Budget Fashion

Nylon mag scored the first photos of the Richard Chai for Target collection, which will be available in August. I adore the extra long cardigans, and the deep purple trench. As usual, we'll have to wait until we see these looks in person to make a final judgment call, but so far so good. What do you think?

The second GO International Private Label Collection will be available this Sunday, June 29th through July 29th at Target, which aims to bring top apparel trends to the store in between each limited-edition GO International designer collection. On the one hand, these collections kind of dilute the impact and appeal of the "exclusive" designer lines, but on the other hand, they keep us entertained and give us way more options in the fashion department. I'm happy to have the extra choices. This latest collection looks cute in photos, and I'm eager to see them in person. And where else but Target can we indulge in trends like ruffles, floral prints, and brights for so little cash? Keep scrolling to see some of the looks...and tell us what you think!

Pleated Poet Top in White $24.99; Ribbed Tank in Black $14.99; Multi-Layer Ruffle Skirt in Black with White Trim $29.99


Tiered Ruffle Dress in Floral Print $39.99


Button-Front One-Shoulder Ruffle Top in Fuchsia $22.99; Tiered Ruffle Miniskirt in Floral/Black $26.99


Editor's Pick: Ruffle Tank Dress in Fuchsia $34.99


Cowlneck Tank in Orange $24.99; Stripe-Back Tank in Blue $14.99; Slash-Pocket Shorts in Floral Print $24.99


Double Breasted Linen Jacket in Coral $44.99; Tiered Ruffle Top in Floral Print $29.99; Slash-Pocket Shorts in Pink $24.99

When I think of gingham, two images come to mind: Rockabilly and picnic tables. Not exactly the makings of great fashion, and yet, gingham is such an endearing fabric with enduring appeal. This typically checked print can be either sweet or edgy, dainty or dangerous. Or it can manage to be both at the same time, as is the case with L.A.M.B.'s hot gingham dress from the spring 2008 runway, or actress Keira Knightley's sassy gingham shirt dress.

If you're thinking of giving this trend a go, then you'll love these budget friendly options: Start with this sleeveless wrap dress, now $64.89 at Asos.com. If it's Keira's look you're after, snag this shirtdress from Topshop.com (£40.00) - they look almost identical (who knows, maybe they are!) Finally, diehard gingham fans will go ga-ga for Coldwater Creek's sleeveless gingham dress - gorgeous! ($119).

Not feeling the gingham frocks? Try Forever 21's cuffed gingham shorts ($19.80) for a polished, Gucci-esque look. Pair this sleeveless gingham shirt with jeans for casual coolness or rock it with a neon bright bottom - citron shorts would be mighty nice.

Gingham skirts are everywhere, too: Forever 21 has a cute plaid pleated mini ($22.80); Asos boasts a high-waisted flared skirt with the print (now $47.59); and Dillard's features a Kensie Girl gingham skirt for $48.

Naturally, Urban Outfitter's plays up gingham's retro vibe: Take a look at their Lux short sleeve shirt ($29.99), or accessorize with their gingham skimmers or thong sandals, both under $15.

Back to those picnic tablecloths: Nothing says summer quite like a gingham bikini. Leave it to Jessica "Daisy Duke" Simpson to design this fun little number. So cheerful! Snag the set on sale for about $60 at Macy's.

And that's one more trend you can check off your list.

How adorable is Daisy Lowe in her striped Miu Miu dress? Answer: Very. Paired with a boyfriend blazer, black tights, and sky-high heels, this short, feminine frock makes Daisy look like a doll at the Sex and the City: The Movie world premiere.

While fashionistas everywhere are no doubt very envious of Ms. Lowe and her designer original, creative types on a budget (that's us) can get the same satisfaction with a little imagination: Try mixing Forever 21's pleated cotton skirt (above right), $22.80, with a cute top for a fetching look at a fraction of the cost.

Or, if you're willing to spend a little more, ASOS has done us all a favor and created this cap sleeved mini dress with satin striped trim for $82.19 that looks almost like the real thing.

What do you think of this look?

If you've never experienced la différence of La Redoute - a French-based purveyor of affordable fashions - then now's your chance. During their blow-out summer sale, you can score quality basics and the latest styles at up to 75% off. It's the perfect time to complete your summer wardrobe (just kidding, that's never complete!).

The selection at La Redoute is so big, it can be a bit overwhelming. Our advice: Think of things you really need or really want and then shop accordingly. Otherwise you could end up spending more than you bargained for on things that end up unworn, chilling in your closet with the tags still on. Soapbox, off.

Bonus: Get FREE shipping on any order $50 and up with code LRFREE50 at checkout.

Shown here: These ET VOUS Cuffed Linen Tie-belt Shorts come in black or white and are the perfect, warm-weather staple. Was $69.99 Now $19.99

Floral-print evening dresses blossomed on Ralph Lauren's Spring 2008 runway. We're talking flouncy, full-length, silk-georgette gowns with big, bold blooms and an utterly feminine color palette. Thank goodness Lauren paired them with stark black hats, gloves and heels to provide some relief from all the petals and pollen. You can almost smell the fabric, they're that floral! While flowery prints may be too fussy for some, they're perfect for free spirits who want to make a splash. If you've got a wedding or a garden tea party to attend this summer, then keep reading. We've put together a veritable bouquet of budget-friendly floral dresses to help you get started.

[1] Forever 21 "Ursula" Dress, $24.80
[2] Newport-News Wrap Dress, Was $49, Now $25
[3] Forever 21 Whimsical Floral Dress, $27.80
[4] Isaac Mizrahi for Target Floral Chintz Wrap, Was $39.99, Now $27.99
[5] Newport-News Strapless Dress, Was $49, Now $39
[6] Ann Taylor Loft Smocked Summer Dress, $39.50
[7] Newport-News Blue Floral Dress, Was $74, Now $49
[8] Newport-News Pink/Orange Floral Dress, Was $74, Now $49
[9] American Living for JCPenney Floral Halter, Was $100 Now $50
[10] Spiegel Floral Print Slipdress, Was $99 Now $89
[11] La Redoute Floral Dress, $89
[12] Coldwater Creek Watercolor Floral, $119

Wally World isn't exactly known for high fashion, but are their low prices enough to get you in the door?



Shown above: No Boundaries "Courtney" Patent Flip Flops at Walmart.com, $7.00