When you're on a tight budget, it's important to buy versatile items that will go the distance in your wardrobe and take you from day to night and beyond. Inspired by this reality, and by a spread titled "One Dress, Three Ways" in the August 2008 issue of InStyle (pp. 108-109), I decided to see how I could stretch one simple PLEATED SHIFT (which I purchased for $14 at Target!) in three different directions. Here are the results.

1. Sweet Charm Simple and chic for a day of shopping and lunch with friends. SHOES Dark brown faux-leather gladiator flats, Forever 21, $19. PURSE Blue Patent Leather, Sigred Olsen. BELT Brown faux-leather, Forever 21, $13.50. BRACELETS (featured in all three looks) Gilded rubber bangles, Urban Outfitters, $5


2. Downtown Diva An edgy look for work or girl's night out. SHOES Black leather peep-toe Mary Janes, Aerosoles, $19.99. JACKET, Zippered biker jacket, Bebe, $39. LEGGINGS Twelve by Twelve, $18.


3. All Glammed Up Dolled up for dinner and dancing. SHOES Metallic leather slingback heels, Nine West via Marshalls, $28.99. NECKLACE Vintage faux pearls, Rummage sale, $1. PURSE Quilted Eggshell Leather Clutch, BCBG Max Azria via Marshalls, $80. BRACELET Black leather & gold cuff, Givenchy via Filene's Basement. BELT Thin black suede belt, Forever 21. BLACK TIGHTS.

I always underestimate the fashion potential of shorts, but these highwaisted dress shorts (left) from Sienna Miller's Twenty8Twelve line have me envisioning countless possibilities of chicness. But despite their high-style factor, I am reluctant to pay a lot of money for shorts. After all, they're only like, half a pair of pants if that, and therefore hardly worth $185.00 (or even the sale price of $92.50). Instead, I'm considering the pair on the right from Forever 21 for $15.80. Honestly, could you tell the difference if you paired them with a tight white tank, pricey clutch and fabulous heels? Didn't think so.

Left: Twenty8Twelve Bartus High Waisted Short at Shopbop.com, Was $185 Now $92.50
Right: High Waisted Dress Short at Forever21.com, $15.80

Avril Lavigne's Abbey Dawn juniors sportswear line is now available at Kohl’s stores and online. In keeping with the sk8er chick's personal style, the collection includes rock ‘n’ roll printed T-shirts, plaid shorts with pocket chains, suspender tees, tiered mini skirts and hoodies. Weird how the fringe went so...mainstream, huh? Not my cuppa tea (I'm part of the Alanis Morissette generation), but for those interested, everything is priced at just $40 and under.

>> Shop Abbey Dawn at Kohls.com

StyleDetox.com, an online boutique featuring new and vintage clothing, jewelry and housewares, is having a super sale to clear out inventory before a big move. Get amazing deals like $14.99 tops and tanks, $24.99 Dresses, $9.99 jewelry, plus mark-downs on a lot of their vintage and one-of-a-kind collection pieces.

Above from left: Silver Fern Necklace, Was $12.99 Now $9.99; Blue summer dress, Was $35 Now $24.99

Many of you liked what you saw when we posted our first look at the Richard Chai for Target collection, so let's see what you think of the rest of the preview pics. I could wear everything in row 5 (love the naughty secretary vibe), can't wait to snag that gorgeous trench, and I will probably pick up at least one LBD - black usually translates well to budget fashion, making any article of clothing look pricier and classier. I also think the predominantly purple and blue color palette will be a welcome relief at the end of summer and should carry us well into the fall. What do you think?













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