Fashion Advice

Dear Budget Babe,
I'm constantly amazed at how you can effortlessly find the knock-off of an original.­ Can you share some tips on how to find a budget version of desired objects?

Sincerely,
Rose
Adelaide, Australia

Dear Rose,
God knows I wish there was a magic tool I could use, but finding fashions that look alike is just my strange ...hobby, you could say. I was always really good at that children's game Memory; love art history and recognizing works by a given artist; never forget a face - I'm that kind of person.

So I don't usually seek out something that looks like something else, I just browse magazines and stores (online and in person), and when I see two things that resemble one another, I make a mental note and feature it on my blog.

Obviously, certain stores have developed something of a reputation for taking their inspiration from top designers (Forever 21 and to a lesser extent, Topshop, H&M, Target, ASOS). Places like department stores, mall stores such as UrbanOutfitters, and then catalogs such as Newport-News, Spiegel, Victoria's Secret generally just carry some interpretation of the latest trends.

So it's largely a question of being observant and training your eye. Hone in on what you like about a particular item - is it the color? Shape? Texture? Same goes for celebrity styles you like - is it the fit, proportion, or juxtaposition of elements that appeals to you? Then, start clipping images of styles you like. I keep a three ring binder with clear plastic sleeves that I fill with anything and everything that inspires me.

While we're on the subject, I would add that "copying" need not be a dirty word - it's a great way to learn. Great painters copy the masters to hone their skills; great musicians learn to play other people's compositions before improvising and writing their own songs. Go ahead and copy the look of a friend whose style you particularly admire. In time, you'll be able to tweak the formula and develop a style that's all your own.

xoxo,
BB

Got a question for The Budget Babe? E-mail me at info(at)thebudgetbabe.com

Going braless may be the norm on runways and the red carpet...but what about in real life?



Featured above: Georgette Halter Dress, $39.50, part of the new Neon Nights collection at Old Navy.

I'm often asked to comment on the quality of the merchandise at Forever 21, an incredibly popular albeit controversial fast-fashion giant. I'm a big fan, in case you haven't noticed, and I definitely think Forever 21 has its place in the market—and in your wardrobe.

If you're new to the phenomenon that is Forever 21, here are a couple things to consider:

• Shop in person if possible. This way you can try things on and judge the fit and quality firsthand.


• Be prepared to dig. For a budget shopper who's used to thrifting, etc, this shouldn't be a problem - rather, it's an adventure! But yeah, their stuff can be hit or miss, so you need to dig around for those diamonds in the rough.


• Forever 21 has great accessories and trendy items that let you "test" new styles without making a big investment. You will have so much fun, because for the price, you can afford to take some style risks.


• Sizes are targeted towards teens. A major drawback for some but that's how it goes.


• Quality: Is it amazing? No. But it's good, and with proper care, it will hold up. And consider this: Many other stores these days are selling the same types of garments which are sewn in the same kinds of factories, except they're marking their prices up well beyond those found at Forever 21. Remember: Just because something costs a lot these days, doesn't mean it's good quality and vice versa.


• Check back often. Forever 21 stores get new merchandise just about every day. Sometimes I don't see anything I like, other days I want everything in sight.


• Don't be turned off by the name. I always see women of all ages shopping at the Forever 21 on State Street in downtown Chicago, for example. Besides, a budget babe must always be willing to shop anywhere and everywhere for a great deal!

As the seasons change, so should your makeup. The latest issue of Allure magazine highlights the newest makeup shades for Spring 2008, and it's all about "subtle twists on the classics." Hey, we can work with that. Here's what they recommend:

1. Peach Lip Gloss


2. Lilac and Silver Eyes


3. Mushroom Shadow


4. Indigo Liner


5. Icy Accents


6. Gilded Eyes


7. Terra Cotta Rose Cheeks


8. Cherry Lips

Dear Budget Babe,

Can you recommend some shoe brands at Zappos.com that are both cheap (under $50) and stylish?

Sincerely,
Broke & Barefoot

BB: Anyone who's ever shopped at Zappos.com can attest to their incredible selection, super fast shipping and easy-as-pie returns. But let's face it - their shoes aren't exactly cheap, and you can easily squander hours (if not days) of precious time browsing and sorting through thousands of shoes just to find a cute pair that won't break the bank.

So here are ten of our favorite brands that we can always rely on for cool styles, good quality and reasonable prices (each offers at least some styles for less than $50, meaning you don't have to wait for them to go on sale). This list is by no means exhaustive, but it's a good place start!

10 Best Affordable Shoe Brands at Zappos.com (in no particular order)
1. Unlisted by Kenneth Cole: Urban, stylish, versatile.
2. dollhouse: Funky and feminine
3. MIA: Unique with a hint of retro style
4. diba Fashion-forward, diva vibe
5. Yellow Box: Casual and glamorous
6. Restricted: Trendy and unique
7. Naughty Monkey: Playful, sexy, bold
8. Penny Loves Kenny: Wild-meets-whimsical
9. Shellys London: Hip shoes with a twist
10. BC Footwear: Young, fun, trendy

Dear Readers: What are your favorite brands for cheap & chic shoes?

Featured above: Shellys London "Crazy," $51.00 at Zappos.com

Dear Budget Babe,
I had a question for you about wearing HIGH WAISTED WIDE LEG JEANS! I thought there was no way I could pull them off, but i tried them on and i LOVED them. Now I'm wondering how to wear them (what shirts, shoes etc) to make them look casual or for going out. I don't want them to turn out as a disaster!! Thank youuuu!! —RD

Hi RD,
Thanks for the great question! High-waist wide leg jeans have an old-school, feminine flavor that I just love. Just keep your top simple - wear a solid color, nothing too full or voluminous, and be sure to tuck it in. This spring, a button-down blouse with a simple ruffle detail would be very on-trend with these pants.

For evening, pair your wide legs with a body-conscious yet sophisticated tank top. Something with a sweatheart neckline would be especially glam, in a throwback kinda way.

Pull the look together with a dark-colored medium wide belt, or a metallic or bright skinny belt. And make sure the top of your pants stop at the narrowest part of your waist to create a slimming, hourglass silhouette.

Finally, be sure to wear these pants with heels as they can otherwise have a "widening" effect on even the slimmest gals.

Good luck rockin' those wide-leg jeans out!

—BB

Got more styling tips for wearing high-waist wide leg trousers? Share them in the comments.

Dry cleaning is bad for the environment and your wallet. Here are four dry cleaning alternatives that will help you spend less while being kinder to Mother Earth at the same time:

• Hand-wash delicates, including silk and cashmere, with a gentle eco-friendly detergent or soap. Air-dry flat on a collapsible mesh drying rack. We recommend the Container store's Pop-Open Sweater Dryer.


• Purchase an at-home professional clothes steamer. They get rid of wrinkles and help keep clothes fresher, longer.


• Use Dryel or Dry Cleaner's Secret (these products let you quickly and easily "dry-clean" in your dryer, without the toxic chemicals). You can get a free sample of Dry Cleaner's Secret here.


• Take your dry-clean only laundry to an organic dry cleaner. The prices are a tad higher, but the cleaning process is gentler on your clothes, your health and the environment.

Dear Readers: Got a great dry cleaning alternative? Share it in the comments.