The $4000 Budget

Time Inc. Digital Photo Studio

The $4000 Budget

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Dana's $4000 Budget

Getty Images. Imax Tree; Time Inc Digital Studio

Three InStyle staffers give us the lowdown on what they're craving for spring. The catch? Each one has a limited amount to spend ($400, $2,000, $4,000). Over the next four months, you'll see just how they strategize to round out their wardrobes.

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My Spring Inspirations

iMaxTree; Time Inc Digital Studio Getty Images; Corbis

I'm going modern with solids, as opposed to the fussy look of prints. I'm a new mom, so in the morning I want simple, flattering items.

From top to bottom:
One of my favorite shows was 3.1 Phillip Lim. The pastel combos on his runway felt so new-such a pretty trend.

I have loved Audrey Tautou ever since I saw her in Amélie 11 years ago. Her style is classic French: minimal yet ultrafeminine.

The Spanish island of Formentera, in the Mediterranean, is like Ibiza but more relaxed.

-Dana Avidan-Cohn, Market Editor

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Jason Wu for Target

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You can wear this shirtdress buttoned up or open, layered over a slip.

Polyester crêpe dress, Jason Wu for Target, $40;

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H&M

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I hate delicate sandals and feeling like my feet have no support. I like to pair feminine clothing with chunky platforms.

Suede, leather, and cotton sandals, H&M, $60; HM.COM for stores

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Forever 21

Dyad Photography

A sleeveless trench is surprisingly versatile. You can create many looks depending on your underpinnings. I'd try a long-sleeve striped T or a lace blouse with this.

Polyester-cotton trenchcoat, Forever21, $25; forever21.com for stores.

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Ann Taylor

Dyad Photography

Neon jewelry is one of my spring musts.

Glass and metal necklace, Ann Taylor, $78; anntaylor.com for stores.

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Gap

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All-white frames don’t look great with my olive complexion. This pair has a golden hue that warms up my skin’s undertones.

Plastic sunglasses, Gap, $25; gap.com.

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Rachel Roy

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This print looks luxe and sophisticated, and the price is amazing. Also, the lightweight canvas has the feel of a weekend bag, but the structured shape is perfect for the office.

Canvas shoulder bag, Rachel Roy, $79; rachelyroy.com.

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American Eagle Outfitters

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I add little bracelets to my wrists throughout the summer. The more textures you mix?sparkle, beaded, woven?the better it looks.

Faux-leather and metal bracelets, American Eagle Outfitters, $10/set; ae.com.

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Victoria's Secret Catalogue

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Buy this lightweight sweater one size larger so that it's slouchy.

Cotton sweater, Victoria's Secret Catalogue, $50; victoriassecret.com.

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Joe Fresh

Time Inc. Digital Photo Studio

This bikini's retro style is what caught my eye.

Nylon-spandex bikini, Joe Fresh, $16/$14; 212-764-1730

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The $4000 Budget

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Dana's $4000 Budget

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My Spring Inspirations

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Jason Wu for Target

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H&M

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Forever 21

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Ann Taylor

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Gap

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Rachel Roy

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American Eagle Outfitters

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Victoria's Secret Catalogue

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Joe Fresh

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The $4000 Budget

1 of 11

Dana's $4000 Budget

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My Spring Inspirations

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Jason Wu for Target

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H&M

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Forever 21

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Ann Taylor

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Gap

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Rachel Roy

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American Eagle Outfitters

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Victoria's Secret Catalogue

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Joe Fresh

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