Remember those wonderful spring days composed of being decked out in crisp, starched pastel dresses complete with endless layers of ruffles and immense bows? Being dressed head to toe in bows - the medium-sized one in the hair, a large one at the back of the dress, and two miniature ones on the tips of those Mary Janes? Well, this gal sure does! For every gal, the ruffles and bows that composed being dolled up like, well, a doll, are a rite of passage that constitutes early childhood. Never, however, are such girlish aspects associated with high fashion - until now. And here I thought those days of lacey pink and white bows and large ruffles were over...how wrong I was! Ruffles and bows have re-emerged gals! No longer solely for the two-to-six years old set, these once-adored childhood components of dress are back, modified to fit the demands and taste of high fashion - and that of gals who are now able to self-dress, but remain nostalgic for girlish frills at heart. For months now (since Spring 2008), runways and high fashion magazines have displayed apparel garnished with, to some extent or other, either ruffles or bows, with the seldom outfit featuring both (gasp!). From thereon, the ruffle and bow trend has trickled its way down, nearly overnight, into the boutiques, accessible to every gal. Scanning through the magazines and shops, quite a few (okay, alright, plenty) garments tastefully lavished in the frills of ruffles and bows, caught my eye. Amidst the best are tops and dresses by Richard Chai, Armani Collezioni, Abaete, Black Halo, Robert Rodriguez, Kay Unger, Amsale Blush, Katy Rodriguez, Behnaz Sarafpour, Carolina Herrera, Prairie New York, Jay Godfrey, and Nicole Miller. Whew! That's quite a few, but gorgeous is gorgeous, and the brands above featured some stylishly gorgeous numbers! Richard Chai's Spiral Crinkled Chiffon Top is a perfect example of ruffles meet high fashion in a sweetly feminine way. The pure white of the visibly light top is further enhanced in its enchanting appearance by the thin layers of chiffon at the hem, empire waist, and most charming - beautifully designed ruffles that swirl about the upper half. The one-sided off-shoulder ruffle is slightly sensuous, but is overpowered by the innocent charm of the overall top. The ruffles are aplenty, but are tasteful enough to prevent the garment from being over-the-top. The ruffles are an accessory in and of itself, so jewelry (save a pair of earrings or a ring) shouldn't be worn with this top. ($1255.00 - Richard Chai -- Saks Fifth Avenue) Who ever stated ruffles were only for parties and dressy occasions? Armani Collezioni's Leopard Ruffle Blouse proves that notion wrong. The sheer silk chiffon layered upon a satin tank (as pictured), in all its ruffled glory - ruffled collar merging together down the buttoned-down length of the blouse, and "torn" trailing ruffle cuffs - is perfect for day, whether it be work or elsewhere. The ruffles add a trendy, playful appearance to the otherwise sober blouse. Easily adaptable for any gal, this ruffled blouse can paired with trousers for work, a straight-edged A-line skirt, or shorts for a day excursion. ($965.00 - Armani Collezioni -- Saks Fifth Avenue) The ruffle is minimal, but its central placement certainly enables it to succeed in its effect - providing a sweet, yet coy appearance. The chiffon ruffle's (which ties in the back) contrasting dark hue in the upper center of the light gray silk attracts eyes to the upper half of the top. The gathered empire waist creates a fluid, sensuous bottom half, further accentuating the top's romantic appearance. Downplayed in ruffles, but major in appeal. ($250.00 - Black Halo - Saks Fifth Avenue) [No Photo] Robert Rodriguez's sapphire blue silk Racerback Ruffled Top has ruffles aplenty! The sensuously smooth entirety of the top is offset by the extremely feminine splay of small ruffles across the collar, down the back, and along the arms. This is one of the rare tops that manages to stylishly combine ruffles with a large bow (look closely!) without sacrificing taste. The multitude of ruffles prevents this garment from looking plain, enabling this top to dress up any ensemble. Due to the textile and dressy nature, this top is best for evening, though it certainly isn't impossible for day (perhaps best off with white shorts for day?). ($297.00 - Robert Rodriguez - Saks Fifth Avenue) Varients of blue (turquoise, navy) and white reminiscent of the sky and ocean, composed of silk chiffon, tied together in front by a navy blue, silk charmeuse bow - what more could a gal ask for? Kay Unger's Ombre Chiffon Halter Dress is a subtle beauty, ethereally enchanting in its flimsy flow, crossover V-neck line, and slight ruffle trim along the top. The bow cinching beneath the bust enhances the figure of anyone who dawns this magnificent dress. Light and simple enough for daily wear, feminine and dressy enough (add a strand of pearls, perhaps?) for special occasions. ($310.00 - Kay Unger - Saks Fifth Avenue - Sale: $185.90) ß Amazing Deal! Amsale Blush's Strapless Bow Dress utilizes the big bow in a graceful manner that provides flair to this elegant cocktail dress. Crisply tied, the bow draws eyes while creating a chic outline of the wearer. A sweetly