The Budget Babe

On the left, you may recognize the coveted Tory Burch Reva Ballerina Flat in Gold. Retail price: $195.00. On the right, we have the Payless ShoeSource Crest Ballet Flat in Gold. Retail price: $16.99. Now we know what you're thinking—How can you expect us to believe that a shoe from Payless could come even close to Tory Burch? To that we say, you'd be surprised. Sure, it's not buttery leather, but it won't empty out your wallet either. And besides, there are better things to spend your hard-earned cash on (rent, for example). So give it a try, you'll thank us later.

UPDATE 9/22/07: Tory Burch's Ballerina Flat Named "Knockoff of the Year" by Globeandmail.com

We're torn over the Abaeté for Payless Summer 2007 collection by designer Laura Poretzky. The 60s throwback ultra-mod styles are bold indeed, but are they wearable? And while vinyl has made a strong comeback this season, it can be very uncomfortable...think sweaty, slippery feet and unforgiving plastic straps...OUCH. So what's the verdict? Love it or hate it?


Clockwise from left: Gansevoort Tote, $24; Waverly Slide, $24; Tomkins Wedge in yellow, $25.

Shop the entire collection here >>

She's the reigning pop diva from Down Under and one of the few artists, other than Madonna, to have number one hits in the 80s, 90s, and noughties. And now, she has something else in common with the material girl—a fashion line with H&M. The Kylie-inspired beach line became available in H&M stores worldwide this week, and while you won't catch us on the beach, we are still ardent fans of Ms. Minogue and her flirty, fun-in-the-sun swimwear.


As we still have fond memories of choreographing a jazz-dance number to the tune of "Loco-Motion" at the tender age of 7, we're happy to see a fashion line dedicated to Kylie and will be picking up a bohemian-chic piece or two. We'll probably get our glam-on with some shades or a bold green & blue swirl scarf or towel. The shimmery suits definitely look hot and the prices are pretty darn fabulous, too.

Plus, according to H&M, 10% of all money spent on this beachwear line will be donated to WaterAid, an international charity dedicated to the provision of safe domestic water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world's poorest people. Loves it!

Here are some looks we like...see more at H&M.com!

Bangles are back in a big way this summer and with good reason: you simply slip one on your wrist, and your outfit looks put together and polished in an instant. With so many great bangles available at wallet-friendly stores like Forever21 and Target, you can afford to have fun and experiment by mixing and matching bangles of different widths, textures and colors. There are really no hard and fast rules—wear one, wear a dozen, create symmetry with two matching bangles on either wrist, or create asymmetry with one bangle on your right wrist and three on your left. You'll love how they dance on your arm as you move and even give you confidence as you converse. Yes, a bracelet can do all that!
Here are a few bangles for every budget babe…

Silver is the metal of the moment for accessories. This season it's being used as a modern neutral that can be worn during the day and should be blended into an ensemble, not flaunted as the center of attention. We love it because it pairs well with any skin tone and can be adapted to just about anyone's personal style.

May we offer the following affordable suggestions...


LAYNNE L, Bakers.com, $44.99


Quilted Metallic Bag, Urbanoutfitters.com, $19.99


GABBY, Bakers.com, $29.99


Petite Metallic Clutch, Forever21.com, $8.80