Chic Skirts And Dresses

The editors at Marie Claire magazine believe you can look fantastic this spring without breaking the bank.

On Wednesday's Chic on a Shoestring, Marie Claire editor-in-chief Lesley Jane Seymour shows her favorite looks this season, and she puts The Early Show's Hannah Storm, Debbye Turner and Dave Price to the test to distinguish the steals from splurges. Storm and Turner had a perfect score.

Seymour says dresses and skirts should be considered your spring wardrobe's most valuable player. And, this season's eye-popping colors are easy-to-wear and guaranteed to get everyone's attention.

The following are the dresses featured on The Early Show:

Halter Top Dresses
The halter top is back this season. Mixed with this beautiful trendy green, Seymour says it looks sweet and sexy at the same time.

Splurge:
Green Chiffon Chloe Dress, $2,175
Celine Gold Open Toe Sling Backs, $495

Total: $2,670

Steal:
Green Cotton Spaghetti Strap Dress Victoria's Secret, $128
Stuart Weitzman Gold Shoes, $205
Total: $333

Difference:
The "Celine" name adds to the splurge; plus the splurge is made of chiffon versus cotton, which is used in the Victoria's secret dress.

Floral Print Skirts
Seymour says skirts are great because you can wear them in multiple ways as you mix and match different tops and accessories. The floral print continues to be a trend this spring. The floral print demonstrated by Seymour is less English rose, but more island-inspired.

Steal:
Green Asymetrical Top With Flower Pin by Necessary Objects, $38
Floral Print Skirt from Rampage, $44
Colin Stuart White Open Toe Sling Backs, $49

Total: $131

Splurge:
Green Asymeterical Top with Flower Pin from Celine, $335
Floral Print Skirt from Celine, $795
Palm-Printed Skirt with Hibiscus Flowers $795
Stuart Weitzman White Open Toe Sling Backs, $205

Total: $1,335

Difference: The Celine is made with a high-tech stretch material versus the cotton on the steal item.

Chiffon
Seymour says chiffon is back, and it's romantic, but not fussy if worn right. Again we see the floral print here.

Splurge:
Marc Jacobs Chiffon Floral Tank Dress: $1,800
Stuart Weitzman Tan Sling Back, $205

Total: $2,005

Steal:
Maggie London Chiffon Floral Dress, $128
Colin Stuart Tan Sling Backs, $49

Total: $177

Difference: Although both dresses are chiffon, the Marc Jacobs is a higher-quality chiffon. Also, the cut is better with Marc Jacobs.