Clockwise from top left: Spring 2008 looks from Diane Von Furstenberg, Badgley Mischka (2), and ADAM. Source: Style.com

Ombré, from the French ombrer meaning "to shade," is a dip-dye effect given to fabric in which the color is graduated from light to dark. The intoxicating technique, which naturally lends itself to billowy silks and bohemian silhouettes, was picked up on Spring 2008 runways by designers such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Badgley Mischka and ADAM (formerly Adam + Eve). While we can't expect budget retailers to recreate the sunset-glow of ombre by actually hand-dipping fabric (they've tried it by mechanical means before, but the effect is usually more tacky tie-dye than ethereal ombre) we're hopeful that modern technology will make it increasingly possible for this irresistible trend to reach the masses come spring.

J. Crew's notoriously pricey duds are now on sale and at prices we can afford! Take an additional 20% off FINAL SALE items at the preppy-chic retailer, now through Sunday January 20. Here are some deals we spotted...

Save big on a fantastic selection of elegant dresses - if you're a fast-acting bride-to-be, this Sophia short silk dress would be a stylish option for your bridesmaids. Now just $139.99 (plus an additional 20%), it's still available in sizes 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10!


Heck, if you're a bride on a budget - or simply a bride with better things to spend her hard-earned cash on than a dress she'll wear once - this Goddess Long Dress is gorgeous and looks like it was meant to be a wedding gown! It's on sale for $159.99, plus an additional 20% off when you add it to your cart.

And, remember our earlier obsession with the Balenciaga blazer? Well now you can get J. Crew's version, the Double-faced wool Lexington jacket, on sale for just $99.99 (plus 20% off).

Take your pick of gray or ivory. This piece will never go out of style.

Here's another great buy that will always be fashionable: classy and comfortable Brewster leather high boots, on sale for $99.99 (plus 20% off). Also available in extended-calf sizes, these boots were made for walkin'.




There are a ton more great deals, especially on cold-weather must-haves like cashmere sweaters, cable-knit cardigans, plus cozy hats, gloves and scarves - so be sure to check it out - the sooner the better!

Stila cosmetics, a favorite among fashionistas and celebrity makeup artists, is having their Winter Sale (in case you're wondering, it's pronounced STEE-la). Save up to 50% on some of stila's most sought-after and hard-to-find favorites.

Click here to see what all the excitement is about.

To throw more love your way, here are 2 bargain boosters to sweeten the deal:

FREE Shipping on any order of $50+
Just enter the coupon code STILALOVER during checkout.

And better yet...

FREE Shipping and a FREE Belle of the Ball Palette! It's yours for FREE on any order of $75 or more. Just enter the coupon code BELLE during checkout! (This offer is only valid while supplies last)

Featured above: Nail polish duo, $20 $10

Cover Girl's new LashBlast Mascara promises "a blast of lush, volumized lashes! LashBlast's patented volume-boosting formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max-out each and every lash, leaving you with the ultimate big lash look."

So does LashBlast live up to its claims? We tried the non-waterproof formula in Black, purchased at Target for $7, and here's what we found...

Packaging: 1 out of 5
While the bright, mod orange hue is different and fun, the tube is waaaay too big, clunky and unwieldy. The shape tries to be futuristic but ends up looking cheap.

Performance: 3 out of 5
On the plus side, LashBlast delivers a nice, rich black formula that glides on smooth and adds some volume, but not much. Certainly not as much as they claim (although we gave up on that fantasy long ago).

Lashes stay surprisingly flexible even after 2 coats. So far, we haven't experienced any flaking, smudging or discomfort even after sleeping with this stuff on (yeah, we know that's a big no-no but it was for the sake of science...or something!)

On the negative side, the rubber-bristled wand is too large to effectively reach those inner lashes, or get close to the base of the lashes. Not good. There was also no remarkable lengthening of the lashes.

Scent: Has an unpleasant chemical odor, however, this is not uncommon among mascaras so this attribute alone isn't a deal breaker.

The verdict: Because there was nothing extraordinary about LashBlast's performance, and the ugly packaging is such a turn-off, we're going to have to take a pass on this product. Besides, at $7 a tube, it ain't cheap enough.

Everybody stay calm: Isaac Mizrahi is ending his five-year deal with Target, and has been named creative director for Liz Claiborne.

From Reuters: "The apparel company said it hired Mizrahi to help 'revitalize' the Liz Claiborne brand. He will oversee the design and marketing functions for women's apparel, accessories and licensing.

His first collection for Liz Claiborne will arrive in stores in spring of 2009, the company said.

Mizrahi's apparel, accessory and shoe designs have been sold at Target since 2003. His Target collection will be available through the end of 2008, Target said in a statement."

While this comes as shocking news for budget fashion lovers everywhere, we must remain optimistic. Target is sure to tap other design talents, while Liz Claiborne might actually make a much-needed comeback.

But what do you think? Does this spell disaster for fashion at Target? Can Isaac bring Liz's clothing line back to life?

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