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

Summer seems to bring out both the best and the worst in us when it comes to fashion. On the one hand, we have flirty sundresses, strappy sandals and wide-brimmed hats. On the other hand, we have Daisy Dukes, unkempt feet in flip-flops and exposed bra straps (or worse). So don't get caught on the wrong side of the sartorial tracks—stay on the sunny side of summer style with the following suggestions...

• Flip-flops should not be worn to the office. Honestly, your co-workers don't want to see that. That's not to say you can't wear other sandal styles, just be conscious of the professional culture in your workplace when selecting a shoe.


• While we may offend some of our vertically-challenged fashionista friends with the following piece of advice, it must be said that platform flip-flops are one of summer fashion's biggest disasters. Sure, they elevate your toes from the nitty-gritty of city streets, but they look ridiculous. If you crave height, try a stylish wedge (or a stylish platform for that matter). But please, do not wear platform flip-flops. They're so Britney. We think that says it all.


• Which brings us to the pedicure: it is not necessary to get a pedicure in order to make your feet look presentable. In fact, announcing that you "reeeeally need a pedicure" is no excuse for unkempt feet. That's like saying, "my hair is filthy because I haven't been to the hairdresser in weeks" or "my teeth are rotting because I haven't been to a dentist in months." People, it's basic hygiene. When did we adopt the idea that you have to shell out $30 for someone else to make your feet look presentable? If you're between pedis, you still need to take the time to exfoliate and moisturize your feet, as well as trim your toenails. Nailpolish is optional.


• Another big fashion no-no is the ankle bracelet, or anklet. The only person who should be wearing an ankle bracelet this summer is Paris Hilton under house arrest. Skip the anklets, they're tacky and have yet to become chic.


• Finally, just because it's hot doesn't mean you can walk around half-nekked. Layers tank tops if necessary to cover bra straps, overexposed cleavage and midriffs. Skip the shorts shorts unless your thighs are the size of pipe cleaners. And be aware of see-through fabrics for skirts, dresses and anything white.

We budget babes may fly economy, but we know how to look first-class! Here are some tips to help you dress for style, comfort and convenience when you're traveling by air:

• 
  Dress in layers. Start with a smooth, long cami or tank followed by a cardigan or zippered hoodie, and if necessary, top with a stylish trench, blazer or our personal favorite: the poofy vest. Peel off as temperatures rise and fall (because you know they will!).


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  Opt for dark colors. If you spill your pudding cup on your lap, it won't show up as much.


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  Wear smooth, cotton undergarments. Avoid bras with lace that can itch or underwires that can stab. Save the see-through mesh thong for another time, too.


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  Do not wear sweats or tracksuits (the horror!). Your comfort shouldn't come at the cost of offending other passengers. Personally, we wear our favorite weekend jeans—the structure of denim seems to aid circulation to our legs better than shapeless sweats anyways.


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  Wear comfy shoes that slip on and off with ease. Some good choices are fashion sneaks, loafers, ballet flats or even clogs. Avoid heels and sandals. And be sure to wear socks so your tootsies don't touch the nasty airport floor when you're going through security and have to remove your shoes.


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  Skip wearing a belt or any jewelry that can jab you when you're trying to get some Zs.


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  Carry a medium to large size handbag that doubles as your carry-on luggage. Make sure it closes securely so your personal items don't spill out and go rolling down the aisle.


• 
  Bring a comfy pashmina or shawl. Toss one over your shoulders and you'll have a cozy blanket during your flight.


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  Know the 3-1-1 rule when it comes to packing beauty supplies for your carry-on: 3 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.


• 
  Bring a sleeping mask or oversized, dark-lensed shades. These are a godsend when you're trying to sleep. And don't worry about looking silly on the plane—worry about looking fresh and rested when you get off!