Yellow. It's bright, it's happy and it's one of our favorite colors! Yet even we, the style zealous, understand that in the realm of fashion, yellow can also be overwhelming.

But fear not, for the key to wearing yellow is to find a shade that's right for you, pair it with the proper duds, and administer the proper dosage. Easier said that done? Check out this post at youlookfab.com, where professional stylist Angie holds your hand and shows you how it's done.

Once you've jumped that hurdle, let the fun begin with this mellow yellow swing-shaped trench. On sale at Mandee.com for just $27.49, this sunny coat will brighten your day—and keep more green in your wallet.

Yellow belted trench, $27.49 at Mandee.com

Since making its appearance on runways in Paris this past March, the Balenciaga piped blazer has been called the must-have statement piece for winter among the fashion elite (props to designer Nicolas Ghesquière).

But with mile-long waiting lists and a pretty price of £1,300 (2,660.71 USD), you'd be hard-pressed to get your gloved hands on the real deal.

Fortunately, it's the funky-preppy styling that truly sets this look apart—an androgynous get-up marked by military, equestrian and ethnic references—and it can be effortlessly achieved with a few carefully selected items.

Here's how to do it:

• 
  Two words: Go thrifting. Scour your favorite secondhand shops for vintage blazers, ethnic print scarves and antique buttons.


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  Check your closet. Chances are you already own a blazer that you can dress up with the right scarf or update by sewing on those new buttons you scored at the thrift store.


• 
  Consider investing in a new blazer. This timeworn piece will take you far into the fashion future with ease, thus bringing down the eventual cost-per-wear.

If you opt to shop for a new blazer, here are four budget-friendlier homages to the original:




[1] Mango Tercio Jacket, $89
[2] J. Crew Double-faced wool Lexington jacket in gray, $250
[3] J. Crew Lexington jacket in ivory, $250
[4] Lux Exeter blazer, $68

Need a cute and cheap Halloween costume, stat? Try this flapper girl look made up of deco-glam items from Forever 21. Bring back that roaring '20s vibe with a tiered flapper top and mesh tights. Add a long strand of pearls, bow-tie headband and a breezy scarf and you'll be dancing the Charleston in no time. And, if you're really ambitious, toss on a wig, a feather boa and some long satin gloves to take it to a whole 'notha level.

The best part: Not only is this costume easy on your wallet, when November 1st rolls around, you can incorporate all of these items back into your normal rotation instead of tossing them to the back of your closet—and that's something to really get jazzed about.

(Click the pic for detailed info on all the items.)

Filene's Basement is kicking off their annual Bridal Gown Event in Lawrenceville, NJ, on October 19th. Affectionately termed "The Running of the Brides," the wedding dress sale attracts throngs of brides-to-be from across the country (and even the world) hoping to score designer wedding gowns—which are normally priced from $900 to $9,000—marked down to prices ranging from $249 to $699.

While we've never personally attended a Filene's basement bridal sale, we have been to not one, but TWO Vera Wang Bridal Wear Sample Sales (don't ask)—one in New York City, the other in Chicago. Based on our experience, here are some tips to help make your trip a success.

How to Find Your Dream Wedding Gown at a Sample Sale:

Arrive early. Very early. Depending on the city, we're talking two, three, even four or more hours in advance.

Bring help. Enlist the help of two or three friends to help you try on the gowns, zip you up, find your size and swap with other shoppers. You could also have one friend hit the shoes and veils while the other helps you with your gown. Be sure to go over what you're looking for before the sale starts (something to talk about while you wait in line!).

Bring a mirror. Mirrors were very scarce at both sales we attended. We're not suggesting you lug around a full-length mirror, but a locker-size mirror that your friend can hold for you will really come in handy.

Know what you want. Do you want ivory or white? Strapless or sleeves? A full crinoline skirt or something sleek and figure-hugging? Knowing what you want will ensure you're happy with your gown long after the adrenaline rush of the sale has subsided.

Know your size. To figure out what style of gown you really want, visit at least one high-end bridal shop before the sale just to try some on. Note your size at this time, as designer sizes can vary significantly from the sizes you're probably accustomed to.

Don't forget veils and shoes. Not sure about Filene's, but the Vera Wang sample sales had great selections of veils and shoes at unbelievable prices. If you already have a gown, consider shopping the sale just for these accessories.

Know your budget. It's very easy to get caught up in the moment, so decide how much you're willing to pay in advance. Stick to your budget, plus or minus a couple hundo for that can't-live-without find.

Be prepared to get naked. Or, consider wearing a swimsuit or a white cami and boyshorts. Women grab as many gowns as they can carry, pick a spot on the floor, and start stripping. Large curtains are hung up to give you some privacy, but it's basically one vast, make-shift dressing room that you share with dozens of other women.

If you can't find your size, it's better to buy a size up than a size down. You can always have a slightly larger gown tailored to fit you...but not so much with a gown that's too small.

Be prepared to barter. There's no need to be a bridezilla—in fact, we didn't see a single catfight. There are many thoughtful brides who were more than happy to swap and trade gowns in search of the perfect frock.

Have fun!

In the never-ending quest for better quality clothing at lower prices, it's important for us budget babes to know what our clothes are made of: Fabric, whether natural or synthetic, effects the function, comfort, care, cleaning and lifespan of each garment you purchase.

Here's a brief breakdown of some common fabric types: