While most big winter sales traditionally take place after Christmas,there are a slew of unbelievable below-the-radar sales happening.

High-end department stores and boutiques are very quietly slashing prices on some of this year ‘s most coveted fashion items – and a huge chunk of them are must-haves for spring 2004.

So when you ‘re scouring the racks,keep in mind that femininity is the key for a successful spring wardrobe.

Cold,hard androgyny is officially out;soft pastels,floral prints and butterflies are in.

Colors like green,yellow and pink are back in a big way.

And pack away those minis, because spring is all about the floaty,figure-forgiving knee-length skirts.

Shoe and handbag addicts out there will be thrilled to know that spring collections will be rife with brilliant,dramatic

footwear,clutches and totes – with shoes,look for classic stiletto heels and wedges;in bags,the big trends are chunky

metallic buckles and hardware on colorful leather.

To find the best of what ‘s out there,we went stealth-shopping at Bergdorf Goodman,Henri Bendel and Yves Saint Laurent.

Here are a few of the fabulous springtime looks we found.