The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Spring Fashion Trends 2008: Zebra Print




Zebra print accessories are nice for some, but others can handle more of the dizzying, color-sapped pattern. If you are one such wild and crazy girl, feast your eyes on these drool-worthy zebra print fashions fresh off the Spring 2008 runways. Tuleh's all-over zebra print coat exudes wearable couture; Proenza Schouler's sleeveless dress takes zebra to a not unlikely tribal place; and Derek Lam serves up zebra print in modern, ladylike separates. Get inspired, then look for zebra print fashions at a store near you.

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Image source: Style.com

Look for Less: Hilary Duff’s Zebra Bag




Zebra print is a hot trend for Spring, and what better way to rock this look than with a fierce purse? Hilary Duff knows what we're talkin' about - her $3,395 Jimmy Choo "Saba" printed pony handbag is just about as fierce as they come (although for that price, Duff could have flown to Africa, shot a zebra, and crafted an entire set of luggage using the skin - but that would be cruel.) If you're a fan of the black and white striped hide, try this Large Zebra Print Sac (right) from Baghaus.com for the reasonable price of $47.52. It's budget-savvy, stylish and humane.

>> Large Zebra Print Sac at Baghaus.com, $47.52

A Soft Spot for Polka Dots




To borrow an adjective from Project Runway winner Christian (he so deserved to win!!) - polka dots are fierce. Just look at the model above - pair those typically innocent dots with killer red heels, diva high-waist shorts and a bright yellow patent clutch, and the result is most definitely fierce. Polka dots are a perennial springtime trend, but this time around, don't make your polka dots cutesy or frilly or sweet - make them fierce. Grrr!

[1] Spot Tulip Sleeve Dress at TopShop.com, £45.00 (89 U.S. dollars)
[2] Ruffle-front shirt in polka dots at VictoriasSecret.com, $39
[3] CL by Laundry Polka-Dot Large Hobo Bag at Target.com, $22.99
[4] Polka-dot chiffon ruffle top at Forever21.com, $19
[5] Lela Rose for Payless Satin Polka-Dot Pump at Payless.com, $35

New Spring Looks from Simply Vera Vera Wang

I love Vera's play on proportions and smart color choices in this latest crop of looks from her Simply Vera by Vera Wang collection for Kohl's. She mixes various volumes and lengths, adds a touch of brights tempered by subdued hues, and incorporates some of the whimsical watercolor, painterly prints that are so popular this season. When you add it all up, everything about her collection suggests she takes women seriously. Comfortable, dare I say, practical looking shoes suggest she respects the fact that women actually have places to walk to without pain or breaking an ankle. She's also succeeded in convincing me that an anorak can be both functional and cute. Even the way the lovely models are styled says, "We can think, too." It's just refreshing, that's all. Bravo.






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Spring Fashion Trend 2008: Pink and Orange




If you're not sickened by brights (and you shouldn't be!) try mixing them two at a time. My personal favorite combination this Spring: pink and orange. Together, they form a sartorial sherbet of Lilly Pulitzer pink and Hermès orange that's sweet and delicious...but won't drip. This joyful, dynamic duo could be seen dancing in floral prints on the Michael Kors runway, canoodling as resort-ready separates at Versace, and electrifying tailored suiting courtesy Jil Sander. Scoop up sweet pink and orange pieces at your fave budget-fashion retailers this Spring, mix and match 'em, and then, perhaps, drink a glass of water.

Image source: Style.com