Once the dirtiest word in fashion, polyester is gaining a hip, new lease on life. At least, according to a March 2008 article in W magazine titled, "Synthetically Speaking:"

"Although it has been one of the most maligned materials in recent fashion history—derided as tacky, scratchy and even smelly—polyester has quietly undergone a sly rehabilitation, aided primarily by Japanese design mavericks Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons and Issey Miyake. And now it's on the verge of becoming downright fashionable, thanks to Lanvin's Alber Lebaz and Louis Vuitton's Marc Jacobs, among others, who made polyester an important ingredient in their hit spring collections."

This cultural cleansing of polyester's negative connotations bodes well for budget fashion, because as we all know, polyester is plentiful when it comes to cheap clothing. And while we won't necessarily change our stance on natural fabrics (they are still preferable for breathability, warmth, softness and the eco-friendly factor), we may all benefit by thinking twice before putting our noses up to the versatile, ever-evolving man-made wonder known as polyester.

Featured above: Polyester lends itself to the crisp pleats and vibrant hue of this chic chiffon dress ($27.80 at Forever 21). Plus, you can pack it and travel without worrying about wrinkles!

We titled this trend "goddess gowns" for the sake of alliteration when, in fact, all sorts of one-shouldered draped dresses for day and night made their mark on the SS08 runways. The masterful dressmaker Monique Lhuillier delivered a celestial evening gown fit for a fete on Mount Olympus; Yigal Azrouël brought the look back down to earth with a breezy white asymmetrical frock; and Lanvin presented a modern-day toga for today's fashionista. Whether you've got a Spring gala to attend or are looking for something a little out-of-the ordinary for your next cocktail party, consider a one-shouldered dress - and invoke your inner goddess.

A rainbow - in the sky or in your wardrobe - means sunny days and blue skies are on their way.

>> Click the pic for details.

When you're young, broke and fabulous, you don't need an authentic designer purse. Boys don't care what you carry. Neither do true friends. Your goal is looking cute, having fun and experimenting with new styles. You don't have the money, but then again, you don't really need it. See, you're livin' in the now. The here and now. You're not waiting until you turn old and gray and can actually afford some overpriced leather sac. It's not about instant gratification, it's about embracing who and where and what you are in life, right now, in this very moment. It's about playing dress-up, not climbing the social ladder.

So who are you? You're young, broke and fabulous. You're totin' your designer-inspired bag to the mall to meet friends. To the coffee shop to meet a cute boy. To the club where you just might spill a drink or two on it, or leave it in a cab later that night. In short, you're enjoying life. Because life is short, and at the end of the day, a purse is just an accessory, it neither defines nor delivers true happiness. So don't judge the girl with the knockoff.

Left: Marc Jacobs Striped Hudson Bag, $1,275.00
Right: Kenzington Satchel at Forever21.com, $29.80

L'Oreal's latest sunless tanner delivers a sublime glow, but this is one trip that doesn't last. The Budget Beauty Babe explains. —BB



by The Budget Beauty Babe
With spring break just around the corner, I've decided to try out some of the newest sunless tanners out on the market, opting out of the popular end-of-winter rush to the tanning salons (it's not worth the wrinkles and increased risk of skin cancer!)

While shopping the sunless tanner isle at Ulta, I came across L'Oreal's new Sublime Glow Moisturizing MicroFine Mist + Natural Skin Tone Enhancer. It comes in an attractive gold bottle, and boasts it will give you moisturized skin and a healthy summer color year long. Not only that, but it is applied by spraying a mist over your skin with a 360 degree nozzle that assures accurate, even coverage. And no orange palms! The mist dries quickly and doesn't require any rubbing!

I really liked this product - in fact, I loved almost everything about it. I thought I had finally found the perfect sunless tanner...

First let me explain why I loved it so much. The tan you get from this product is lovely: it's natural, subtle and the color really can be layered like it says. It's a fantastic light moisturizer, and the hands-free, continuous 360 degree nozzle makes application fast, easy and really convenient.

I really have nothing bad to say about the actual product. Except... The bottle ran out in two weeks. Thats right, two weeks. Absolutely ridiculous. There is no product in the bottle! I used the product three days in a row to develop color, and then every three days to maintain color, and not even on my whole body, just my legs! And within two weeks it was all gone!

Even for the budget price (considering the cost of other sunless tanners, and real tanning) its just not worth it. My search continues, and I will keep you posted!

>> L'Oreal Sunless Sublime Glow Moisturizing MicroFine Mist (4.2 Oz) is available at Amazon.com for $10.12.