The Budget Babe

We're all about the fashion in Sex and the City: The Movie, and the fashion was all about The Belt. Cinched waists were spotted in just about every scene, and who couldn't use a little help creating the illusion of a perfect hourglass figure? (Or making it look like you've put some effort into your ensemble, one of our favorite reasons for tossing on a belt?)

One of the hottest, stand-out accessories in the flick was Carrie's black studded belt, an edgy piece that's perfect for taming all those uber girly dresses that we secretly love, but still want to feel cool wearing. If you're in the Windy City, pick up your own studded belt at a place where this look is always in style: The Alley Chicago, the Midwest's premier one stop shop for Gothic, Punk, Emo and Rock clothing. If you're not, try this pyramid stud belt from ASOS ($25.96), this 3-row studded belt from Pacific Sunwear ($16.50), or this stud belt by Mossimo for Target ($19.99).

Image source: ASOS.com

Above: Two looks from Zara's Spring/Summer 08 collection
Thanks to a shopping tip from long-time reader Peaches, I learned that Spain-based apparel retailer Zara will open its newest store in Chicago, located in the Old Orchard Mall during fall 2008! The 27,200-sq.-ft. store will be the first location for the company in the Chicago area, and the fast-fashion giant (think H&M on steroids) also plans to open a 30,000-sq.-ft. second store at Chicago Place, located at 700 N. Michigan Ave. Zara operates more than 1,000 stores in 69 countries.

Zara store in Barcelona

Forget about Gaudi: Here's a photo I snapped of the Zara on Passeig Gràcia in Barcelona, Spain.
I gotta tell ya, I'm having one of those full-circle moments because Zara was my first budget fashion love. I discovered this amazing store when I studied abroad in Spain during my college years, then literally cried when I had to come back home and realized I wouldn't be able to score fabulous Zara bargains on my way to class anymore. They have a couple stores in New York City (and elsewhere in the U.S.) but it's not like I can just hop on a train and shop there whenever I feel like it. Ok, maybe I could but I'm lazy. Anyways, here we are in 2008, and Zara is finally opening up a big ol' storefront in my beloved hometown, Chicago. Dreams do come true.