Celebrity Style

We've been fans of these $1,150 Christian Louboutin Ariella Studded Boots since we spotted them on Rachel Bilson (other celeb fans include the Olsen twins, Beyonce, and Nicole Scherzinger). Her look is cute, albeit a tad boring. We think our budget savvy readers could do so much better styling these Studded Platform Heels from Forever 21 instead. For summer-ready style, pair your studs with a flouncy or flowery dress, cinch with a fly belt, grab a clutch and call it a day.

Forever 21 Studded Platform Heels, $22.80

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?

I look pretty cute in hats. Hats seem to suit my big head and long face. (Hey, I'm not complaining. I can also pull-off ridiculously oversized shades, so there.) The thing is, I don't really enjoy wearing them. Can someone so into fashion say that? Too late, I just did.

But enough internal dialogue: Hats are practical and they can up your style quotient pretty quickly. They keep us warm in the winter, and shield our precious skin from the sun's harmful rays in the summer. And so, I'm beginning to think that I should just suck it up and get myself a hat for summer.

When I rolled out of bed this morning at the gawd awful hour of 7:00 a.m. (yes, that's early!), to walk my dog, all I wanted - besides to crawl back into bed - was a good hat and my oversized shades to shield my eyes from the blinding light of day and cover my frightening bedhead. For that reason alone, I'm thinking of picking up one of these straw fedoras that are cropping up everywhere.

Eugenia Kim's pricey hat designs are a favorite among celebs, and as much as we love her style, we can't fork over $326 bucks for one of her creations. So keep reading for some budget friendly picks...the kind you won't mind losing on a gusty day, or the kind you won't mind shoving to the back of your closet when your bf makes fun of you. (Guys don't seem to dig hats. Ugh, I'm talking to myself again!) Bye!

• Dehlia's "Evelyn" Straw Fedora, $19.50
  
• UO "Spillane" Straw Fedora, $28
  
• AE Straw Fedora, $18.95
  
• Oasis Straw Trilby Hat at ASOS.com, $34.61
  
• Forever 21 Straw Weave Fedora in Black/Lime, $14.80

Shown above: Eugenia Kim "Kate Fedora" as seen on Cameron Diaz, $325; Eugenia Kim Leather Trim Fedora at ASOS.com, $346; Forever 21 basketweave fedora, $12.80

Lauren Conrad looked radiant at the MTV Movie Awards in a dress of her own creation - the "Christina" one-shoulder dress from her Fall 08 collection. You can pre-order it from Singer22.com for $210, but what's the fun of that? Where's the "budget friendliness" in that price tag? Fear not, my friends, because it looks like Lauren's hot dress is part of a growing trend. From Target to Forever 21, we found affordable one-shouldered blue frocks that look just as sexy, comfy and stylish. The royal blue hue will also make your bronzed summer skin glow. We're sold, how bout you?

I. Go International One-Shoulder Blue Dress at Target.com, $24.49
II. Lauren Conrad Christina Dress in Blue Moon at Singer22.com, $210
III. Single Shoulder Blue Minidress at Forever21.com, $24.80

It's a questionable look for teenyboppers, and an even more questionable look for a woman in her forties: Over-the-knee argyle socks. Worn with fierce gladiator heels and hot pants, no less. But you know what? I love the look on Sarah Jessica Parker. And if you're a daring stylista who wants to steal this ensemble, you can snag your own pair of thigh-highs at PatriciaField.com for just $14.

>> Over the knee argyle socks as seen in Sex and the City: The Movie, $14

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