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

Fashion Link Round-Up

A quick round-up of some of the sexiest (read: interesting) links in the world of fashion from the past week...

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

Pierre Hardy Spring Shoe Collection for Gap




Pierre Hardy is a name worth knowing (he's a highly acclaimed French accessories designer with his own eponymous line of highly coveted shoes and bags). But his collection for the Gap, which hit select stores and Gap.com today, is regrettably forgettable. The capsule consists of a dated pointy toe flat, a drab three-strap platform and an uninspired flat sandal. With prices ranging from $78 to $98, these shoes are still too expensive - and they're not even stamped with Hardy's name (all the shoes are just labeled "Gap Design Editions"). The verdict: Next!