springtime and this gorgeous dress from Tibi. I just can’t get enough of the fun colors. The flattering bodice is a bonus too, and I just love the cleverness of a tulip skirt on a floral dress.

Wouldn’t this be the perfect little dress for a spring luncheon, bridal or baby shower, date or wedding? Paired with a blazer and closed-toe heel it would be appropriate for work. Throw a little cardigan or shrug over and add strappy heels and a clutch and you’re good to go for a date. Or cover up with a military or safari jacket or anorak, and some cute red flats and you’re ready for brunch and the farmer’s market. The possibilities are endless.

At $345 it’s not a bargain, but you could apply the same principles to any floral dress. Keep the pattern large and bright with a white background and keep the cut simple and flattering. See how the dress follows her shape but doesn’t cling? That’s what you’re looking for here.

We’ll have more spring fashion finds coming soon. Let me know what you’re dreaming of and I’ll try to include it. Military? Florals? Budget items? Let’s hear it!

Even a dress can be comfy…

layered by Magchunk featuring American Eagle Outfitters

Leggings and a cozy sweater are the ultimate comfort clothes…

shot of red by Magchunk featuring London Fog bags

Add boots to this comfy outfit and you get instant edge…

beatles by Magchunk featuring American Eagle Outfitters

Which would you wear?

I love absolutely everything about this outfit, seen on The Sartorialist.

Love the distressed jeans with the casual tops and shrunken blazer.I kind of desperately want a pair of shoes like these. And that is the exact bag I’ve been searching for to carry on my commute.

Think this one could pass on the same wavelength?

It’s from Old Navy, and it’s on sale for a whopping $18.99.

How are you guys feeling about the whole rolled up boyfriend/distressed jean look? I like it in pictures but have yet to try it out myself. Hard to believe that a short gal like me could pull it off (I’m 5’1″).

Christmas cocktails at a swanky soiree

dressy dinner by Magchunk featuring Arden B

Hanging around the tree with your folks and siblings

cozy unwrapping by Magchunk featuring Minnetonka shoes

Making a good impression on his parents

casually glam by Magchunk featuring Splendid

Now you and your snow bunny never have to let go. With a pair of “Smittens” you can hold hands all in the warmth of a cozy mitten built for two.

This might make a fun gift for newlyweds or even a Valentine’s gift if it’s still snowy in your parts around February. At $49 it’s not a novelty gift, so I’d get it only for those who are true lovebirds.

All outfits chosen with cost in mind. Tried to keep each piece under $100, and often much much less.

So if he’s taking you…

To the clubs to dance all night…

Cocktails by Magchunk featuring Forever21 jewelry

To his avant garde art show…

city by Magchunk featuring Forever21 shoes

To pasta dinner and a movie…

flea market by Magchunk featuring Forever21

You’ll look fabulous.

Feels like a fashion fantasy kind of day, doesn’t it?

Let me take you on a quick jaunt through Paris. Don’t worry, it will only take a moment.

A crisp fall breeze brushes your face and the leaves cruch underfoot as you tip-tap across the cobblestones in your Louboutins. The delicate chiffon ruffles of your blouse flutter ever so slightly as you wrap your blazer a little tighter around you. You stop at your favorite cafe on the River Seine and order deux croissants, one for you and one for your lover, bien sur, and un cafe au lait. You perch ever-so-elegantly on the edge of your wire chair as you wait for him to arrive, sipping at your coffee, stopping only once to touch up your lipstick.

But wait, is that the Sartorialist? It is, and he is captivated by your chicness and asks to take your photo. You oh-so-humbly agree. By then your date has arrived (Bonjour, Monsieur Clooney), and he whisks you off for a romantic dinner of escargot and the finest champagne you’ve ever had. Before you know it, you’ve danced under the stars and the sun is rising again.

Ooh lala how times flies when you’re wearing Louboutins.