Dana's Spring Budget: $2,000

HER STRATEGY "I go to the beach as often as I can-and all these pieces are summer essentials. I've been a swimwear editor for six years, so I have a million bikinis. But now that one pieces no longer look dowdy, I'm going to make that leap."

HER INSPIRATION "I had a baby in January. Any mom who saw this picture of Gisele Bundchen and her son would be impressed. She looks incredible. I want to look stylish but in soft, natural colors and fabrics."

Raffia Hat, $275

"A great beach hat is a must. I love the open weave because it doesn't look as serious as solid straw."

Raffia hat, Helen Kaminski, $275;

helenkaminski.com.

Metal Ring With Swarovski Crystals, $81

"The subtle sparkle is muted enough to wear this ring every day."

Metal ring with Swarovski crystals, Made Her Think. $81;

madeherthink.com.

Nylon Swimsuit, $240

"One-piece suits are definitely back this year. The vertical zigzags are very slimming, and the plunging neckline is so sexy."

Nylon swimsuit, Inca, $240; 305-673-9101.

Denim Shorts, $34

"Denim shorts should be a little loose in the thigh. It makes you appear slimmer."

Denim Shorts, Levis, $34; at Macy's.

JUNE TOTAL: $630
REMAINING BUDGET: $1

HER STRATEGY "Now that it's getting warmer, I'm seeking out flowy silhouettes in breathable fabrics that I can wear through summer. And I like getting prints that remind me of the markets in Tulum, Mexico. It helps me keep that vacation vibe."

HER INSPIRATION "I hate complicated dressing, especially this time of year. Sophia Loren exemplifies the simple, effortless style I'm after. And her tunic looks just like the one I bought!"

Cotton Gauze Tunic, $87

"This is so soft and lightweight, perfect for vacation. I'll wear it over a bikini or as a dress over a cotton slip."

Eberjey Swimwear, $87; 847-945-7674.

Cotton Scarf, $140

"I get obsessed with scarves and will wear the same one for two weeks straight. Combine this with a black T-shirt dress and gladiators, and you're done."

Lemlem, $140; at

lemlem.com.

Cotton Canvas Flats $195

"These vibrant fabric flats will add a pop of color to cropped skinny jeans and a white T."

Cynthia Vincent;

bloomingdales.com.

MAY TOTAL: amp#36;422
REMAINING BUDGET: amp#36;631

HER STRATEGY "My new neutral is nude. The shade works well with my dark brown hair and eyes. In the past, I've wanted crisp, clean white, but this spring I'm after something softer. These tones look expensive when grouped together."

HER INSPIRATION "Derek Lam's show. If you're wearing neutrals from head to toe, you want the hues to vary slightly. Derek did it perfectly."

Linen-Viscose Tank, $185

"One of my favorite T-shirt companies is now making loose, woven knits. This top is sheer, so I'll layer it with tanks I already own."

Kain Label, $185;

singer22.com.

Silver Ring, $95

"This is a wishbone. I'm into lucky charms, such as hamsa and evil eyes."

Elizabeth and James, $95;

shopbop.com.

Leather Sandals, $138

"I buy gladiators every year. I don't like floppy sandals; I need something that holds to my foot when I'm walking."

J.Crew, $138;

jcrew.com.

APRIL TOTAL: $417
REMAINING BUDGET: $1,053

Dana Avidan, Market Editor

"I tend to go a little boho this time of year. I'm seeing a lot of washed floral patterns and global prints as accents on scarves and shoes."

HER SPRING INSPIRATION (clockwise from top): "Flipping through the book Resort Fashion I came across this shot and fell in love. It reminds me of summer and being at the beach."

"The clothes at Thakoon were really girlie but had tough elements. This is a look I'd do head to toe."

"The soft pinks, blues and purples in Monet's Water lilies are the shades that best suit my olive skin tone."

Silk Dress, $345

"A lightweight silk dress like this one is great for weekend trips because it takes up as much room in your bag as a pair of socks! Try it under a navy cardigan or belted chambray shirt."

Rebecca Taylor; 770-433-2989.

Rhodium-Plated and Waxed-Cotton Bracelet, $185

"Burgundy is more interesting than black to me. And this thick bracelet looks substantial, even when you wear it on its own."

Giles & Brother;

gilesandbrother.com.

MARCH TOTAL: $530
REMAINING BUDGET: $1,470