The Budget Babe

Have you noticed how nothing ever seems to go out of style these days? It's like more and more "in" styles just keep on getting thrown into the mix, yet nothing ever gets tossed "out." But hey, we're not complaining cuz it just means that we babes on a budget get more bang for our buck. (Try saying that five times fast.)

Back to the trend on hand: Denim lightens up for Spring. Try the look with faded flare-leg jeans a la Nicole and Posh. Trust us, you'll like having another pair of pants on hand when your dark skinnies start to disintegrate from all the Winter wear-n-tear (but don't worry, those will still be "in," too!)

>> Top center: Six Pocket Wide Leg Jean at Forever21.com, $32.80

Put on your thinking caps, ladies. Comme des Garçons' founder and head designer Rei Kawakubo is set to create this autumn's frenzy-sparking guest designer collection at H&M.

Kawakubo, famed for propelling the artistic and philosophical boundaries of fashion to some esoteric place we mere mortals dare not venture, will design H&M fashions for women, men and children, as well as accessories and a unisex fragrance.

The world launch of the collection will be at the opening of H&M's second store in Tokyo, Japan - Kawakubo's native country - in the beginning of November. Launch date for other H&M markets will be a few days later.

To call Kawakubo avant-garde would be an understatement, so it will be interesting to see how her experimental designs translate to fast-fashion. I have no doubt, however, that it will be spectacular. Even if it gives me a headache.

Above: A look from the SS08 Comme des Garçons runway, courtesy Style.com

Once upon a time (read: back in the '80s), rainbow-hued denim reigned supreme in the closets of all fashion princesses. But then the styles changed, and colored denim was cruelly cast-out of the fashion kingdom, never to be seen or heard from again. Until, that is, some time last year when colored denim made its glorious comeback and galloped back into our hearts on the proverbial white horse - cuter and edgier and better than ever! Live happily ever after (cuz this trend is here to stay) with one of the three cheap, chic colored jean picks featured above from Forever 21. THE END

From left to right: Francine Jean, $29.80; Joy Straight Leg Denim, $29.80; Yellow Elena Denim pant, $27.80
TIP: Avoid over-accessorizing and let your colored jeans be the focal point of an outfit. If you're wearing colored skinnies, don't forget to keep it loose or voluminous on top.