**editor’s note:  don’t forget our  fab lillybee shoe giveaway this week.  enter here!!

i sort of can’t believe i’m telling you about new spring markdowns when there was frost on my car this morning.  but hey, the deals don’t lie.  shopbop, saks and net-a-porter have all begun their spring markdowns, so if you’re jonesing for some color after months of drab grey, get out your amex.

but, because we’re being frugal this season, i wanted to stick to picks that were a really good value, either in terms of longevity or in terms of impact.

that tibi dress above scores high in both categories.  it’s marked down to $213 at NAP.  it’s silk jersey, and i just can’t get enough of that graphic yellow pattern – definitely hot for spring, but it’s not going to look dated in a year or two.  the buttons and ruffle detail keep it trendy and work-appropriate, but i’d love to see this one unbuttoned at the top with a sexy, lingerie-style cami underneath.  i might even experiment with leaving the whole piece unbuttoned, belting at the waist (with something other than the tie-belt it comes with), and adding a sexy rocker legging and gladiator heels.

i admit, the yellow suede tory burch jacket isn’t exactly a steal at $416.  but, it is suede…i’d be skeptical if it was too cheap.  and this one really does have endless potential for spring, without being overly trendy – this definitely falls in the “if you’re going to buy one piece this spring” category.  wear it now with jeans, or dark neutral slacks at the office (just stay away from black, please…no bumblebee ensembles).  in fact, i might even try pairing this with a plaid or windowpane pant from winter and a contrasting top underneath.  what i love about this piece is that the shaping and cut make it perfect for work or weekend, and it will even work as a topper for a summer dress you’re dying to break out now.  throw it on, add tights, presto!  (hmm. as long as we’re browsing, don’t miss this plaid steven alan shirt, please…doesn’t exactly scream spring, but it’s perfect enough i’m willing to overlook that.)

and, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that mega-jewelry is still huge for spring (no pun intended) – particularly the statement necklace.  the great thing about this piece is that you can use it with anything from a work suit to a tee-and-jeans ensemble to instantly add some mod to your look without breaking the bank.  my pick is this archive bow necklace from the shopbop sale.  i’ve been just loving the multi-chain necklaces this season, but they’re a little more punk than i can pull off.  but this one is perfectly preppy, completely office-friendly, and will dress up anything from a suit to a tank with impeccable style.

and after you finish browsing (or buying), come back and tell me how you splurged…or what you’re dreaming of for spring.  i’d love to know what’s on your must-have list!