Old Navy just came out with three new denim styles—The Diva, the Flirt and the Sweetheart.


Hearing Madeleine Peyroux croon "Blue Alert" in the background of the TV commercial (There's perfume burning in the air / Bits of beauty everywhere / You're such a flirt) was enough to get us in the store to check them out.

Sadly, the jeans didn't deliver the same thrills as Ms. Peyroux and her sultry voice: One was too loose in the tush, the other was too loose at the small of the back, and the third was just too loose everywhere. We really wanted to love these jeans because they're only $25, and cuz the names are so very cute, but they just didn't fit.

However, we'd still recommend trying them on for yourself because no two women are shaped the same. The quality was decent and the dark washes were pleasant, and the Old Navy we went to had plenty of jeans in our size in stock. So give it a go—and good luck!

As the saying goes, "You can't beat a dead horse." But let's do it anyway, shall we?

Here are some of our most recent disappointing finds from SJP's Bitten line at Steve and Barry's (What can we say, we're gluttons for punishment)...


The Good: Doesn't bode well for a fashion line when the best you can offer is a solid-color tee (and no, not Adam + Eve superluxe tees). We finally caved and spent our gift card on the tee on the right (nice color for fall, good for layering).


The Bad: We were going for that nautical-chic look with the red & navy top on the left, but the fit was awful and the seams along the arm were stitched crookedly. The coat on the right looked promising from a distance, but when we got up-close and tried it on, we noticed that the "wool" was wrinkled in places. Looks cheap, and we question the warmth factor.


The Ugly: These two items do not belong in any woman's closet. The short-sleeved blouse on the left employs a blue/white check print appropriate for a picnic tablecloth, while the leotard on the right bunched up around our bottoms and was made from swimsuit fabric (and just try going to the ladies room in that thing).

So there you have it. Poor quality, poor style. They could be handing this stuff out for free and we'd still pass. But will we be back to see the fall collection?? You betcha!

Question: Where will you be this Sunday, September 16th?

Answer: Checkin' out British designer Alice Temperley's new GO collection at Target, of course!


Swiss Dot Blouse in Blue, $34.99; Velvet Miniskirt in Black, $29.99; Hat in Black, $14.99; Belted Sweater Dress in Black/White, $49.99; Hat in Black, $14.99; Long-Stitch Sweater in Gray, $44.99; Voile Ruffle-Front Dress in Gray, $29.99; Striped Belt in Black/White, $14.99; Fingerless Gloves in Black, $14.99

What to expect (from Target's pressroom): "The Alice Temperley for Target collection encourages women to be playful with their wardrobe. Expertly incorporating ruffles, polka dots, bows and buttons onto sophisticated silhouettes, Temperley makes an understated feminine statement. The collection ranges in price from $14.99–$139.99, including fall must-haves such as printed dresses, knit tunics, cropped jackets, ruffled blouses, little black dresses and miniskirts."

"Stand-out pieces include a long flower-print V-neck dress, long velvet coat with voluminous sleeves, blue polka-dotted bow blouse and navy military jacket with gold buttons. Accessories include chic knit fingerless gloves and berets in solid black, pink and black, and white stripes. Wide stretch belts in solid black and black & white stripes add a finishing touch to a modern look."

What we say: Bring it on! The classic black and white color palette is super appealing for fall. Some of the pieces appear to lack that crucial wearability factor, but we still get giddy when we see high-fashion looks at affordable prices. (Easily amused? Us?! Naaah...)

Next up: Designer Erin Fetherston

And in the meantime...
Save 30% on Libertine >>
Last chance: Patrick Robinson Clearance >>

The key to making magical homecoming memories is to pick a dress that accentuates your best features and makes you feel beautiful. Focus on flaunting one asset at a time, such as your décolletage or your legs, but not both. Have fun with accessories but don't go overboard. Wear shoes that are cute yet comfy enough for dancing. And above all, don't forget to leave a little something up to the imagination.

Here's where to score a fab homecoming frock without breaking the bank:

Nordstrom has by far the most impressive collection of any department store we checked out for fun, flirty and tasteful homecoming frocks, many under $100. Check out their outlet, Nordstrom Rack, for great shoe finds.

T.J. Maxx and Marshall's carry designer names for less. Scouring the racks is for the adventurous fashionista who has a clear vision. The reward for the hunt: No one else will have your dress.

eDressMe.com has dresses for every occasion and every budget. Huge selection to choose from.

Bluefly.com has a great selection of designer dresses including BCBG, A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz and Nicole Miller at 40-70% off the regular price.

BetseyJohnson.com has a fantastic sale section. BJ's girly frocks are young, playful and perfectly over the top.

Target.com: Turn heads without dropping a lot of cash at our favorite big-box boutique, Tar-zhay. Head straight to the "party dress" section for many online exclusives. Best part: you'll have money left over to accessorize.

Back-in-Style.com: Vintage pieces are a perennial favorite for celebs looking to find something special and unique to wear on the red carpet. Get your retro-glam on by perusing Back-in-Style.com's high-quality inventory of vintage dresses and gowns.

JCPenney surprised us again with the cute sequinned frock shown above. Dazzling and very of-the-moment. On sale for $99.

Gap introduced a limited edition European Collection exclusively online. It's described as traditional Gap with an international flair, courtesy of European designers.

We see it as Gap's attempt to bring more fashion-forward items to it's customers, and maybe reel in a few fashionistas who wouldn't normally give a hoot about Gap clothing.

There are some yummy knits and flirty dresses, but The European Collection is not much different than regular Gap, except maybe the styling and photography. Prices range from $29.50 for a ruffled henley tee, to $350 for a leather bomber jacket.

What do you think? Love it or Leave it?

Featured above: Cotton cashmere wide-striped dress, $78.00