If you think you're obligated to look overseas for your style cues, consider the following accomplishments made by American designers:

We invented jeans. Skinny, baggy, boot-cut, or flared, jeans are arguably the most enduring contribution to fashion in the 20th century.

We created modern sportswear. Marked by casualness and an understated sex-appeal, it's on everyone, everywhere.

We turned the t-shirt into a fashion icon. Remember when Sharon Stone added a Gap T-shirt to her Valentino skirt and Armani jacket at the 1995 Academy Awards?

Furthering our efforts to help rid Americans of their sartorial inferiority complex, we'd like to give a shout out to some of the greatest homegrown designers. We're not knockin' anyone else, simply giving props where props are due.

For starters, we had to recognize Oscar de la Renta when we chanced upon this ruffle pintuck wrap blouse from his masstige line, O Oscar, which launched for Spring 07 exclusively at Macy's.

In the biz for over 40 years, de la Renta has proven himself to be a man who knows, loves and sure-as-heck can dress American women. Considering every item in his O Oscar line hovers around $100 (the blouse above is $79), we think he knows how we prefer to spend our bennies, too.

Score one for the red, white and blue.

Read a short-n-sweet bio of the Dominican Republic native here.

The Abaete for Payless Fall 2007 Collection arrived this week in Payless stores. Designer Laura Poretzky’s latest collection includes six architectural silhouettes for shoes along with coordinating bags and sunglasses. Must say, we're definitely intrigued.

Poretzky's fall pieces are much more wearable than her mod, vinyl Spring Collection. Our faves for fall...[1] the midnight-blue satin and buckle waist Andie Tote, $28; [2] Flavin Platform with inverted cone heel, satin and patent cross straps (these would look awesome with opaque tights), $25; [3] sophisticated Cybil Sunglasses (great shape & wearing shades in the fall is so chic), $14.

What do you think? Yes, no...maybe so? Let us know!

Thanks to an obviously stylish reader, we were clued in to BlueQ.com, an utterly boss online store with a line of smart products that range from hip, cute and kitschy to irreverent, sick and outrageous. Next time you need a uniquely delicious gift, think BlueQ.com.

In the meantime, pick up their Miso Pretty Shopper for yourself. Too cute for groceries, you say? Not for the hardcore fashionista and not for the incredible price of just $11.99. Miso in love!

Dear Budget Babe,
The release of designer Anya Hindmarch's "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" bag has created quite a stir and all the cool kids are carrying them. Unfortunately, they've completely sold out in the states. Can you suggest some stylish alternatives? And is paper really better for the environment than plastic?

TBB: The answer to the "paper or plastic?" dilemma is: Neither. Both gobble up natural resources and cause significant pollution.

So while the message "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" may be somewhat misleading, it's still a reusable bag—and at the end of the day, reusable bags are best.

For the lucky few who scooped one up for $15 at Whole Foods, make sure you actually use it and don't toss it when the next fad comes along. And if you didn't snag one, do not distress (and please, do not buy one off eBay for $200): There are plenty of other affordable and fashionable eco-friendly shopping bags...scroll down for some wholesome options!



















[1] Fiesta Colors String Bags, $10 for one at Ecobags.com
[2] Basura Totes are made from recycled juice packs by a women's co-op in the Philippines. $23.95 at Reusablebags.com.
[3] World Shoppers Bag, $13.99 at Target.com
[4] grOceries Tote, $9.50 at boutique.oprah.com

We just had our first peek at the new offerings from GO design duo Libertine for Target which arrived in stores and online July 15. Yes, we're excited because frankly, we get excited over each new GO collection, and yes, we will be heading to a store near us to see it up close and personal as soon as possible.

Having said that, we're not that impressed with this line overall. Maybe the candy-coated punk-meets-prep look just isn't our style. However, there were a few cute, clever items involving skulls and whales. And we're total suckers for these mesmerizing, brightly colored cardigans made from 95% cotton, 5% cashmere. They're just plain yummy. For $29.99 a pop, we may have to get our fix with more than just one color combination.

Check out Libertine's collection and tell us what you think.