Designer Looks for Less

Into optical illusions? These unique frocks have stripes that give the illusion of a tonal gradient when viewed from a distance. Pony up $168.00 for French Connection's version (center), or simply give the illusion that you paid a lot for your duds with either of the dresses on the sides from (who else) Forever 21.

>> Left: Diamond Knit Dress at Forever21.com (also available in red), $22.80
>> Center: Sunrise Tellin Dress at Fcuk.com, $168
>> Right: Sleeveless Diamond Knit Dress at Forever 21.com, $24.80

As part of their Gap Design Editions, the Gap enlisted 2007 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists 3.1 Phillip Lim, Band of Outsiders, Michael Bastian, and threeASFOUR to design a limited edition collection of white shirts, each putting their own spin on the classic white button-down. The collection looks pretty stunning on the models in the ad above, but keep scrolling...


Here's how the shirts look on yours truly: Not good. Not good at all. Yes, I took a trip to my friendly neighborhood Gap (a very rare occurrence) to scope out the collection, and while I had a very pleasant shopping experience (I forgot how oddly relaxing the Gap can be), the four shirts I tried by Phillip Lim were sub par considering the $78 pricetag.

Lim's Bell-sleeve shirt fit best (above left), but the ruffles would be difficult to layer under a cardigan or blazer without bunching and wrinkling. The Picot button-front shirt (above right) featured an uncooperative tie detail. Sorry, but I can't be bothered with buttoning and bow-tying. Pass.


A 3/4 sleeve top (above left) felt more like a mock-up than an actual finished garment. And it had a sort of "mad scientist" vibe that I wasn't feeling. Scary. Finally, I slipped into a low-tie neck top which made me look prego. Nothing wrong with that...but it's not the look I'm after. And again with the bow - please don't ask me to tie my own bows. The results ain't pretty.

In a nutshell, I felt the collection was unflattering, fussy and stiff. There's a reason that classic white button down shirts are universally appealing - it's that classic shape, cut and silhouette. So save your $78 and spend it on a great classic that you'll wear over and over again instead.

Topshop seems to have taken a cue from Luella Bartley with their floral ditsy mesh top (right). We think the sweet blossoms and edgy black lace make it the perfect blouse for a girl who wants to show her nice and naughty sides all at the same time.

>> Floral ditsy mesh top at Topshop.com, £28.00

Unfair comparisons are often drawn between floral prints and Laura Ashley or Little House on the Prairie. I say "unfair" because, as British designer Luella Bartley so cleverly proves with her Spring 2008 ready-to-wear collection, floral prints can be fierce. It's all in how you style them (and to a lesser extent where you buy them, because let's face it, the florals at Eddie Bauer won't pass for fashionable no matter how you work those buds).

So yeah, we're lovin' Luella and her diminutive, ditsy print designs. These sweet blossoms have an old-school edge that makes them good enough to pluck - and with our budget-friendly finds (they're everywhere these days!) you can afford to update your Spring wardrobe with an entire bouquet.

[1] Ditsy Flower Print Blazer at Topshop.com, £55.00
[2] Spring Chiffon Blouse at Forever21.com, $22.80
[3] Kimchi & Blue Dolly Shirt Dress at Urbn.com, $48.00
[4] Floral Cinched Bandeau One-Piece at dELiAs.com, $38.50

This past week, Fergie showed off her lovely lady lumps when she performed during the American Idol special, Idol Gives Back (which I am not ashamed to say was far more entertaining than this year's Academy Awards. I think the overarching theme of giving to charity made it worthwhile and I'd be more inclined to watch the Oscars if they did something similar.)

But back to Fergie and her outfit - she looked pretty incredible in her skintight black lamé leggings. Paired with a cute mini and leather jacket, this is totally a look you could wear to the clubs. When you start to sweat, you can start peeling off the layers, much like Fergie did on the show. And, of course, the budget-friendly version of her sexy leggings comes courtesy of American Apparel.

>> Lamé Leggings at AmericanApparel.net, $40

As you contemplate how you're going to wear ruffles this season, you may be considering a blouse with a ruffled collar, or perhaps a skirt with a ruffled hemline. But if you're feeling truly adventurous, you'll pounce on this cascading ruffle dress that boasts a veritable waterfall of tiered ruffles from top to bottom, and, in the case of the Juicy frock, ruffles on the front and back. (The cheap chic version just has them on the front.) Take the plunge with your pick of luxe or less...

>> Luxe on left: Juicy Couture Cascading Ruffle Dress in Black at RevolveClothing.com, $348.00
>> Less on right: Ruffled Shift Dress at Forever21.com, $29.80

Related posts:

• Look for Less: Tibi Ruffled Halter Dress


• Spring 2008 Fashion Trends: Romantic Ruffles

Bluefly, a popular online purveyor of discounted designer fashion, just launched a microsite called b*fly which carries contemporary (read: young & hip!) apparel at up to 40% off.

I'm loving this ditsy-print floral top from Free People for $41...but $99 for an Alice + Olivia tank top? I don't think so.

Time will tell if b*fly becomes a mainstay budget-fashion shopping destination for yours truly. Check it out and let everyone know what you think!

>> Visit b*fly.com