The Budget Babe

Undies are seriously important. They keep the girls happy, our cheeks uplifted and our curves feeling sexy. So which styles and brands are the best? Thanks to the Undie Awards (it's like the Miss America pageant for panties), you can save time and money by trusting the votes of over 12,000 women across the United States for the best in bras, underwear and more.

While our personal fave, the Victoria Secret low-rise cotton bikini (get 5 for $25!), didn't make the cut, here are four rightful winners from the competition:


Hanky Panky Thongs
"A Fabulous selection of colors in makes this collection a
favorite lingerie piece among celebrities. All day comfort
in a "one size fits most" stretch to fit fabric."

Most available in one size (o/s) and XL
$18 - $60


Barely There Flirtatious Bikini 2546
"This low-rise bikini is made in super-soft flirty lace, and features a "V" style to help hide under low-rise fashions."

Available in sizes 5-8
$9


Wonderbra Gel Satin Push-Up Bra 7234
"Innovative lightweight gel pads which give unbelievable comfort and cleavage."

Available in sizes 32A - 38C
$29.00


Calvin Klein F2540 Perfectly Fit T-Shirt Bra
"Smooth, seamless, contoured shape cups with two-way stretch foam."

Available in sizes 32A-38D
$38

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once said the one thing that's missing when you're wearing your birthday suit is a place to put you hands. While we don't advise wearing nothing but a belt with pockets (Jerry's solution), we do dig pockets on frocks.

Pockets provide a place to put your idle hands—maybe even some cash or a key—and they're cropping up in the most unlikely of places these days. We've seen them on evening gowns, day dresses, jumpers, rompers, and babydoll tops.

We love Derek Lam's interpretation of this trend.

Get the look for less with this Heritage 1981 Floret Cotton Tunic, just $20.00 at Forever21.com.

We gasp, groan, and go gaga over it, but no matter how we react, fashion always has a way of making us smile...











First, the GOOD: We chanced upon these refreshingly cute and affordable shoes by Shellys London at Urbanoutfitters.com. Always a pick-me-up! Left: Shellys London Fiji Thong, $40.00 Right: Shellys London Quilted Ballet in Gold, Now $29.99.


Then, the BAD: We spotted a highly questionable trend—open-toed booties. These may work for some celebs but they're just plain ugly to us. And borderline S&M.


Finally, the UGLY: apparently, rompers aka onesies aren't just for babies anymore. Next thing you know, we'll be back to sucking on pacifiers and twirling glow sticks. No thank you.

In case you hadn't heard, Kohl's is teaming up with designer Vera Wang to create Very Vera by Vera Wang, thereby bringing her styles to the masses. The brand will be available exclusively in Kohl's stores and on Kohls.com starting in the fall of 2007.

The question is: Will this collaboration tarnish Vera's name? After all, when the preeminent wedding gown designer in the world decides to attach her lofty name to a mid-brow retailer like Kohl's, something's gotta give, right?

Personally, we don't think it's a bad move—after all, we love her personal style and if anyone has the skills to translate their high-end designs to a lower price-point, it's Ms. Wang. Consumers (we hope) will come out ahead. We like the looks we've seen so far (above)...elegant, urban, great colors and even the fabrics look good.

We're just concerned about her reputation as the reigning queen of bridal couture. What princess or A-lister is going to want to wear a Vera Wang dress on their big day if Jane Nobody can pick up something from Very Vera down at the Harlem Irving Plaza Kohl's store?

"Very Vera" can also be seen as an extension of Wang's ever-growing empire—there's her Lavender line and forays into housewares, jewelry, perfume and more. Call it selling out—we call it evolution.

In the oversexed world of fashion, one designer stands out as the real deal when it comes to understanding and delivering unabashed sex-appeal: Roberto Cavalli. The Hollywood set has embraced his wild and glamorous styles for years, and now we can get a piece of the action, too, because Cavalli is the next designer slated to create a collection for H&M!

The "Roberto Cavalli for H&M" collection will be available in some 200 H&M stores worldwide for a limited period beginning on November 8th, and will consist of 20 pieces of menswear and 25 of womenswear, including lingerie and matching accessories.

“I love freedom and challenges—breaking down barriers, experimenting in different directions," the Italian designer says of the collaboration. "H&M is all this for me. I will add a dash of festivity and dreams.”

We're hoping Cavalli's wallet-friendly designs will add not only a dash of "festivity and dreams" but also a sprinkle of sensuality and a pinch of animal prints…his trademark use of leather, feathers and the like would turn on us, too.

OK, maybe not feathers—but we expect nothing less than clothes that rock!

Related Links:
H&M Hearts Kylie, And So Does the Budget Babe!
M for Mundane: Madonna for H&M