Designer Looks for Less

Super slim bracelets accented with shiny metal tubes are simple, stackable and effortlessly stylish. While one of the sets above will set you back $110, the other costs less than your morning cup of Joe.

So which is which?

Stella McCartney mix-and-matched fresh florals in her Spring 2008 ready-to-wear collection. Recreate the vibe for a whole lot less with carefree, flower-print frocks and lazy-day totes from American Eagle Outfitters.

At left: Looks from the Stella McCartney SS08 runway. (Style.com)
On right: AE Flower Tote in blue or coral $34.50 $24.95; AE Flower Garden Dress in red or purple floral print $69.50 $39.95

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• Spring Fashion Trends 2008: Fab Florals


• Look for Less: Etro Floral & Striped Dress


• Deal du Jour: Xhilaration Floral Flats

We recently discovered a new shoe brand (new to us, anyway) that's playing the Christian Louboutin knock-off game: Gianni Bini. Here, they copy Louboutin's oh-so-covetable patent leather pump right down to it's metallic bow detail. Gianni Bini did not, however, purloin the trademark red sole, so if that's what you're after, you'll need to fork over another $650 to make up the difference. As if.

Left: Christian Louboutin Bow Pump at Barneys New York, $720
Right: Gianni Bini "Celena" Bow Pump at Dillards.com, $69

Give a mod nod to DKNY's upbeat color-block frock with H&M's affordable take on the trend.
Left: DKNY Short Sleeve Colored Blocked Dress at DKNY.com, $525.00
Right: Short Sleeve Color Blocked Dress at H&M stores worldwide, $24.90

Miuccia has cast her sartorial spell once again, and we are powerless to escape it: Interspersed among Prada's fantastic floral fantasies on the Spring 2008 runway were some rather dashing, eye-catching optic square prints (left). Not quite plaid, not quite checks, these geometric grid-like patterns gave skirts and dresses a mesmerizing, almost dizzying quality.

The price of Prada's wares, however, has a similar albeit headache-inducing effect, but fortunately we found an off-the-runway skirt from Ann Taylor (right) that boasts the optic-squares we crave. Toned down with a solid white blouse and green patent purse, we think it's the perfect ensemble for work. Add baubles, a clutch and fierce heels, and you'll have a figure-flattering on-trend look for night.

>> Square Jacquard Skirt at AnnTaylor.com $98 $49.99

Prada image source: Style.com

When you're young, broke and fabulous, you don't need an authentic designer purse. Boys don't care what you carry. Neither do true friends. Your goal is looking cute, having fun and experimenting with new styles. You don't have the money, but then again, you don't really need it. See, you're livin' in the now. The here and now. You're not waiting until you turn old and gray and can actually afford some overpriced leather sac. It's not about instant gratification, it's about embracing who and where and what you are in life, right now, in this very moment. It's about playing dress-up, not climbing the social ladder.

So who are you? You're young, broke and fabulous. You're totin' your designer-inspired bag to the mall to meet friends. To the coffee shop to meet a cute boy. To the club where you just might spill a drink or two on it, or leave it in a cab later that night. In short, you're enjoying life. Because life is short, and at the end of the day, a purse is just an accessory, it neither defines nor delivers true happiness. So don't judge the girl with the knockoff.

Left: Marc Jacobs Striped Hudson Bag, $1,275.00
Right: Kenzington Satchel at Forever21.com, $29.80

Dorothy had her ruby reds, Cinderella had her glass slippers, and now today's budget babe can have her glitzy glitter pumps.

Can you guess which pair above costs less?