We were kinda surprised to learn that Victoria's Secret ranked second among retailers who recorded the highest online apparel and accessories purchases in July, according to a September 2007 article in Women's Wear Daily. The average amount spent per buyer: $177.74

Then again, we knew more than a few hardcore Victoria's Secret catalog shoppers back in college - the kind who would pour over each new issue then gleefully proceed to order half the store. We preferred to dissect the models in vain hope of finding some imperfection (we didn't find any) and pointing out obvious photoshoppage to anyone within earshot.

Still, we heart Vicky S, and so we'd have to say it's a "Yea" - but honestly their stuff isn't exactly cheap and it can be kinda hit or miss in terms of quality. Except, that is, when it comes to their panties (and their bras, according to my sister). LOVE the 5 for $25 deals. Also love how colorful, girly and naughty their brick-n-mortar stores always felt when we were mere teen mall rats.

Overall, we have a feeling that Victoria's real "Secret" is that they've mastered the art of selling the ultimate female fantasy. When you have flawless angels peddling your wares, does the product even matter? And in all fairness, what girl doesn't adore cute lingerie and loungewear? Heck, we know we do!

Oh, and the one time we ordered from the catalog, we ended up returning half the items because they were ill-fitting and didn't look anything like the photos. No, we weren't expecting to look like Heidi Klum, we just wanted an elegant, luxurious pair of silk jammies. Sadly, the set we purchased was anything but.

However, we are more than willing to give them another try - especially with the big pajama sale they have going on right now. So feel free to share any and all thoughts, and if anyone has had a great experience shopping the VS website, let us know!!

Featured above: We're loving these Thermal long jane pajamas in houndstooth on sale for $39.50, PLUS get a free pair of slippers with code PJSLIPPER ...great gift idea!

If coffee tables could talk, they'd ask Santa for these Marimekko coasters featuring the Finnish textile firm's signature Unikko design.

Unikko, which means "poppy" in Finnish, came about in 1964 after Marimekko founder Armi Ratia publicly announced that absolutely no floral fabrics were designed at her progressive textile firm.

But in spirited defiance of such a restriction, designer Maija Isola created a complete collection of bold floral patterns, thus giving birth to the iconic Unikko print.

Who wouldn't want to rest (their holiday cup o' cheer) on those laurels?

Set of 6 Marimekko Unikko Coasters available in black, red, lime or blue, $10 at FinnishGifts.com

H&M is teaming up with Finnish textile firm Marimekko for a special Summer 2008 collection arriving in stores next April, featuring popular vintage Marimekko patterns from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.



Known for their bold modern designs that combine large-scale patterns with bright colors, Marimekko was quite the cutting-edge innovator back in the 1950s when they got their start. In recent history, they've certainly seen a resurgence in popularity as their now-timeless designs have reached ever-widening audiences worldwide.

Although it's our understanding that Marimekko designs are ubiquitous back in their native Finland (they can be found on everything from computer mouses to hospital curtains), we used to consider them a rare eye-candy treat when we'd spot their wares at some hip, upscale niche boutiques in a trendy part of town.

Then, we discovered the Marimekko offerings at Crate & Barrel and more recently, Anthropologie. Seeing as how we like the stuff, we saw these partnerships as being beneficial rather than the dissolution of a notable brand.

We're looking forward to the chance to actually wear their punchy prints - and hopefully get our hands on that retro poppy print they're so famous for!

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks - but modern interpretations of the classic houndstooth print are certainly proving they can change with the times!


[1] Houndstooth wool swingcoat, $79
[2] Heirloom fitted houndstooth coat, $69
[3] Houndstooth swingcoat, $44.80
[4] Hunter's houndstooth coat, $69
[5] Heirloom cropped houndstooth jacket, $69

We have a REAL treat for readers today - Dina Selkoe, the chief women's buyer at Karmaloop, generously donated her time and expertise to answer a few of our most burning questions about STREETWEAR, arguably one of the leading forces in fashion and culture today. Be prepared to be enlightened. —TBB

The Budget Babe: Can you explain what "streetwear" is for readers who might not be familiar with the term?
Dina Selkoe: Streetwear is a fashion and culture genre that captures a lifestyle, attitude and mentality – city, technology, music, design and art oriented and reflective of evolving cultural cross-pollenization made possible by the internet. Streetwear is not only 'Hip-Hop', 'Urban', 'Punk' or 'Skate' clothing, although all of these represent influential elements in Streetwear culture and style. Streetwear is not mass appeal fashion - it’s far more niche and advanced with greater elements of high-fashion and frequently represents the vanguard of where fashion and culture are going.

TBB: How can someone who might not normally rock streetwear incorporate some elements of streetwear into their wardrobe (without looking like a poser!)?
DS: The easiest way – both in terms of helping to pull together a look and ease of wear for basically anyone is wearing a cool hoody either over a simple t-shirt (hard to mess up) or over a more streetwear-y t-shirt (make sure the t-shirt and hoody look good together). Next would be a pair of kicks, which one should try to coordinate with the hoody or t-shirt. Also right now a pair of colored jeans- we have great ones from Tripp NYC which are super affordable!

TBB: Who is the hottest streetwear designer today?
DS: I love Leah McSweeney’s Married to the Mob. MOB stuff looks great - with awesome graphics and clever plays on words and popular culture, and fits super well. MOB has been involved in really cool collaboration projects with everyone from graffiti artists to high-fashion houses. I like that Leah is running a successful company at such a young age – she is a pioneer in women’s streetwear and her brand is definitely going places.

Also love Triumvir, which is a men’s brand, but getting into women’s product as well. Triumvir is Richard Vaughn and his sister Julia (who will be heading up the women’s project). They have super sharp graphics and a sort of flippant, thumb-in-your eye sensibility, which is a little dark and definitely focused on the unique and individual.

TBB: Who are some high-end designers we should know that are bringing streetwear to the runways?
DS: Jeremy Scott, Comme des Garçons, Heatherette, Yohji Yamamoto, some Gucci Men’s Footwear

TBB: What are the must-have hot items for the streetwear elite today?
DS: Attitude and confidence- all you ever really need is something that works for you and that you feel good wearing.

TBB: How often to trends change?
DS: Streetwear as a style has been present and evolving for some time, but trends within streetwear do change quickly and often with the allover print craze probably being the most obvious recent one. However, the popularity of classic pieces – whether skinny jeans, high tops or hoodies - has been quite constant for years. Right now Streetwear is moving in a cleaner, more refined direction, almost more mature direction.

TBB: How do you stay on top of the latest trends without spending a fortune?
DS: Well, the good news is that most streetwear isn’t extravagant, so people can really update and freshen up their wardrobe with just a few new pieces in new colors or patterns. City-dwellers should look out for in-store events around a particular brand/designer offering promotions on merchandise.




Dina Selkoe­ was born in Russia and moved to Brookline, Massachusetts when she was 4 years old. At 33 years old this beauty has a background in Law. After completing a degree in Law at Harvard and Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Dina is now Creative Director and Women's Buyer at Karmaloop.

Shop all the looks you see above at Karmaloop.com >>