We find ourselves befuddled by the Spring 08 alice + olivia collection for Payless. Is it awful? Or is it cute in a fugly sort of way? Let's see: The bold and colorful polka-dot ballet flats give off a goofy, circus vibe, while the sneakers have us questioning whether this is a kid's collection, and not a women's line (it's probably targeted towards teens). On the other hand: A stand-out, neon wedge makes our heart skip a beat with it's cheeky drama. The verdict: We're taking a middle of the road position on this one...it's not a nay or a yea, but an "ay." Check out the pics and tell us what you think.


From Payless.com: "The alice + olivia ballet flat marries '60s femininity with '70s sophistication. It's a mashup of bold styles and colorful surprises that can only come from Designer Stacey Bendet," $30


Ballet flat in pink and black, $30


Ballet flat in green and white, $30


"Colorful denim is a do with this spunky, sparkly, metallic sneakers from fashion designer Stacey Bendet of alice + olivia," $30


Editor's Pick: "The Spring 08 Collection from Stacey Bendet of alice + olivia is a mashup of bold styles and colorful surprises. The Aidan is no exception with its feisty fabrication and purely potent 4" platform heel," $40


The Aidan wedge sandal in black, $40


Black Patent Olivia sneaker, $30

Last night, my boyfriend gifted me with what is quite possibly the perfect strand of pearls (he's so good!). They're the perfect length, size, and color, and the clasp is to die for. Needless to say, he has one very happy girlfriend!

But what they say is true: Every girl needs a strand of pearls. They're timeless, elegant and look gorgeous against any skintone. Pair them with a cute cocktail dress, and you're instantly fabulous.

Here are a few great picks for real pearls on a budget (treat yourself or drop a hint to your guy!):

Channel Audrey Hepburn with this must-have classic: A single strand of white pearls, like this one from the Overstock.com, for the low price of $59.99. When you try it on and see those lustrous pearls shining around your neck, you'll understand why they say oysters are an aphrodisiac.

Think traditional white pearls aren't your style? Try this multi-color freshwater pearl necklace from BlueNile.com. For just $100, you can treat yourself to a unique, hand-tied strand of elegant pink and pastel freshwater cultured pearls with a sterling silver clasp.

Pearls get an updated look on this graceful and feminine necklace from Macy's with scattered purple and white 5.5mm cultured freshwater pearls on a delicate 14K gold chain measuring 16". Perfect for plunging necklines, the pearls will seem magically suspended as they float against your skin. Regularly $150.00, get them on sale for $69.00.

Funky black pearls give this affordable necklace from JCPenney a decidedly young, hip look. And because it's an extra long strand, you can wrap it any way you want as a necklace or bracelet. Originally $85.00, it's now just $35.99.

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Fashion is sweeter,
When we share it with you.

Happy Valentine's Day! —XOXO, BB



Lucite Heart Necklace at Forever21.com, $8.80


Bandolino 'Xandy' Wedge Sandal in Red Patent, Orig. $59.00 SALE $39.00


Loungefly Retro Heart Shopper at Asos.com, Orig. $57.03 SALE $22.81


Cut Work Back Top at TopShop.com, £25.00 (48.85 U.S. dollars)


I Heart U Pillowcase Set at UrbanOutfitters.com, $24.00


NYC by Perlina Patent Clutch Handbag at Target.com, Orig. $34.99 SALE $24.49


Philosophy Candy Hearts Lip Gloss Trio at Sephora.com, $25



Pink Satin Bustier at CharlotteRusse.com $29.99 Plus 15% Off

Gucci knows how to get a girl's heart pumping - but they could also send her into cardiac arrest should she succumb to paying $695 for the killer gold heels on the left. Keep your cool and still sizzle with the similar-looking gold Nine West sandals featured on the right. For $89, they're equally fierce, but will give you significantly less stress.

Left: Gucci Sevigny High Heel Sandal, $695.00
Right: Nine West Olavera, $89.00

Bebe's fashion sensibility as a store has really slipped in recent years (it's overpriced and kinda skanky to be completely honest), and yet, whoever's in charge of their marketing is doing a first-rate job. For starters, they enlisted starlet Mischa Barton to model the brand, followed by Rebecca Romijn and Eva Longoria, and now they've teamed up with Imitation of Christ's Tara Subkoff to produce a limited edition exclusive collection.

The lookbook certainly makes a statement, but we wonder if these clothes will uphold their glamorous edge once you remove the gorgeous model with blood-red lips from her stark white environs. The prices also leave something to be desired (the dresses hover around $120). With the whole heart theme, it smacks ever-so-slightly of Erin Fetherston's GO collection for Target. And frankly, we'd rather pay Target prices for so-so pieces that may lose their luster after one season.

Scroll down and tell us what you think!

From bebe.com: "Subkoff's style signature is her effortless blend of avant-garde trends with retro glamour - definitely seen in her collection with bebe. Calling it 80's Feminist meets 40s Hollywood Glam, Subkoff mixed dramatic black, white and red hues with sexy heart-print patterns and flirty ruffled trims."


















* Editor's Pick: So very Elizabeth Hurley in Bedazzled!