Designer Looks for Less

I feel like there are dozens of fab designers from Spring 2008 that I haven't even begun to talk about, so I'm going to have to cram a bunch of them in before Fall fashion takes over. Let's begin with Lanvin, who had perhaps one of the most influential and successful shows - need I explain why? Writer Sarah Mower does a superb job of deconstructing Alber Elbaz's uplifting collection, so I highly recommend you read her review at Style.com. What I will add is that Elbaz is, no doubt, in part responsible for all the ruffles and tiers (paired with fierce statement shoes, of course) that we're seeing in fast fashion chains everywhere. Expect continued buzz about Lanvin come Fall, and in the meantime, channel the great designer with these cheap & chic looks from Wet Seal:


[1] Smocked Ruffle Trim Dress at WetSeal.com, $21.50
[2] Ruffle Trim Halter Dress Was $26.50 Now $15.00
[3] Ruffle One Shoulder Dress at WetSeal.com, $21.50

For those of you still stuck on Herve Leger's bandage dress, here are two more affordable options from Eliza J (left) and Forever 21. Work it, ladies.

Left: Eliza J Tiered cocktail dress at Nordstrom.com, $138
Right: Satin tiered halter dress at Forever21.com, $24.80

Botkier handbags for Target hit stores today (run, there's still time to check them out!). OK, so we haven't seen them in person yet but the offerings online look pretty amazing. There will always be the haters who say they're not real leather, the craftsmanship isn't there, yadda yadda, but let's keep things in perspective, shall we? These purses are extraordinarily affordable. They were designed, at least in part, by a real designer with talent. They look expensive, and they cost a fraction of the price of the authentic designer originals which honestly, who really buys that stuff anyways? 1% of the population? Who cares? All a girl wants is a cute purse to hold her cell, lip gloss and wallet. We're not asking for the Sistine Chapel. Finally, before I descend my soapbox, let me remind you that Botkier for Target purses are just as good as their competition, namely, Steven Madden or Guess purses which cost 2 or 3 times more for purses that are no better in quality, taste or style. In fact, they probably all come from the same factory in Asia. What I'm trying to say is these purses are stylish and cheap, so check them out and tell me what you think.

Featured above: Botkier for Target Metallic Wristlets, $19.99 each

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

Do you know where I can find a budget version of the Hervé Léger bandage dress that's so hot right now? I've seen a lot of tight-fitting dresses out there, but none that have that distinct bandage look. Let me know, thanks!!

Hervé Léger is credited with introducing the form-fitting bandage dress to the fashion world, and his iconic creations have been a favorite among celebrities. We recently spotted Rachel Bilson rocking this look (above left), so your question comes at a good time...but why is it that whenever you're looking for something, you can't find it anywhere?!?

Yes, this look is tough to imitate on a dime, but as The Budget Babe, it is my duty to find you designer looks for less, so I gave it my best shot and managed to find a few frocks that might fit the bill:

[1] Tadashi "Bandage"-style Stretch Satin Cocktail Dress at Saks, Was $328.00 Now $196.80
[2] Panel Halter Dress at ArdenB.com, $128.00
[3] Front Tiered Tube Dress at WetSeal.com, $22.50
[4] (not shown) Ruched Tube Sheath Dress at Agacistore.com, $27.50
[5] (not shown but this one's pretty darn close!) Forever 21 Tiered Halter Dress, $24.80
[6] Sexy Striped Banded Dress at Bebe.com, $98

Has anyone else found a hot Hervé Léger knockoff?

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?












Image source

I've been looking for something similar to Lauren Conrad's Katherine Wrap (above left, $155) or the DKNY Cozy ($195), but since these two are very pricey, of course I'm wondering if there is something similar for a portion of the price?

You've got great taste! Both of those wraps are the perfect cover-up (especially for freezing, air-conditioned offices!), very on-trend, versatile and comfortable. I think you'll get a lot of wear out of one, but of course, you want to get a deal if possible. Here are a couple options to consider:

• Black Stretch Wrap Cardigan by Wish Collection at eDressMe.com (above right), $60.00
  
• Banana Republic Wrap Cardigan, $59 (gray or black)
  
• Lucky Brand Jeans Long Layering Cardigan, $58:
  
• Merino wool cozy wrap at Bodenusa.com, $74
  
• Cotton/cashmere wrap at Bodenusa.com, $63
  
• ASOS chunky wrap sweater, $47.59
  
• Lightweight cardigan wrap sweater at VictoriasSecret.com, $39