The Budget Babe

Fall runways are usually replete with plaid, but trust me, you ain't seen plaid like this before: D&G's Fall 2008 Ready-to-wear collection makes plaid look absolutely exhilarating. Every look is to die for. This is why I love fashion - the ingenuity. Just when you thought everything that could be done with plaid had been done before, you witness something like this. Plaid that's feminine. Plaid that's bohemian. Plaid that's tailored, prim and proper. But don't take my word for it. Click on over to Style.com and experience the collection for yourself. If you're feeling inspired, Forever 21 makes plaid affordable with this adorable, naughty schoolgirl number (above right). Pair with a blazer, opaque tights and heeled oxfords for your own D&G moment...for less.

>> Silky Plaid Dress at Forever21.com, $24.80

There's a certain beauty to be found in the utility of a given object. In the case of this McQ by Alexander McQueen Exposed Zip Tank (left), brought to our attention by the astute author of Cupcakes and Cashmere, the functional zipper takes the spotlight as a purely decorative element. The stark black zipper contrasted against the bold red tank heightens the effect for a look that's edgy, modern and practically perfect. The price, however, leaves something to be desired even though it's from McQueen's more moderately priced line. For a similar look, why not try Forever 21's Zipper Pencil Dress? Obviously, I have no way of knowing whether or not Forever 21 got the idea for this dress from Alexander McQueen, but it wouldn't surprise me in the least if they did. McQueen's star just keeps rising and the designer is enjoying more press and recognition than I think he's ever been given before in his career. High time.

Left: McQ Exposed Zip Tank at Shopbop.com, $213
Right: Zipper Pencil Dress, available in magenta, yellow or blue at Forever21.com, $19.80

It's Clinique Bonus time at Bon-Ton, Carson Pirie Scott, Bergner's, Boston Store, Herberger's, Younkers and Elder Beerman now through Sunday, September 7th. Yours free with any Clinique purchase of $21.50 or more. Valued at $50.00.

Your Bonus Includes:
[1] Blended Face Powder in Invisible Blend
[2] Different Lipstick in Gingerfrost
[3] Lash Doubling Mascara in Black
[4] Liquid Facial Soap Mild
[5] Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips
[6] New Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
[7] Cosmetics Bag

THE LOOK FOR...LESS?? Model turned make-up pro Jemma Kidd has created an "upscale" line of cosmetics for Target, JK Jemma Kidd. While we love the idea of having high-quality beauty products at Tar-zhay, we're a little bewildered by the prices - they don't seem to be much lower than her regular line. For example, the Jemma Kidd Plumping Lip Balm & Long-Lasting Color Duo (above left) costs $22.00 at Bergdorf Goodman. Meanwhile, a similar product, the JK Jemma Kidd Sheer Vanity Gloss and Glaze (above right), costs $18 at Target - that's just $4 less, case you didn't notice. What gives? If I'm going to spend that much on fancy lipgloss, I might as well order it from the fancy store. Granted, I can browse the JK line at my leisure at my local Target without having to pay for shipping, but still, it's hard to justify the cost when you've got $1 Wet 'n' Wild selling in the same aisle. I doubt I'll be testing these products anytime soon, so if you've had some experience with them, please share!

Browse the entire JK Jemma Kidd collection here.

It's not difficult to look gorgeous when you're built like Charlize Theron, but humor me: I think she's nailed a look here that we can all learn a little something from. The former supermodel and Oscar-winning actress has a style that's glamorous, sexy and yet - that adjective that seems to epitomize great style in this modern era of ours - effortless. Here, she mixes a number of trends with such finesse that you hardly notice the clothing, but you certainly can't help but notice the woman wearing them. What caught our eye: The soft, flowing chiffon dress juxtaposed with a fitted, tailored blazer. Gold accessories that glow without being gaudy. And on a practical note, that chic blazer is the perfect layer for transitioning from warm days to chilly nights. Plus, add tights and booties to this look and you'll be ready for fall.

Are you inspired by Charlize's style?

[1] Clutch, NYandCompany.com, $16.95
[2] Tiered Ruffle Dress, Expressfashion.com, $49
[3] Sunglasses, Forever21.com, $5.80
[4] Necklace, BananaRepublic.com, $39
[5] Blazer, NYandCompany.com, $41.96
[6] Stone Hinged Bracelet, BananaRepublic.com, $39
[7] Gold Sandals, Ninewest.com, $59.99

Target hits the mark when it comes to serving up fresh bargain fashions that suit just about every woman's style. So which in-house fashion brand at our favorite big box is most "you"?



Featured above: Mossimo Valentina Peep-Toe Booties in Dark Pewter $26.99; Isaac Mizrahi for Target Ariel Patent Oxford Booties in Black $34.99; Merona Elaina T-Strap Pumps in Brown/Cream $24.99; Xhilaration Sharon Peep-Toe Pumps in Red Patent $22.99. The Budget Babe would like them all, thank you!

Dear For Love 21,
Your weekly must-haves are truly seductive. Might you consider offering free shipping on "The One Item I Need to Get This Week"? The Caron Faux Leather Handbag would make the perfect purse for transitioning from summer to fall, and it is sitting patiently in my shopping cart. Yet it's hard to justify paying shipping charges on top of the $29.80 price tag for one, simple bag (as lovely as it may be). Just say the word - that you'll ship it free - and I'll hit "buy."

Yours truly,
BB

>> Caron Faux Leather Handbag, $29.80 (plus shipping)