Designer Looks for Less

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

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.

It's no secret that celebs love being spotted carrying costly Balenciaga handbags. I'm not always convinced that they actually cherish the bags themselves, judging by how often they thoughtlessly lug them around like a sack of potatoes or an old, grimy gym bag instead of the $1,000+ valuables that they are, but that's another post. (I'm not saying a star should coddle her purse like a newborn babe, after all, it's just a purse, but for god's sake show some grace when you're handling something that expensive.)

All gripes aside, Balenciaga still makes a mean bag. If you love the design, but would prefer to honor your lease and pay next month's rent, here are four affordable ways to dip your toes in the designer water:


Primo Limited Medium Loft Tote, $58.00. Available in 11 colors at Baghaus.com


Jocelyn Clutch, $12.99. Available in 3 colors at Shop Suey Boutique.



Linea Pelle Dylan Cross Body Clutch, on sale for $86.25. Available in 3 colors at LPCollection.com.


Authentic Balenciaga 'City' Bag via Bag Borrow or Steal. $120/week for non-members, $95/week for members.

With creative and tasteful applications of metallics such as this embellished Chloé mini skirt (left) - and its oh-so-affordable Twelve by Twelve understudies (right) - me thinks this trend is here to stay for a very, very long time. And if we're wrong? Opt for the lesser priced version and you'll only be $50 poorer.

Luxe: Chloé mini skirt WAS: $1,910.00 NOW: $1,146.00
Less (Top): Twelve by Twelve wool cowlneck dress, $49.50
Less (Bottom): Twelve by Twelve wool turtleneck dress, $49.50

The latest looks to emerge from the Simply Vera Vera Wang collection for Kohl's continue to beautifully demonstrate the designer's philosophy of comfort, style and individuality—all at a price you can afford. Tell us what you think in the comments...


Intelligent layering


Mixing textures


Comfort and style


Luxe details


Classics with a twist


Rich accent colors


Modern silhouettes

Designer Anna Corinna's collection of handbags are highly covetable and highly convertible - carry as a tote, hand held or with the shoulder strap for equally tony looks. Can't afford the real McCoy? Opt for these inexpensive, designer-inspired options instead...

Luxe: Anna Corinna Gunmetal Mini City Tote, $385 at Max & Chloe
Less: Metal Stud Convertible Bag in Gray, $26.80 at Forever 21



Luxe: Anna Corinna Tobacco City Tote, $420.00 at Max & Chloe
Less: Metal Stud Convertible Bag in Brown, $26.80 at Forever 21

Here's a similar looking purse we picked up at Forever 21 a few weeks ago. While we didn't realize it at the time, it's no doubt inspired by Anna Corinna's Black City Tote.


1) Carried as a tote indoors, it provides the perfect place to stash your gloves, hat and scarf.


2) Fold it over to protect belongings from snow and other inclement winter weather when you're on the go.


3) Lined interior features a zippered pocket; Convenient exterior zippered pocket keeps lip gloss and other essentials close at hand.