Vera Wang holds a special place in my heart because I wore a gown (and veil and hairpiece and sash) from her WHITE for David's Bridal line for my own wedding. I can't say enough good things about this collection, and neither can Budget Babe contributor Vanessa Williams Stevenson of Leather and Lollipops, who headed to the designer's preview yesterday in NYC to bring us a first-look at the latest swoon-worthy styles. —BB

by Vanessa Williams Stevenson
Yesterday afternoon, Vera Wang presented the WHITE by Vera Wang Fall 2013 Collection, available exclusively at David's Bridal. The collection incorporated Vera Wang's classic aesthetic into affordable looks for brides and bridesmaids.

Bridal gowns in the collection are priced from $728 to $1,348. The collection features traditional white and ivory and introduces sterling, a silvery grey, and oyster, and pale beige tinted with grey. It includes satin and textured organza and there is a huge emphasis on detail in the design and an elegant sophistication throughout. Each piece was breathtaking. It's hard for me to decide on a favorite because each was so perfect and appropriate for any wedding. The crystal details, sashes and draping and layering of fabrics was done so beautifully.

The bridesmaid dresses are priced from $168 to $198. The collection introduces two new looks, a crinkle chiffon flutter sleeve dress and a satin and matte crepe peplum dress with a satin sash. I fell hopelessly in love with the peplum dress. Not only is it a fabulous dress for a bridesmaid, it's great to wear if you're attending a wedding or any other formal event.

I absolutely adore this collection. I think it's wonderful that Vera Wang has this collection for David's Bridal and is bringing her designs into a more affordable range for brides who want a Vera Wang without completely breaking the bank. Which of the gowns is your favorite? —VWS

If you're starting to build up your spring and summer wardrobe, a trip to Kohl's is a must. The LC Lauren Conrad collection has lots of warm-weather essentials, like the perfect denim shirt, denim vest, denim jacket and white skinny jeans. If you follow my daily "Dress by Number" posts, you'll see these pieces come up again and again because they're so versatile and work with almost any style aesthetic, whether you're bohemian like Alessandra Ambrosio (seen in a white jean jacket here), chic like Miranda Kerr (seen wearing a denim shirt here) or trendy like Jessica Alba (seen wearing a denim vest here). But instead of paying hundreds of dollars for designer takes on these pieces, you can find them for under $30 or $40 at Kohl's. Sometimes less. Other highlights included cute day dresses, pretty blouses and breezy skirts. See more of my real-life photos after the jump (I couldn't resist mixing in a few items from other in-store brands, too, so let me know if you have questions about any of the items).

This weekend, I scoped out the Kate Young for Target collection which launched back on April 14. I'm going to sound like a broken record but I didn't try anything on because I'm now 33 weeks pregnant. I did, however, inspect the pieces still in stock, which included such highlights as this star print Peter Pan collar dress ($49.99), this leopard print dress ($49.99), and these "Neema" flame detail pumps ($39.99). I have to admit the prices on this collection seemed high (I'd knock $10 off all the items I just listed), while quality was comparable to past collabs. I didn't see the one piece I really wanted which was this yellow beaded shift ($59.99) - so we'll pretend the credit card gods were just doing me a favor.

Did you buy anything from this collection? Are you waiting for it to go on clearance?

I finally got around to checking out the Derek Lam for Kohl's collection this week at two stores in my area, and both were still fully stocked with nearly all the styles in many sizes. That's a good thing, right? This is a really strong collection but figuring out how to wear the pieces will take a little effort on the part of shoppers - even though everything's pretty casual and relaxed, the prints and unique cuts make things challenging - or interesting, depending on your point of view. Since I'm majorly pregnant at the moment, I just gazed wistfully at the styles I wanted to fit into. Then, I spied this striped drop-waist dress that looked like it might just cover my bump, so I tried it on and - to my amazement - it fit! (I went up one size, too.) Not only that but it really felt quite nice, hugging in the right places and draping in others. And since it was on sale and I had a coupon, I bought it. I think Lam put a lot of thought into this line and it's worth a look. But no need to rush.

More off the rack photos after the jump - have you bought anything from this line yet?

The Budget Babe contributor Vanessa Williams Stevenson from Lollipops and Leather falls head over heels for subdued luxury at the Banana Republic Fall/Holiday 2013 press preview in NYC. —BB

by Vanessa Williams Stevenson
Yesterday evening Banana Republic rocked my world with their Fall/Holiday 2013 presentation at Cedar Lake in New York City. I literally stopped in my tracks and gasped when I first walked in because I was so amazed at everything I was seeing. The looks were luxe and sophisticated, but simple. The collection as a whole is really accessible, but it also has a real sense of purpose.

Banana Republic presented a refreshing and new take on their classic American style. It's so obvious to me that the designers behind this collection really thought about the details. It was contemporary, it was edgy, it was everything. I loved the leather and faux fur, the amazing shoes and booties and the fabulous handbags and statement jewelry. I really appreciated the way that everything was presented and styled because it gave me endless ideas on how I could wear things.

I absolutely cannot wait for this collection to be available for purchase. I have my eye on the black leather tee and the faux fur clutch. What's on your list?
—VWS