Forget Tim and Heidi - here at The Budget Babe, we have our own opinion about who should have won the runway competition in the Season 4 premiere episode of every fashionista's favorite reality TV show, Project Runway - and that would be Chris, a self-taught freelance Costume Designer in New York City with a client list that includes Cirque du Soleil, Madonna and Thierry Mugler.

According to his bio on the Project Runway website, Chris' favorite designer is Dior - and it certainly shows in the elegant, high-drama royal purple evening gown which he created for the first challenge. It's simply stunning, and we could easily see someone like Halle Berry rockin' this gorgeous creation on the red-carpet.

But what do you think? Who's your fave designer so far? (We do realize the third episode aired last night, but we're trying to catch up - so bear with us, we'll get to the other episodes soon!)

Nothing says "glamour" like luscious red lips, especially during the decadent holiday party season. But before you pucker up, we wanted to alert you to one recent report from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics which suggests that many popular brand-name lipsticks may contain potentially unsafe amounts of lead.

From CNNMoney.com: "According to new product tests, 61 percent of brand-name lipsticks tested contained detectable levels of lead, which can be toxic if ingested.

The top brands testing positive for lead included L'Oréal Colour Riche "True Red," L'Oréal Colour Riche "Classic Wine," Cover Girl Incredifull Lipcolor "Maximum Red" and Dior Addict "Positive Red," the group said.

The FDA said it is aware of concerns about lead in lipstick and is following up on the report, a spokeswoman said."

Our advice: Concerns over unsafe amounts of lead in everything from cosmetics to children's toys has been all over the news lately. If you're feeling unsure, skip purchasing suspect products and go for brands with a reputation for using all-natural ingredients.

H&M is teaming up with Finnish textile firm Marimekko for a special Summer 2008 collection arriving in stores next April, featuring popular vintage Marimekko patterns from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.



Known for their bold modern designs that combine large-scale patterns with bright colors, Marimekko was quite the cutting-edge innovator back in the 1950s when they got their start. In recent history, they've certainly seen a resurgence in popularity as their now-timeless designs have reached ever-widening audiences worldwide.

Although it's our understanding that Marimekko designs are ubiquitous back in their native Finland (they can be found on everything from computer mouses to hospital curtains), we used to consider them a rare eye-candy treat when we'd spot their wares at some hip, upscale niche boutiques in a trendy part of town.

Then, we discovered the Marimekko offerings at Crate & Barrel and more recently, Anthropologie. Seeing as how we like the stuff, we saw these partnerships as being beneficial rather than the dissolution of a notable brand.

We're looking forward to the chance to actually wear their punchy prints - and hopefully get our hands on that retro poppy print they're so famous for!

EleVen by Venus Williams launches exclusively at Steve & Barry's Stores Thursday, November 15, 2007.

Activewear, sports apparel, athletic footwear plus casual clothing, accessories and more...all from Wimbledon's reigning ladies' tennis champion! Best part: All items are just $19.98 and under. Click the pic above to visit the official website for the fashion line.

In a recent post, we reported on fashion's piracy paradox, which argues that weak intellectual-property rules for fashion haven't harmed the industry, but rather, they've helped it thrive. (In other words, knock-offs aren't the devil incarnate as so many fashion idolaters contend.)



Zoo York Doodle Messenger, $36.50 at Pacific Sun


Cali Canvas Shoulder Bag, $15.80 at Forever 21


Of course there are two sides to every coin, and the debate on copyrighting fashion is no exception: Susan Scafidi is a law professor and the brains behind of CounterfeitChic.com. She's also one of the most fervent opponents of the ideas set forth by the piracy paradox (aside from maybe Diane von Furstenberg), calling it outmoded, economic fiction.

Scafidi says the absence of strong IP rules harms young or emerging designers and robs other designers of a share of the profits. Not surprisingly, Scafidi is an outspoken supporter of the bill currently before Congress which would allow fashion designers to copyright their designs.

So far, Scafidi has failed to convince us of her position. How would you scientifically, objectively, and systematically defend the uniqueness of a piece of fashion? Would the gains from IP protection outweigh the costs of enforcement? Has Scafidi (and in fact the original authors of the piracy paradox) underestimated the impact of existing protection for such nonfunctional aspects as fabric patterns, decorative elements and trademarks? How does Scafidi factor in fashion cycles? And why do designers continue to create and emblazon their items with repeated logos that are so easily copied?

We could go on and on, but instead, we hope you'll read this interview of Susan Scafidi by Condé Nast Portfolio's Felix Salmon, who makes some great counterarguments (even though it sounds like he's agreeing with her at times). Read especially the comments following the article posted by others in disagreement with Scafidi.

Now that we've presented you with the other side of the debate, we offer you this parting copycat conundrum (above) for discussion (which incidentally we discovered thanks to Youthoughtwewouldntnotice.com via Scafidi's blog, Counterfeitchic.om): Did Forever 21 knock-off Zoo York's doodle bag? If so, is it normatively wrong? A cause for concern? An injustice? How would you feel if you designed the fabric?