The Budget Babe

Tribal trends for Spring 2008 from Oscar de la Renta, Pollini, and Just Cavalli. Image source: Style.com

Ethnic-inspired prints added depth and colorful sophistication to many a designer's Spring 2008 collection. Tribal Africa made its presence known at Just Cavalli, accented by feather and bead flourishes. Oscar de la Renta played with more traditional kente-esque fabrics, perhaps the best known of all African textiles, identified by its multicolored patterns, geometric shapes and bold designs. At Pollini, inspiration came from abstract Asian ikats. Since these tribal prints are already on loan from various cultures around the globe, expect them to percolate throughout all strata of planet fashion without litigious reproach come Spring.

Dear Budget Babe,

I have recently come across a huge fashion problemo!!! In the past year I had gone through not one, but TWO pairs of extremely pricey designer jeans. Both of them ended up ripping in exactly the same spot, and I've had enough!!! I refuse to give this company any more of my money! So Budget Babe, my question is this - can you tell me where I can find a pair of long, or stacked, skinny jeans (longer inseam so they bunch at the bottom) on a budget? Please!!!

Sincerely,
Desperate and Drafty

BB: I've bought jeans at just about every price point and what I've learned from experience is that a great pair of jeans doesn't have to cost a small fortune. At the same time, finding a perfect fit is nothing short of a miracle (also speaking from experience), so when you find amazing jeans that make you look and feel great, by all means, buy them. Just make sure you're doing it for the fit, style and comfort and NOT the label alone.

With that in mind, here are a few places to look for those extra-long skinny jeans you so desire (great taste, btw!):

Delia's: Shop for jeans by cut AND inseam length (up to 36"!!), which is an extremely helpful search option. We recommend: Morgan Low-rise Skinny, available in 6 washes, just $39.50. What's more, if you buy one pair now, you can get a second pair HALF-OFF.

LeviStore: The great American classic (even if they're made overseas these days) has undergone a fairly recent facelift, offering a wider selection of current styles. We recommend: Ultra Low Skinny 521 Jeans, 3 different washes, up to 34" inseam, $58.00 to $68.00.

Charlotte Russe: Stylish jeans at Forever 21 prices. We recommend: Lapis Ultra Low Rise Skinny Chelsea Wash (featured above), $29.99

Bluefly: Designer denim at a discount. Browse their selection of Joe's Jeans, Paper Denim & Cloth, Sass & Bide, Earnest Sewn, Diesel and Habitual. We recommend: Joe's Jeans Dark Blue Stretch 'Chelsea' Skinny Jeans, $159 $95

Urbanoutfitters: The latest trends in denim are always at Urban. Check out brands like Lux, Levis and Free People. We recommend: Free People Stretch Denim Skinny Jean, $68

Dear Readers: Where do you shop for budget-friendly jeans?

Plaid for Spring? Sure! Why not? At least, that's the message designer Frida Giannini was giving us with her Spring 2008 collection for Gucci. Gianni proved that plaids, typically reserved for chilly fall and winter seasons, can be fresh and unexpected when the temperatures turn upwards, too. Try the look with these plaid pants from Forever 21 and you'll be tiptoeing through the tulips in tartan.


Left: A look from the Spring 2008 Gucci runway. Image source: Style.com
Right: Forever 21 Flared Plaid Trousers, $24.80

In her Style.com runway review, writer Nicole Phelps pinpoints the theme of the Spring 2008 Marc by Marc Jacobs runway show by calling it "Pan Am stewardesses, by way of Mary Tyler Moore." To illustrate her point (because she's spot on), we offer the look on the left as well as its budget fashion doppelgänger on the right. Oh, and this assessment: Both are so ugly, they're cute!



Left: A look from the Spring 2008 Marc by Marc Jacobs runway. Image source: Style.com
Right: Forever 21 Jessica Satin Tunic, $29.80

No, not THAT kind of B.J. - we're talkin' super cheap, super cute lingerie from Betsey Johnson!! Surprise your sweetie this Valentine's Day by wearing one of these ultra girly, ultra chic babydolls from the wild-child designer's intimates collection. Each style costs just $33.99, marked down from $68.00! So hot.


Left: Betsey Johnson Lace Trim Swing Babydoll with Matching G-String, $68.00 $33.99
Center: Betsey Johnson Microsatin Floral Lace Slip, $68.00 $33.99
Right: Betsey Johnson Swing Babydoll with Ruffles and Matching Thong, $68.00 $33.99

Leave it to Chanel to pair wide-leg stonewashed jeans with a matching denim bathing suit and generous helping of pearls - and actually make it work. Sort of. On second thought, we're not quite sure about this head-to-toe denim ensemble, but we're willing to at least give the pants a go with Forever 21's Stacy flare jean. Just don't expect us to give up our dark-wash skinnies any time soon.



Left: A look from the Chanel 2008 runway. Image Source: Style.com
Right: Forever 21 Stacy Flare Jean, $34.80. Five pocket, flared wide-leg jean with oversized button and zipper fly.

Courtesy Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel's Spring 2008 runway was a veritable parade of stars and stripes and all things Americana. Pay tribute to the red, white and blue in your own version of Old Glory-chic with Forever 21's navy and white wide-stripe blazer. Not feeling the Fourth of July vibe? Rock the jacket with Spring's equally hot nautical trend.



Left: A look from the Chanel Spring 2008 runway. Image source: Style.com
Right: Forever 21 Wide Stripe Blazer, $24.80. 3/4 sleeve wide stripe blazer with single hook and eye closure. Features lined welt pockets, back buckle tab.