What: Rouched Front Strapless Romper, ArdenB.com, $98.00

Question: How would you wear this? Where would you wear this? Hmmmm...perhaps paired with 1) dark tights, t-strap heels and an oversized-knit cardigan; 2) dark tights, ankle boots and a cropped jacket; 3) 3/4-length sleeve blouse in some airy fabric and flat sandals.

If you wear it solo, there had better be a hammock or palm trees in the vicinity. Appropriate for parties poolside and/or under the stars—and not really anywhere else.

Would you rock this romper?

They're heeee-eeere...

We warned you about those fugly lace-up flats that top designers such as Christian Louboutin, Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui and Jill Sander are unveiling for fall—and now, we regret to inform you, they've arrived at Urban Outfitters.

Sure, we know people who could pull these off, but those people are special. Much more special than we will ever be. So no. No, we will not let these shoes touch our toes.

We advise you do the same...or, if you think you can rock this look, send us a pic and prove it! (We won't hold our breath.)

The Budget Babe's International Shopping Advisor Fifi LaMode can find deals anywhere—and so can you! —TBB


by Fifi LaMode
Though virtually the entire industrialized world has acknowledged that the U.S. is THE place to shop, we still love Europe and still find bargains there.

Here's how:

• 
  Use your ATM card to get cash. Even with a transaction fee, it's still cheaper than using your credit card. We have found this in every country we visited, without exception.


• 
  Negotiate: If you pay cash, you can often get a discount of around 5 to 10%. Same if you buy in bulk (If you don't ask, you don't get.).


• 
  Go into the neighborhoods, rather than the main shopping streets. Same brands as in downtown department stores, usually cheaper. You will also find more eclectic selections in smaller boutiques. A privately-owned store will have more wiggle-room regarding pricing than a department store.


• 
  Look at the brand names you see on the street. American labels cost a fortune (approx. 30-40% higher than U.S. RETAIL prices!), but if you buy local brands, they will not only be cheaper, you'll get something you won't find back home.


• 
  Buy what's made in a given country that is unique. Cotton Provencal scarves are cheaper in Provence (and you get a more varied selection) than in Connecticut.


• 
  Talk with people in the shops. The salespeople are locals after all and can give you advice on what to buy and where to get the best prices.


• 
  Take advantage of Sunday markets. In small towns these are outside churches, in cities they are in tented venues in parks or squares. Some are flea markets with a mish-mash of goods ranging from cutlery to $5 jeans to socks, computers and fast food. Others are more up-market, selling antique jewelry, oil paintings, and period furniture. Whether you are a serious buyer or just looking, it's a wonderful way to learn a bit about a country's customs and history through its goods.


• 
  Don't forget your VAT forms if you buy over a certain amount (usually a 150-175 Eu minimum). The store has to sign/stamp them, then when you get to the airport they get stamped again and you get 9% to 12% back. It's that easy. The more you spend in one place, the larger the percentage of the refund. If you buy high-ticket items, it's a no-brainer.

—Fifi LaMode, Wishing you Bon Voyage and Happy Shopping!

Find more of Fifi LaMode's expert travel advice here. >>





Planning a trip anytime soon? Get a free trio of totes from La Redoute with any purchase! Enter coupon LRGIFTHP at checkout. Offer ends 8.13.07.

Whoever first laid eyes on a scaly reptilian of the family Crocodylidae and said, "That would make a great purse," should be canonized.

We jest, but in all honestly, crocs make fabulous handbags. Millions of years of evolution have made crocodiles not only one of the world's most perfect predators—they've got really stylish skins to boot. With it's rectangular repetition, tempting tactility and subdued ferocity, crocodile is one of our all-time favorite materials in the fashion realm.















For fall, Nancy Gonzalez has reinterpreted this classic with her ruched crocodile clutch—adore it in gunmetal. We so want, but $2,550 would be better applied towards our student loan.

Instead, we get the Devi Kroell for Target clutch in exotic anthracite. It's really quite fabulous, n'est pas? What's that you say? Only $19.99? And no real crocodilians were harmed in the making of this purse? Fantastic.

Find more of TBB's hand-plucked accessories here. >>

Watch the video above: It's the latest commercial for Sarah Jessica Parker's new fragrance called Covet.

Now tell us: Are you awestruck? Enamored? Do you love, love, love SJP and covet her new scent?

Or are you startled and frightened? Perhaps even scared to death?

Fine line, people. Fine frickin' line.

(We just love the massive amounts of tulle and the red-soled Loubies.)

Let us know—do you love her new commercial or would you rather leave it curbside??

Get Sarah Jessica Parker's "Covet" perfume here. >>