Generally speaking, when an article of clothing has the word ’smocked’ in it, I run in the opposite direction. Something smocked, to me at least, conjures up images of elastic-waistband pants, the 80s, and other really unappealing things.

That being said, James Perse makes a mean cotton anything; his designs are sooo comfortable, so easy to wear, and surprisingly appropriate for casual dress.

James Perse’s smocked camisole dress is 100 percent pure jersey knit cotton, designed with a deep v-neck (perfect for layering.) It also features flattering pintucks under the bust, finished into a smocked empire waist.

And besides being comfortable, this camisole dress is seriously discounted.

James Perse smocked camisole dress, $138 $99, eLUXURY.com

Back in 2005, he was named a designer to watch by WWD. Since then, Toronto-born designer Jay Godfrey has established rapport by dressing such celebrities as Eva Mendes, Jennifer Lopez, and Gabrielle Union. Neiman Marcus is one of three high-end department stores that retails his White Label collection.

Though several of his sheaths have caught my eye, I especially love his ombré tank dress. Made from pure silk, this black and white ombré dress is an updated classic. It features Old-Hollywood-style gathering around a ballet neckline, and the dress hits just above the knee. It’s sleeveless, though the gathering is generous.

Curves are appropriately accented by a wide black waistband that is set off by bright fuchsia trim. The fuchsia trim is such a simple detail, but it adds instant visual interest to the dress.

View the entire collection at Neiman Marcus; it’s well worth your time.

Jay Godfrey White Label Collection ombré tank dress, $495, NeimanMarcus.com

Blame it on the January thaw, but I am loving all things yellow. Could I be craving spring weather to slip into some of these vibrantly coloured clothes?

Obviously.

While lemon yellow doesn’t suit fair-skinned women, and butter yellow doesn’t wear well on raven-haired women, I’m convinced there is a shade of this sunshine-inspired colour out there for everyone.

So check out my ThisNext picks and see for yourself. Let me know if you see something you love!

‘V’ stands for many things, for being vibrant and vivacious, and this v-neck dress is that and more.

An embellished v-neck accenting a perfectly tiered laser cut dress, this blue grey confection from BCBGMAXAZRIA is suited so well for ringing in 2008.

Though tiers don’t always flatter every figure, they work well with this design, married to a lean cut and halter neck that help highlight every curve.

I especially love the ice-like sheen and steel-y blue colour, such a refreshing change from black.

BCBGMAXAZRIA laser cut dress, $288, Nordstrom.com