Designer Looks for Less

Marc Jacobs has a knack for making the off-beat seem chic. According to runway reviews, the cute dress on the left is a nod back to a seventies-era flight attendant's uniform, which doesn't exactly sound appealing, but somehow Marc makes it so. While you can get this dress for a mere $321 on sale at Net-a-Porter (that's me being funny), we think you can create a similar look with the adorable frock on the right instead. (We spotted this retro number at our local Forever 21 and have to say it looks better in person than on the web.) Budget fashion for a first-class gal.

Left: Marc by Marc Jacobs Alessandra pussy bow dress at Net-a-Porter.com, Was $428 Now $321
Right: Mod Shift Dress at Forever21.com, $24.80

I'm enamored with just about all the accessories from Dolce & Gabbana's Spring 2008 collection, especially the Coin-Purse Bowler above, which features black/white snakeskin diamond patchwork in a whimsical harlequin pattern. I know that in the fast-paced world of fashion, this purse is ancient news. But since my motto tends to be, "I'll wear whatever I think is cute, whenever I want to wear it," this hot bag is making headlines in my world today.

On the runway, note how the hard lines and black and white tone of the bags pop against the curvilinear designs of the jewel-colored Venetian cut velvets. Brilliant. The somewhat dark mood of the bag also capitalizes on the material being used to make it, namely, snakeskin (Yes, I watch Nature and I know the snake is a misunderstood reptile, but we're referring to the serpent's 2,000+ year alignment with the Prince of Darkness himself.)

For those of us who can't get our hands on the real deal, knock-offs abound: Try the Linsday Lohan inspired bowler (featured above) from AnyKnockOff.com, or the Faux Snake Skin Divino Bucket Tote, $52.00, at Baghaus.com. Looking for a snakskin bag that's a little less busy? Try this Oversized snake-print satchel, now just $17.99 at Newport-News.com.

With some 81 outfit changes to speak of in the upcoming Sex and the City: The Movie, Carrie Bradshaw will be a fixture in the blogosphere for weeks, perhaps months, to come. So get used to it. Here, Sarah Jessica Parker sports an outrageous flower bedecked white frock, tempered by - get this - Extreme Dior Gladiator Platforms, which retail for $770.00 at eLuxury.com. While I'm not a big fan of the dress (reminds me of Little Shop of Horrors), I am very fond of the shoes. Snag a similar-looking pair called Candace (above right) for $69.95 at Bakers. One down, 80 to go.

>> Above right: Candace gladiator platform heels (also available in tan) at BakerShoes.com, $69.95

Coiled roses add a delicate charm to Philip Lim's silk pleated tank dress (left). Can't afford these pricey posies? Try the look out for less with Forever 21's cute, cheap dress instead (right). A rose is a rose is a rose...

>> Left: 3.1 Phillip Lim Silk pleated tank dress at Net-a-Porter.com, Was $595 Now $416
>> Right: Coil Rosette Dress at Forever21.com, $29.80

This Spring season marked Ralph Lauren's 40th year in business. The designer pulled out all the stops on the runway to celebrate the momentous occasion, including a series of stunning looks inspired by My Fair Lady. Get the look for less with this affordable, suspiciously similar black-and-white tiered ballgown (above right) from, of all places, JCPenney.

Left: A look from Ralph Lauren's Spring 2008 collection
Right: Tiered Prom Ballgown at JCPenney.com, Was $180.00, Now $90.00

Above: ABS Deep V-Neck Halter in Teal, orig. $200 now $29.99; Dream Society 'Bella' Cardigan, orig. $138 now $25 (ordered mine today), both at Regent's Secret
There's a new, private, members-only retailer on the block that offers leading fashion brands to its members at discounts of up to 70% off retail prices. It's called Regent's Secret, and each private sale lasts for only a short period of time or until all of the products being offered are sold.

Membership can only be obtained via invitation from an existing member or from Regent's...and that's where we come in! Regent's Secret has extended a special invite to all Budget Babe readers. In the interest of full disclosure, they're also offering the referrer (that would be me) 5% of total sales that my fashionista friends make - but wait, there's more! Join now using the link below, then invite your friends and earn 5% of all their purchases in cash or merchandise for life!!

Click here to join Regent's Secret now.



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Looks like Forever 21 isn't the only one knocking off Diane von Furstenberg's covetable designs. For sleek sophistication with a graphic edge, take your pick of Victoria's Secret version of this black and white wrap dress (left) or Diane von Furstenberg's (right). I'd say go for the original, on sale now for the reasonable price of $182 at Net-a-Porter.com.

Left: Curvy jersey wrap dress at VictoriasSecret.com, Was $79 Now $69
Right: Diane von Furstenberg Darcy wrap dress at Net-a-Porter.com, Was $365 Now $182

Which would you buy? The original? The knock-off? Neither?