Fashion Advice

Memorial Day used to mark the start of the season when self-respecting ladies could wear white once again. That fashion convention has pretty much been blasted by today's "anything-goes" attitude, but we figured now was as good a time as any to mention this perennial summer favorite. Just remember...

• White won't make you look bigger - it's the fit, cut and fabric that matters, not the color.
  
• White won't get dirty after one wear. Unless you live with my dog, in which case, your whites will get covered in mud and drool in under 5 seconds. But that's what washing machines are for, right?
  
• White will keep you cooler. It reflects sunlight...or something. Trust me, you'll feel cooler wearing it.
  
• White will match everything in your wardrobe. Winter has black; summer has white. You can't go wrong.
  

Shown above are just a few ways to wear white for less green:
[1] Cotton Lace Trim Top at Forever21.com, $22.80
[2] Soutache embroidered surplice dress at Newport-News.com, Was $79 Now $49
[3] Style&co. Belted Wide-Leg Linen Capri Pant at Macys.com, Was $44 Now $30.80

Fashion is fleeting, and so are our feelings towards it. But here's what we think is absolutely amazing right now:

Coral lips: As seen on Carolina Herrera's Spring 2008 runway, this gorgeous shade does wonders for all skin tones, just experiment to find the hue that's right for you. I prefer this color in a lip gloss like Fire Coral Plumping Lip Glaze from e.l.f.

Lightweight scarves: You've seen them on ALL the celebs, and with good reason: They truly do punch up any outfit in an instant. And, you don't have to wear a bright color or trendy tie-dye if you don't want to: Opt for neutral shades, and a solid or simple pattern for a truly refined way to accessorize. Find them at H&M, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21 and The Pashmina Store.

Beads: Stacked bead bracelets or layered strands of bead necklaces make a chic statement. You'll look like you've just recently returned from an exotic vacation, rather than a trip to a mall (avoid all the low-grade silver and gold jewelry you see at mall kiosks. Looks cheap. Unless you want a Carrie Bradshaw name necklace - those are always hot.) Get gorgeous beads at H&M, Banana Republic, Target, and Forever 21.

Black Blazers: It's the perfect transitional piece of outerwear for Spring, and of course, the blazer is perfect for the office. But not just any blazer will do: Try this boyfriend blazer from Target, or this single-button black blazer from Topshop for an effortless, fashion forward look.

What can't you live without right now?

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