Designer Looks for Less

Here's another example of an actress whose style I greatly admire despite never having seen her act in a single film. Is that so wrong? As the ladies at Who What Wear Daily might say, "We don't care who you date or if you eat. We only care about what you are wearing." And so it is with Kate Bosworth. She is such a natural beauty and always manages to look super cool and girly without showing much skin or wearing anything particularly ostentatious. While she's a stunner on the red carpet, Kate also looks great in this casual outfit that's perfect for a laid-back summer day. In my budget-friendly version, I swapped the star's cut-off shorts with cropped jeans (a more flattering length on most gals), and found a tripped out pair of triple-strap flats from Dolce Vita that cost a fraction of Bosworth's Chloe shoes. Simple, stylish, and of course, easy to imitate without spending a fortune.

Do you admire Kate Bosworth's style?

[1] LA Made Button Back Pleated Tunic at revolveclothing.com, $52
[2] Oversized Plastic Shades at sunglasswarehouse.com, $15.95
[3] Indigo cropped jeans at topshop.com, $69.28
[4] Owl Charm Necklace at forever21.com, $8.80
[5] Dolce Vita flat with 3 buckles at shopdolcevita.com, $49.99

The line between what's hot and what's a hot mess can often be hazy what with all the tempting trends out there. I've made one too many fashion blunders because of this, and so I've decided to do a new installment here on The Babe that allows you, the reader, to help me make that distinction: Fierce or tranny?

Let's start with these super sexy Jimmy Choo "Elipse" cracked-gold leather sandals (at left). My vote: Undeniably fierce. The price ($695), not so much, which led me to search for a budget-friendly version (at right): The "Diem" platform sandal from Bakers. It's got the cracked gold leather look, the tall stiletto heel and the slight platform - but does the "Diem" hold the same allure as the Jimmy Choos...or does it scream dancer at The Baton?

Give it to me straight, ladies: Are these shoes fierce or tranny? (Please note that I use the word lovingly. But it's not the look I'm going for.)

I have a confession to make: I do not watch Gossip Girl. I know I should tune-in for the fashion alone but somehow the planets have never quite aligned in such a way that made me catch the popular teen drama. But that doesn't mean I can't admire Leighton Meester's fashion sense - both on and off the show. While Leighton's character, Blair Waldorf, is known for her eccentric, fashion-forward looks, the real-life star proves she can turn heads in something as simple and refined as a little black dress. This particular number, which she wore at the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 premiere, strikes me as especially flattering, and the shoes are drop-dead gorgeous. She's adorable, and her style is worth copying.

Are you a Leighton Meester fan? Do you love her look?

[1] Heart Petal Ring at Forever21.com, $4.80
[2] ASOS Halter Neck Prom Dress, $69.22
[3] Jill Stuart Kasia Ankle Wrap Platform Sandal at Shopbop.com, Was $468.00 Now $140.40

She was named "Model of the Year" in 2007 by the British Fashion Awards and tapped as one of the world's next supermodels by Vogue on the cover of their May 2007 issue. British model Agyness Deyn, whose real name is Laura Hollins, has taken the fashion world by storm with her platinum blond pixie haircut, lanky boyish figure and rock-chick aesthetic. Her style has a decidedly London vibe which I love to admire - from a distance, though, as I don't think I could pull off most of her looks. Seeing her face in Burberry ads has given the company a fresh new edge and made me look at the sometimes stodgy label in a whole new way. While I don't see her as the next Kate Moss, though many have made the comparison, I do think she's gorgeous, she's different, she takes chances and heck, the girl owes her parents for some great genes.

Are you smitten by Aggy? Do you love her look?

[1] Wayfarer Sunglasses at FredFlare.com, $10
[2] Oversized White Tank at store.AmericanApparel.net, $24
[3] H81 Cargo Pocket Satchel at Forever21.com, $26.90
[4] Xhilaration Black Shorts at Target.com, $14.99
[5] Monogram Necklace at UrbanOutfitters.com, $18
[6] Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Top Red at Amazon.com, $39.99

American tattoo artist Ed Hardy's vintage tattoo graphics were the most sought after body art of his time. Now Hardy, who was the first Western tattoo artist to incorporate Japanese tattoo aesthetic and technique into his work, has lent his name (and vintage tattoo designs) to everything from apparel to watches, hats, shoes, bags and more. While there's no denying Hardy's talent as an artist, his duds carry some pretty steep pricetags. You can find authentic Ed Hardy licensed products at places like Nordstrom Rack for cheap. Or, get the look with one of the many tattoo-inspired tees available at fashion chains like Wet Seal. Are you an Ed Hardy fan?

Left: Ed Hardy EH Mum Dip-Dye Tee at RevolveClothing.com, $88.00
Right: Flying Rose Tattoo Tee at WetSeal.com, $17.50

The future of budget fashion seems to include a slew of exclusive, invite-only designer sample sale websites - and that bunch of cutting-edge shopping destinations includes Ideeli.

Ideeli, which Cnet.com described as "Woot.com meets The Devil Wears Prada," is a members-only shopping community for trendsetting women which offers authentic luxury items at preferential prices to their members – plus giveaways every week.

The catch: You must join to access these exclusive offers.

The good news: Budget Babe readers got the hook up! Just click here to join.

Or, you can go to www.ideeli.com and type in the special invitation code: budbabe1

The code will expire September 1, so check it out soon!

Above: An example of an upcoming giveaway at Ideeli.com for a Chloe Riva Double-Zip handbag.

I feel like there are dozens of fab designers from Spring 2008 that I haven't even begun to talk about, so I'm going to have to cram a bunch of them in before Fall fashion takes over. Let's begin with Lanvin, who had perhaps one of the most influential and successful shows - need I explain why? Writer Sarah Mower does a superb job of deconstructing Alber Elbaz's uplifting collection, so I highly recommend you read her review at Style.com. What I will add is that Elbaz is, no doubt, in part responsible for all the ruffles and tiers (paired with fierce statement shoes, of course) that we're seeing in fast fashion chains everywhere. Expect continued buzz about Lanvin come Fall, and in the meantime, channel the great designer with these cheap & chic looks from Wet Seal:


[1] Smocked Ruffle Trim Dress at WetSeal.com, $21.50
[2] Ruffle Trim Halter Dress Was $26.50 Now $15.00
[3] Ruffle One Shoulder Dress at WetSeal.com, $21.50