I don’t think anyone was spared of news of a scandal involving a certain New York governor, a prostitution ring, and a MySpace page with unprecedented hits. So who survived the storm with style and pizzazz?

Honestly there’s little I know about Silda Wall Spitzer, but she pulled a move the other night that was quite unforgettable, putting her on the fashion map-no doubt-for years to come.

Lady in red wasn’t dancing with her husband at the charity event where she was seen wearing this little number, but she looked ten years younger and ready to move on to greener pastures…wherever that may be.

Humbly inspired, I bring you a cheap chic dress that pays homage to Silda’s sense of style and newfound grace.

American Living Belted Dress ($39.99) available at JCPenney.

(Yes–I know–breaking my $30 and under rule by featuring this gorgeous dress. But I do hear gas is now $4 at the pump…and prices aren’t what they used to be.)

I know, I know, I’ve been exclusively focusing on Charlotte Russe tops for the past century (in blogosphere years), but I thought it only fair to share my experience at one of my favorite retailers of all time.

The Ruffle Chiffon Top is actually charcoal dark grey (it looks black online) and does great under a suit or paired with a sleek evening skirt. When I put it on, I was pleasantly surprised to see it framed my face, neck and collar bones quite nicely, while the ruffles gratifyingly made me look and feel feminine. And despite the bargain price, it looks as chic as any piece at a boutique in Soho. Catch my drift?

Ruffle Chiffon Top ($19.99) available at Charlotte Russe.

There are many reasons to save the planet, but I find this t-shirt’s argument most compelling.

“SAVE ME I’M CUTE!” Tee, $12.99, available at Charlotte Russe.

With the warmer weather ahead of us, I’m really looking forward to shedding some layers and getting by with a spaghetti strap top. And with the craze for all things floral reaching a crescendo these days, I gathered it wouldn’t hurt to add to the delightful cacophony of everything coming up roses.

This gorgeous top looks like something they would sell at a museum store (that is, when museum stores become adventurous enough to retail women’s apparel). It’s as if a still life painting by Renoir was transferred from canvas to wearable ease. I envision pairing this piece with a white, eyelet skirt or a simple pair of dark blue jeans. And at what price beauty? A very affordable $19.99.

Floral Top, $19.99 available at Charlotte Russe.

Here’s a timeless white dress that’ll come in handy on a sunny day. The lace overlay is uncompromisingly feminine, and the button front look keeps the dress from looking too formal (although, with the creative use of accessories, this dress can probably make the cut for a number of special occasions).

To The Max is a bridge line from BCBG Max Azria, a label that’s juggling so many extensions of its primary line it’s hard to keep up with which goes with what. There’s also Max&Cleo, BCBGirls, and now BCBGeneration. While the labels are thoughtfully designed and flattering on most body types, above all else I turn to this family of clothing lines for their oft-stunning and romance-drenched dresses.

To The Max Button Front Lace Dress ($28.99) available at Overstock.

Some accessories never go out of fashion, and black leather totes are high on that list of timeless pieces that easily weather dubious trends. However, there’s a common belief in the world of women’s wear, that unbridled splurging is almost necessary to acquire these prized items. And the conspicuous consumption is widely accepted…after all, to borrow a metaphor from the investment community, you’ll reap your return-on-investment (ROI) over the years.

Large, costly upfront investments aside, I’d like to think it’s possible to buy classic pieces at savings account-friendly prices. If you had a choice between buying Google for $2 and $200, where would you enter your bid? Either way, you’ll recoup your investment, but I think we both know who’ll have the last laugh.

For those of you who know to buy Google at $2, this classic bag will serve similar ROIs for years to come. What I love about this black leather tote is its quality material and finish, bold buckles, and compartments galore. Best of all, the stitching is also black—something, strangely enough,that’s difficult to find in the world of black leather bags. Here, however, such prized details bring unbridled sophistication to a bag that’s good to go from New York to Paris, and possibly beyond.

Pockets ($29.99), also available in tan at Naturalizer.

Of all the decades that inspire the fashion world, the sixties have been a constant muse to iconic designers, including heavy hitters like Marc Jacobs and Nanette Lepore. And, who can blame them? The silhouettes and patterns that took women by storm are youthful, modern and play out with a sense of fun. So, in honor of the decade of change, here’s a geometric bag that’s true to the sixties spirit…paired with a mod-licious dress that’s a cut above average.

Bahama Flap Bag ($23.80), Population Cross Front Keyhole Sleeveless Dress ($34.97), also available in black and white.

Spring is the season of cheap chic. While it’s hard to find a quality sweater or even a winter parka under $30, appealing sun dresses, flutter-sleeve tops, and cool cotton chemises are priced to sell.

WetSeal, a retailer of “teen clothing for girls” seems to know how the rest of us think. This season, I’m thinking pink, cotton, and something easy to throw on when the mercury reaches to new levels.

These lovely sun dresses feature an empire waist and feature a gathering at the bust, which makes you look taller and enhances your chest.

Pleated Print Dress ($24.50), Ribbon Trim Dress ($16.50) 

Tube dresses not only make great summer weekend options but also nice swimsuit cover-ups. Some would advise the strapless top is best suited for more generously endowed women, but then again, fashion isn’t a science—it’s all about who you are and what makes you feel alive.

Boarder Print Tube Dress ($24.50),  Mesh Embroidered Tube dress ($27.50)

Nothing celebrates spring like floral patterns, and this spring’s flower power trend is infectious. Target’s Mossimo line of cute, trendy shoes are hot on the trail of buzzwords “mod,” “vintage,” and “lovely, darling, just lovely” but without resorting to needlessly marked up prices.

This adorable shoe is priced at $24.99, has a comfortable stacked heel, and would look great with jeans or a jersey wrap dress of a solid color.

Women’s Mossimo® Darby Floral Peep-Toe Pumps - Raspberry $24.99

Tops can make or break your outfit. Pieces that sit comfortably on your shoulders, leave room for movement and show a dash of professional poise will go a long way in the workplace. The best news is, these wardrobe staples come at very bearable prices.

Here are six, relatively conservative work tops that will work for you, but without sacrificing much-needed style around the office.

From left to right, top to bottom: Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Wrap Waist Blouse – Ebony $24.99, Converse® One Star® Sport Shirt - True White $19.99, Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Drawstring Blouse – Lipstick $19.99, Merona® 3/4-Sleeve V-Neck Shirt - In the Navy $14.99, Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Keyhole Top - White/ Navy $13.99, Merona® Faux Wrap Tie Top - Zigzag Dot $14.99

All these tops have good chemistry with skirts and trousers. See for yourself the striking interplay between these disparate pieces: