Asos "The Online Fashion Store" is having a huge summer sale with up to 75% off select items. Now's your chance to scoop up all those fashion-forward duds you've been drooling over for months. Great opportunity for first time Asos shoppers to get their shop on, too!

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.

When it comes to finding fashionable sunglasses, I don't think price matters. You can buy shades from H&M, Forever 21 or Target for under $10 that look great, won't break, and if you lose them while leaning over the edge of some national monument during your summer roadtrip, no one's crying.

But when it comes to your health - that is, protecting your precious eyes from the sun's harmful rays - which is the best route to take? Budget brands or the pricier, designer brands?

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.