Fashion is fleeting, and so are our feelings towards it. But here's what we think is absolutely amazing right now:

Coral lips: As seen on Carolina Herrera's Spring 2008 runway, this gorgeous shade does wonders for all skin tones, just experiment to find the hue that's right for you. I prefer this color in a lip gloss like Fire Coral Plumping Lip Glaze from e.l.f.

Lightweight scarves: You've seen them on ALL the celebs, and with good reason: They truly do punch up any outfit in an instant. And, you don't have to wear a bright color or trendy tie-dye if you don't want to: Opt for neutral shades, and a solid or simple pattern for a truly refined way to accessorize. Find them at H&M, Urban Outfitters, Forever 21 and The Pashmina Store.

Beads: Stacked bead bracelets or layered strands of bead necklaces make a chic statement. You'll look like you've just recently returned from an exotic vacation, rather than a trip to a mall (avoid all the low-grade silver and gold jewelry you see at mall kiosks. Looks cheap. Unless you want a Carrie Bradshaw name necklace - those are always hot.) Get gorgeous beads at H&M, Banana Republic, Target, and Forever 21.

Black Blazers: It's the perfect transitional piece of outerwear for Spring, and of course, the blazer is perfect for the office. But not just any blazer will do: Try this boyfriend blazer from Target, or this single-button black blazer from Topshop for an effortless, fashion forward look.

What can't you live without right now?

Ooh la la...Sign up for your chance to win a trip to France plus $1,000 in American Express gift cards from Forever 21. Now, for the exciting part: You have to visit www.ForLove21.com to enter, which appears to be the future home of a new specialty boutique from Forever 21 (see the screen grab below). Available online June 6, ForLove21.com will likely feature jewelry, handbags, shoes, sunglasses, accessories, travel, and gifts/home. Can't wait!

If you're looking to score some cute, cheap dresses for summer, the AB Studio collection for Kohl's has some stylish options, and right now when you buy one item you can get one FREE (of equal or lesser value).

Trendy patterns include bold floral, geometric and retro prints, yet all the silhouettes are sweet and simple. I just wish Kohl's did a better job showcasing the products on their website - awkward dress forms and a clunky zoom feature really make things look drab compared to real life. (Just picture all the dresses above with cute belts - much better, right?)

Clockwise from left: AB Studio Floral Trapeze Dress, $59; AB Studio Circle & Square Wrap Dress, $59; AB Studio Circle Sheath Dress, $48; AB Studio Floral Sheath Dress, $48.

Dear Budget Babe,
I'm constantly amazed at how you can effortlessly find the knock-off of an original.­ Can you share some tips on how to find a budget version of desired objects?

Sincerely,
Rose
Adelaide, Australia

Dear Rose,
God knows I wish there was a magic tool I could use, but finding fashions that look alike is just my strange ...hobby, you could say. I was always really good at that children's game Memory; love art history and recognizing works by a given artist; never forget a face - I'm that kind of person.

So I don't usually seek out something that looks like something else, I just browse magazines and stores (online and in person), and when I see two things that resemble one another, I make a mental note and feature it on my blog.

Obviously, certain stores have developed something of a reputation for taking their inspiration from top designers (Forever 21 and to a lesser extent, Topshop, H&M, Target, ASOS). Places like department stores, mall stores such as UrbanOutfitters, and then catalogs such as Newport-News, Spiegel, Victoria's Secret generally just carry some interpretation of the latest trends.

So it's largely a question of being observant and training your eye. Hone in on what you like about a particular item - is it the color? Shape? Texture? Same goes for celebrity styles you like - is it the fit, proportion, or juxtaposition of elements that appeals to you? Then, start clipping images of styles you like. I keep a three ring binder with clear plastic sleeves that I fill with anything and everything that inspires me.

While we're on the subject, I would add that "copying" need not be a dirty word - it's a great way to learn. Great painters copy the masters to hone their skills; great musicians learn to play other people's compositions before improvising and writing their own songs. Go ahead and copy the look of a friend whose style you particularly admire. In time, you'll be able to tweak the formula and develop a style that's all your own.

xoxo,
BB

Got a question for The Budget Babe? E-mail me at info(at)thebudgetbabe.com

Going braless may be the norm on runways and the red carpet...but what about in real life?



Featured above: Georgette Halter Dress, $39.50, part of the new Neon Nights collection at Old Navy.