Designer Looks for Less

Eva Longoria Parker's petite frame and classy yet sexy style make her a fashion muse for many women. While I question the way she mixes flip-flops with diamonds, somehow she makes it work for her. What I appreciate most about Eva's casual, California-chic look above is the strapless smocked dress, which is probably a pricey Juicy Couture number or possibly Shopbop's smocked mini dress, but you can get a similar look for just $19 during the Newport-News last call summer clearance sale. I picked up another version of this popular dress from Forever 21 for my cruise to Bermuda, and now I fully understand the appeal: Slip it over your swimsuit, layer it over a white tank or pair it with a cardigan for a variety of looks. Yup, definitely a no-brainer, which makes this frock a winner. If you opt to wear yours for a day of shopping as you enjoy the last days of summer, add a slouchy hobo and some girly accessories and you're good to go.

What do you think of Eva's style?

[1] Short bandeau dress, Newport-News.com, Was $34 Now $19
[2] Sunglasses, Forever21.com, $6.80
[3] Manhattan cuff watch, Forever21.com, $12.80
[4] Yoga headband, Jcrew.com, $14.50
[5] axcess Landon bag, Kohls.com, Was $50 Now $35
[6] Dean Harris for Target Necklace, Target.com, $44.99
[7] Studded Flip Flops, at Target.com, $12.99

As some of my dear, sweet readers have reminded me, summer isn't over just yet. This sleeveless top by Ella Moss (above left) speaks to warm weather with it's brilliant coral hue and loose-fit, yet it could easily transition into early fall with a cardigan or cropped jacket. If you like the look but not the price, the ELLE for Kohl's rosette top on the right should fit the bill. The origami rosettes are very on-trend and will bring attention to your lovely face without being overwhelming. Plus, they're a great way to do "floral fashion" even if you're not fond of floral prints.

Left: Ella Moss "Piper" Top with Embroidered Rosettes at Saks.com, $99.00
Right: ELLE Rosette Top, also available in black at Kohls.com, Was $34 Now $24.99

Left: Looks from Plenty by Tracy Reese for Keds; Designer Tracy Reese
Fashion designer Tracy Reese is collaborating with Keds to create a new line of fun footwear, Plenty by Tracy Reese for Keds, which will include peep-toe wedge sneakers, skimmers and ballet flats inspired by elements from her Spring 2009 collection. Prices will range from $65 to $80, and the line will be available in March 2009 at keds.com, Tracy Reese boutiques and select department and specialty stores nationwide.

"Keds has a unique feminine aesthetic coupled with fun, whimsical designs," said Reese. "I am thrilled to collaborate with such an iconic brand and excited about fusing the Plenty by Tracy Reese eclectic and wordly designs with casual footwear."

Ms. Reese definitely rocks, but I'm not really a fan of Keds. I'd rather see her do a line for Target. And why is everything "iconic" these days? That word is so played out.

Source

Newport-News Leather-Look Tote, Was $49.00 Now $39.00
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past year, this installment of "Name that Knock-Off" should be extraordinarily easy: The copycat in question is a leather-look tote from Newport-News, which can also be worn folded over and carried with the shoulder strap. The designer arm-candy that inspired this purse is one of my favorite styles in recent fashion history for it's modern yet timeless design. So who got knocked-off? Get the answer after the jump...

Rianna Metallic Wedge, $22.80 at Forever 21
Designers are always looking for new ways to reinterpret the shoe, and so it follows that the heel of the shoe has become a locus for sartorial reinvention. Or, in the case of copycats such as Forever 21 (bless their soles), the heel becomes the object of imitation. Now, I could be wrong about these Rianna Metallic Wedges (above), but I'm pretty sure they copied a certain American designer who created a certain stand-out, see-through wedge this past season...so that's your clue. Can you guess who got knocked-off? Answer's after the jump...

For all you Michael Kors fanatics out there, mark your calendars: The KORS Michael Kors shoe sale at Gilt Groupe starts Monday, August 4th at 12 PM EST. Gilt Groupe is a members-only sample sale website for designer fashion. Budget Babe readers can click here to join. Check out the designer's bio after the jump.

Hey, look everybody! It's your favorite judge from Project Runway. ::grins:: Ok, so listen: I don't know Nina Garcia from Adam, but what I do know is that I like this look, which was brought to my attention by alert reader TexNYQueen. For my budget-friendly spin-off, I found a simple satin sheath that gets pruced up with a black patent leather belt (cinching the waist continues to be a great trend I just love), a natural straw tote and killer wedge platform wedges--killer style, yet so kind to your feet! And since the dress doesn't have rhinestone embellishments like Nina's does, I found a glamorous necklace to doll it up instead. What do you think of Nina's look?

[1] Puff-Sleeved Satin Dress at Oldnavy.com, $34.50
[2] Beaded necklace at BananaRepublic.com, $39.00
[3] Black patent leather belt at Forever21.com, $9.80
[4] Straw beach bag at JCrew.com, $45
[5] Tahiti Wedge Sandal at Shopdolcevita.com, $79.99