The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Spring Fashion Trends 2008: Tribal Prints



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.

Where to Find Cheap, Chic Skinny Jeans

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?

Look for Less: Gucci Plaid Pants

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.

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

Look for Less: Marc by Marc Jacobs Top

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!

Marc by Marc Jacobs

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


Deal du Jour: Budget B.J. for V-Day

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.

Betsey Johnson Lingerie
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