simple evening dress, this dress showcases the classic bow at its simplest - and perhaps, most elegant. ($290.00 - Amsale Blush - Saks Fifth Avenue) The little black dress hits modern bow. Katy Rodriguez's Wool & Silk Bow Dress is absolutely stunning with its panache black crepe bodice that curves up into a bow. A certain finesse is exuded by this elegant number that's reminiscent of a kimono's obi crossed with Audrey Hepburn's Holly Golightly style. The bow is more modern and geometrical than girlish, which makes this dress perfect evening wear. The contrasting white straps give way to the exuberantly stylish bodice that ideally silhouettes the hour-glass figure. An aesthetically pleasing dress! ($1380.00 - Katy Rodriguez - Saks Fifth Avenue) Behnaz Sarafpour's Crinkle Bow Front Dress is absolutely simple and sweet in its deep lavender hue, cinched waist, and immense contrasting gray bow (stitched on). Falling mid-thigh, this dress' length prevents it from appearing overly subdued, while the bow adds flamboyance to the otherwise, dare I say, dull dress. Thanks to the creatively designed bow, however, this dress is a charming number for day, work, or even evening. Gold accessory will perfect the look. ($1295.00 - Behnaz Sarafpour - Sak Fifth Avenue) Simply elegant, this straight lined little black dress is adorned with a stylish asymmetrical satin bow that wraps across the collarbone, creating an aesthetically pleasing outfit. The overall achieved look - sleek, classy and tastefully subtle. The twisting and turning bow transforms the otherwise typical black dress into something utterly alluring. Go easy on the accessories, however, as the large, shawl-like bow will provide enough attention. ($2490.00 - Carolina Herrera - Saks Fifth Avenue) I absolutely love the chartreuse bow that flows down the center of this tropical print dress by Prairie New York. Extremely fun and flirty, this Fish-Print Silk Knit Dress is the perfect day ensemble for any gal desiring a splash of sweetness. The loosely flowing form makes this an easily wearable dress, especially in tropical weather. The bow provides additional appeal. ($290.00 - Prairie New York - Saks Fifth Avenue) The contrast of turquoise blue and noir in this One-Shoulder Cocktail Mini Dress by Jay Godfrey is absolutely eye-catching! The asymmetrical contrast bow upon the blue silk is alluring more than sweet, creating the ideal dress for a dressy look for day. Black stilettos would complete the look. Forego any earrings or necklaces, however, because the bow's striking presence takes up enough on the upper half, but a ring or bracelet would be suitable to play up the lower half. I was struck by the complexity of the actual bow, which serves as a lovely complexity amidst a simple apparel. ($440.00 - Jay Godfrey - Saks Fifth Avenue) Nicole Miller's Canopy Leaf Strapless Dress is a beauty in its brightly colored artistic print set upon a background of white cotton, further enriched by the large, elegantly designed bow along the bust. This knee-length dress is perfect for day, and due to the multiple colors present, may be paired with basically any colored accessory. The chic bow succeeds in adding the perk to this already gorgeous, yet otherwise less-appealing, dress. ($290.00 - Nicole Miller - Saks Fifth Avenue) High-end designers aren't the only ones who have taken up and incorporated the ruffles and bows rage, however. Stylish apparel just as charmingly accented with ruffles and bows are available from a number of retailers, such as Forever-21 and Bebe, as shown below. One thought comes to mind: nautically sweet. Easily wearable with white shorts or trousers. ($22.80 - Forever 21) Elegantly sleek, this noir number is a personal favorite of mine for its midway ruffles running vertically down, ending beneath the bust. The ruffles of the upper half draws eyes upwards, accentuating the bust, while the polyester bodice has a slimming effect. ($19.80 - Forever 21) This cream colored sleeveless chiffon trim sweater is meant to be adored! Effortlessly elegant and simple, this top can be paired wth just about anything from skirts and shorts to trousers to create a sweet appearance. The crepe chiffon collar and bow, and chiffon ruffles going down the bodice is just the perfect touch to make this top the focal point of any gal´s outfit! ($24.00 - Forever 21) A sensual, fiery red silk top adorned with flutter capsleeves and a ruffle bodice, creating an extremely cosmopolitan look. The epitome of flirtatious and girlish sweetness - enhanced for the fashion-conscious gal! ($69.00 - Bebe) This is the typical trench coat turned gorgeous via ruffle-enhancement! The ruffled collar, cuffs, and hem in addition to the bow (tied at the waist) transforms a plain coat into a sexy outerwear. It´ll be the only accessory a gal needs for chilly fall days! Available in sand, pink, and chocolate brown. ($119.00 - Bebe) The girlish frills that are ruffles and bows, that all gals once so adored, have been taken up a notch by the high fashion realm, and are now back - revitalized and incorporated into chic and beautiful numbers. Ruffles and bows, once facets of girlhood, successfully enhance fashionable apparel which previously lacked the element of sweetly innocent embellishments.