The Budget Babe

As in years past, 2007 delivered a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows in the realm of fashion. Some styles made us laugh, some made us cry - but when all was said and done, it was all fabulous fun (not to mention it was an exceptionally good year for budget fashion lovers everywhere!) We took an informal poll of some friends and family, and here's what they had to say about the best and worst fashion and beauty trends of the past year (scroll down to check out our list)...

The Best Fashion Trends in 2007
1. The Dress
2. Natural looking makeup; Mineral makeup
3. Eco-friendly fashion
4. Purple
5. Great GO Designers for Target
6. The clutch
7. Patent leather
8. Flats
9. Bangs
10. Sequins
11. Return to stylish modesty (ultra-low rise jeans were out, menswear-inspired fashion and higher waist jeans were in)
12. Twelve by Twelve from Forever 21
13. Christian Louboutin knock-offs
14. Oversized handbags
15. Simply Vera for Kohl's
16. The sweaterdress
17. Metallics
18. iPods & accessories
19. Headbands
20. Statement coats

The Worst Fashion Trends in 2007
1. Celebrity fashion lines
2. Celebrities sans underwear
3. Leggings (we like them but we're in the minority)
3. Pajamas as streetwear
4. Writing on the seat of pants
5. Velour tracksuits (when will they go away!?)
6. Crocs (except for kids)
7. Bold head-to-toe prints
8. Imitation UGGs
9. Skulls on EVERYTHING
10. The word "fugly"
11. Skinny jeans on the not-so-skinny
12. Louis Vuitton knock-offs
13. Wide Belts worn tightly under ample bosoms
14. Turbans
15. Small dogs as accesorries
16. Orange fake-n-bake
17. Accessorizing with your Starbucks beverage
18. Flip-flops with legwarmers
19. Designer cellphones
20. Manis and pedis for men

H&M and Designers Against AIDS (DAA) are teaming up with celebs to launch "Fashion Against AIDS," a clothing collection for men and women aimed at increasing awareness about HIV/AIDS. The collection will be available in H&M’s Divided departments from February 2008.

All garments, which include T-shirts, tank tops and hooded sweaters, are made from 100% certified organic cotton and carry a special hang tag that reads: "This might be the most important piece of clothing you've ever had your hands on."

Rihanna, Timbaland, Jade Jagger and other well-known musicians, designers, and artists are all contributing to the project free of charge with 25 percent of the proceeds from the collection going toward HIV/AIDS-prevention projects around the world.

While we love when fashion and activism merge, making it easy and rewarding for consumers to make a difference, we think H&M could follow GAP's lead and donate just a tad more to the cause (GAP donates half of the profits from sales of the Gap (PRODUCT) RED Collection to finance programs that help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa). But aside from that, we'll definitely be scooping up a tee or two when the line hits stores!

Find out more about "Fashion Against AIDS" here. >>

The black leather bomber jacket is an undeniably cool piece of outerwear (La Lohan recently wore hers during a jaunt to Capri, Italy; Tori Spelling sported one during an outing with her fam; while Miley Cyrus donned the look for a day of shopping in NYC). It speaks to the rugged independence of biker-chic duds and invokes the hard-edge sex appeal of rock 'n roll. But if you don't actually ride a hog and your Ramones LPs are gathering dust (which would be a shame, btw), then why spend hundreds just to get the look? Find out if the style suits you (and we think it will!) with this affordable version by Forever 21 (below).


SSGT Bomber Jacket, $119.00 at Forever 21. Genuine military inspired leather jacket with shoulder epaulettes, zippered and flap pockets, and rib knit trim.

Target has teamed up with CFDA Award winner Jessie Randall, designer of the celebrated Loeffler Randall label, for their most recent limited-edition accessories collaboration. The Loeffler Randall for Target collection is already available online at Target.com and will be available at select Target stores nationwide December 30, 2007, through March 23, 2008 (via the Target pressroom).

After our disappointment with the Hollywould for Target collection, Loeffler Randall's sweet and sophisticated designs have us rather excited - let us know what you think in the comments!


Loeffler Randall Chain Handle Clutch - available in Rose Gold or Black, $24.99


Loeffler Randall Rosette Ballet Flats - available in Black, Gold, Brown or Rose Patent, $29.99


Loeffler Randall Satchel - available in Cream or Brown Patent, $49.99


Loeffler Randall Clutch - available in Gold, Rose, or Brown Python, $19.99


Loeffler Randall Cinch Flats - available in Brown, Rose, Gold or Black Patent, $29.99


Loeffler Randall Tote - available in Brown or Cream, $39.99


Loeffler Randall Woven Clutch - available in Cream or Brown, $19.99

Have a fun and fancy free New Year's Eve in one of these three festive frocks from Delia's. Slip one on and you'll be ready to ring in the new year in style - and since each dress costs just $44.50, you'll be able to keep your New Year's resolution, too (ya know, to spend less and still live richly!)

Shine in this metallic one shoulder knit dress with removable tie belt (not shown). Great for showing off the ever-alluring collarbone. Designer Catherine Malandrino recently created a similar, asymmetrical sequin dress which sold out just about everywhere, so you know it must be a hot look!


This sultry chiffon halter dress with a ladylike lace underlay has center back smocking for better fit. The halter neckline draws attention up to your face while visually narrowing broader shoulders.


A gorgeous allover blue print dress is perfect for flaunting great legs while disguising, how shall we say, problem areas. Long sleeves are also figure flattering and very in this season.

Original, overdressed, trendsetting or trying too hard...The judges of the inaugural Daily Telegraph Style Awards sift the wow from the woeful.

>> See their picks for best and worst dressed of 2007.