Save the colour, don’t these two cardis look similar? You’ve got to love Victoria’s Secret for their spot-on style. What their products lack in quality, they make up for with bargain pricing. On the opposing side, Theory makes a high-quality garment, but — like anything in life, — quality will cost you.

What I love about this Theory cashmere cardigan is the colour. Bright, lemon yellow is the perfect way to freshen up any piece in your spring/summer wardrobe. I also like the short, ribbed sleeves and tunic length — how perfect for pairing with shorts or even over a summer dress! Made from 100 percent cashmere, this cardi is dry clean only, which isn’t exactly convenient — especially in busy summer months.

That’s why I appreciate the easy maintenance silk and cashmere blend – READ: Wash and wear — of this Victoria’s Secret cardigan. Designed in four colours – cactus green, hot pink, raspberry, and colbalt blue –this Victoria’s Secret sweater is the same tunic length of Theory’s sweater. It has long sleeves, making it a more versatile option for cooler weather, but features the same front slash pockets and plunging v-neck as the Theory option.

And pricing? One of these cardis retails for over 300 dollars; the other retails for under 20.

You’ve got two guesses.

Theory Gwyneth cashmere cardigan, $325, Saks.com

Victoria’s Secret silk and cashmere cardigan, $58 $16.99, VictoriasSecret.com

Animal prints are classic; although they’re frequently stamped on trendy pieces — 50s wasp-waist skirts and platform heels – an animal print sweater is a piece you’ll keep in your wardrobe for several seasons.

I love a chic, fitted cardi done in a neutral print, like these designs by Bruno Manetti and Forever 21. Bruno Manetti’s animal print cardigan is pure cashmere, done in a v-neck design. It has long sleeves and a fitted body that flares slightly at the bottom. Buttoned up with eight mother of pearl buttons, it’s a worthy buy for just under five hundred dollars.

If you think Manetti’s cardi is overpriced, I advise you check out this design from Forever 21. Certainly not cashmere — it’s 100 percent cotton — this animal print cardigan features a round neck and three-quarter length sleeves. Almost like Bruno Manetti’s design — except fake, – this Forever 21 cardigan features pearl buttons.

The prints on both sweaters are similar, though the Bruno Manetti cardigan has a more varied pattern.

So which animal print cardigan would you girls buy, if you had to choose?

Bruno Manetti animal print cardigan, $495, Vivre.comAnimal print cardigan, $31.80, Forever21.com

Dressing right for this spring and summer is all about including some tribal influences and safari style in your wardrobe. 2008’s classic uniform includes anything done in a crisp khaki — jackets, shirt dresses, or skirts – cinched with a fabulous skinny belt in a bright colour. I’m loving khaki skirts that hit just above the knee, done in a darling double button design.

One of my three favourite items from his spring 2008 collection, Marc Jacobs has designed a sweet signature skirt for his Marc by Marc Jacobs label. Check out the details: A subtle herringbone stripe, a bubble shape — thanks to some strategically placed pleats, — and hidden side slit pockets. For just under two hundred dollars, this skirt is a wardrobe staple you’ll wear for years to come. I especially love the almost mini-, almost mid-length which is short, but still work-appropriate.

For a more affordable thirty dollars, you could snatch up this safari skirt from Ann Taylor LOFT. (But hurry! Sizes are disappearing FAST!) Certainly not as intricately detailed as MJ’s creation, this design wears like a pencil skirt, but is actually slightly A-line in shape. Ann Taylor LOFT’s safari skirt features a convenient hook-and-bar closure and functional double buttons. It also has front welt pockets that are quite visible — which in my opinion makes the skirt look poorly made,– and unlike the Marc by Marc Jacobs safari skirt, this design features button-through back besom pockets. Some will find this figure-flattering; others will not.

While Ann Taylor LOFT makes a good product, I’d have to say that I prefer the Marc by Marc Jacobs safari skirt. What about you girls?

Marc by Marc Jacobs herringbone stripe skirt, $188, Net-A-Porter.comAnn Taylor LOFT belted safari skirt, $49 $29.99, AnnTaylorLOFT.com

I’m all about totes for carrying around everyday essentials, and there’s something so classic about a tote done in black and white. I prefer to carry a canvas tote for my day-to-day activities, but a leather tote is an elegant option for put-together, professional look.

Jill Stuart — a designer famous for her black-and-white designs and soft colour palettes — has a great Noho Victoria tote that’s available at Nordstrom. Made from imported leather, the Noho Victoria is a glossy two-tone tote, big enough for some serious storage. I especially love the round gold-tone hardware; it just pops against the black patent.

On a more casual note — and cheaper, too! — Mossimo’s white tote for Target is an adorable and affordable option. While it’s not patent leather, I think the canvas construction of this bag makes it more practical for daily use. Trimmed in faux leather, with a weave detail through silver-tone grommets, this tote boasts three interior pockets. Like the Jill Stuart tote, this Mossimo carry-all features double handles, and unique leather detailing at the base.

Which bag would you ladies rather carry? I’m partial to BOTH!

Jill Stuart Noho Victoria totes, $550, Nordstrom.com

Mossimo tote bag, $16.99, Target.com