The Budget Babe

If you've already been to bittensjp.com and been disappointed by the lack of content, check it out again, because it's been updated with new looks from the collection, videos and something called "SJP's Manifesto." (Dramatic? Not at all.)

There are also promotions to win a shopping spree with Sarah Jessica, or details on how you can attend an autograph session with the lovely actress-turned-designer. So check it out, yo. You know you wanna.

Alice Temperley is going to do a collection for Target's GO. International budget-friendly fashion line for fall 2007. While we're not yet familiar with this British design house, we look forward to learning more about their style philosophy and seeing their high-end stuff, too. Our ignorance of Alice Temperley may make fashion insiders cringe, but frankly, we think this is precisely Temperley's goal and motivation in doing an affordable line—name recognition! That, and it's a challenge. Designing a good-looking collection of clothes for cheap really pushes a designer's creativity and skills to the limit. Think about it. They have to do more with less, and they can't rely on luxurious raw materials or name alone. We think it makes high-end designers up the ante, too, as they compete to differentiate themselves in an industry with more and more options for us, the customer.
Who can put their nose up to that?

See more looks from Alice Temperly's line at FabSugar.

We absolutely adore these Kork-Ease Bette Ankle Strap Metallic Wedge sandals. Because Kork-Ease are known for their comfort and quality, we think the $185.00 price tag is not unreasonable. You'll wear these all summer long, and the wedge won't wear out. Plus, they match just about everything and can be worn for most any occasion. And with ever-rising hemlines, you'll appreciate the 1.5" suede platform and 4.25" wedge heel that these kick-ass shoes provide.

Featured here in bronze, the Bette Ankle Strap Wedge comes in a range of colors (available at Zappos.com or Shopbop.com)—the hardest part will be picking just one!

If you're uncertain about making an investment in this style, get the look with one of these more affordable options:


Jessica Simpson Ean, $82.95, zappos.com.

Rampage Sugar 1, $45.00, piperlime.com

Xhilaration® Thora Platform Wedges - Natural, on clearance for $4.99! target.com

Just when I finally got myself to stop wearing sneaks and start wearing heels and other fashionable shoes, sneakers go mainstream cool! It's ironic, really. The girl who used to live in black Puma mostros now refuses to wear anything with a heel below 1.5 inches.

But never mind that. We still respect and admire a beautiful, super phat gym shoe, one that embodies urban street style, intelligence and comfort. That's why we love the REBIRTH MESH by j-41 from Lucy.com, on sale for $54.99. It's funky and metallic, one of this season's hottest trends, and can be sported with capris, pants, jeans, even casual skirts ( preferably pencil). Wear them on behalf of all of us fools enduring our high heels.

If you've never worn white pants before, you are missing out. Dressed up or down, white pants are effortlessly sophisticated and fashionable. Here's why you can and should add them to your wardrobe:

• They don't make you look fat. That's a fashion myth! Just make sure pockets lay flat and choose boot cut or a slight flare for the most flattering fit.


• You know what to wear under them: seamless panties in a skintone color (NOT white, black or anything with a print/color). You may have to go with a thong or boyshort, experiment to see which looks best.


• You can get them for under $30. There's no need to worry about stains at prices that low! Wear enough heel to keep them from grazing the ground.


• They match almost everything. Think of white pants as a modern alternative to black.

Left: Proenza Schouler Stretch Twill Pants - White, $13.99 Right: Mossimo® Black: Linen Pants - True White, $24.99. Both available at Target.com

Pretty polka-dots are the sartorial equivalent of exclamation points—they add oomph to any fashion statement! Big or small, polka-dots are a welcome accent on accessories and liven up just about any fabric. An astute reader named Erin sent us this shot of how to work those polka-dots during the day—we think her super cute green & black frock would work just as well at night, too. Fabulous!



Crossover Polka-Dot Dress w/ Belt available in brown/white, green/black or red/black at Forever21.com. $27.50

Sarah Jessica Parker the Designer officially received the blessing of the Queen of All Media, having debuted her budget fashion collection "Bitten" for retailer Steve & Barry's on the Oprah Winfrey Show today—cha-ching!

All joke$ a$ide, in our book, the beautifully brilliant Sarah Jessica can do no wrong, so even though we're opposed to many celeb-cum-fashion designers, we can't help but approve, nay, support her in this endeavor. "It's about fashion not being a luxury and quality not being a privilege," says Sarah Jessica. Girl, you are preachin' to the choir! The question is: will Bitten deliver these lofty, democratic promises? Honestly, we're just surprised that SJP didn't opt to do something high-end (she could easily get away with it, she was Carrie for godsakes!)...or go mid-level with Topshop?

But enough scrutinizing the potter—let's look at the clay.

The collection is modern American sportswear, with classic lines, solid "looking" craftsmanship, neutral colors and wearable fabrics. Translation: boring, but still chic. Best part is the clothes come in sizes 2-22 and each piece is priced at under $20!
Because none of the items we've seen so far are particularly sensational, creative or quirky (as was SJP's SATC character), we'll be doing a lot of mixin' and matchin' with whichever items we end up buying. A 3/4-sleeve swing cardigan ($19.98) definitely caught our eye, as did the seersucker pants ($14.98) and houndstooth coat with classic collar ($19.98).

Browse the collection for yourself at Oprah.com and see whether you're bitten by Sarah Jessica's affordable fashions or not.