Chances are you already own one of fall's hottest trends—the shirtdress. If not, do not raid your man's closet (no matter what some magazines tell us): Find a quality, well-fitted garment that you really love and be willing to spend a tad more than usual as you'll probably wear this wardrobe staple often enough to bring the cost-per-wear down.

How to update the look this time around? Begin with a smooth camisole (a must for anything with buttons down the front), and black or dark-colored tights. Pair your shirtdress with ankle boots or booties for a polished, of-the-moment look. Punctuate with a printed belt or patterned pumps (tweed, plaid, patent and animal prints are all big for fall). Pick one, no more.

Gap is showing their shirtdress with a cropped fitted vest—a good option for certain figures, not all.

And don't forget, you can always bypass the trends and accessorize with a timeless silk scarf around the neck.

Our personal favorite is to roll up the sleeves on the shirtdress and layer atop a long sleeve henley, worn with pointelle tights and near-flat, knee-high boots. It's not for everyone, but the point is to have fun and make the look your own!

Gap's shirtdress is poshest in black, priced at $69.50 here. >>
Check out our other post on shirtdresses here. >>

There seems to be no shortage of Christian Louboutin knockoffs for fall—or are these copycats merely inspired by the most coveted shoe creations today? You be the judge...


LUXE VS. LESS

Luxe: Christian Louboutin "Iowa" Mary Jane Pumps, $590 at Saks
Less: Steve Madden "Tinah" Patent Pump, $79.95 at Nordstrom


Luxe: Christian Louboutin "Caracolo" Patent Zip Pump, $910.00 at Bergdorf Goodman
Less: Steve by Steve Madden "Larrk" Pump, $129.95 at SteveMadden.com


Luxe: Christian Louboutin Metallic Platform Pump, $785.00 at Bergdorf Goodman
Less: Oh Deer! "Ella" Metallic Platform Pump with Red Sole, $78.95 at Zappos.com

Find more designer looks for less here. >>

Our love for an old fashion flame, Mango, was recently rekindled after visiting their amazing online shop, www.mangoshop.com.



If you're not familiar with the Spanish fashion chain, it's very similar to Zara (also from Spain) and H&M—runway-inspired looks at reality-based prices. Mango is hot on the heels of Zara with its rapid expansion into U.S. markets, and well ahead of both Zara and H&M as far as online offerings go. Expect to see a lot more Mango here at The Budget Babe!

Just as there are wonders of the world that one should strive to see with their own two eyes—the pyramids of Egypt, the Taj Mahal, and what not—there are certain styles and particular fashions that we feel every woman should wear on at least one occasion for the way they make a woman feel. (And then we suppose the woman who wears them becomes a wonder to behold herself.) Here's our list...

1. Knock-'em-dead red dress (this one is by Valentino)


2. Wide-brimmed hat. It's how we always picture Marlena Dietrich.


3. Off-the-shoulder blouse (Not the best example, but you get the idea)


4. Short coif (Twiggy showed us how)


5. One-shouldered dress. Just really girly and feminine.


6. The Carrie Bradshaw. Quirky, mismatched, fun, sexy.


7. Satin jammies (Doesn't Grace look comfortable?)


Okay, we're cheating here, but Holly has it all...
8. Opera gloves
9. Fake eyelashes
10. Little black dress with pearls

What would make your list of things that every woman—no matter what her fashion persona—should wear at least once?

Are you feeling these flouncy wrap blouses? Not sure how we feel about the one on the left from JCPenney (the tie around the neck might be too much), but the pink top from Urban Outfitters on the right is kind of cute. Could be a comfortable option for a night out. What do you think? Love it or leave it?