Designers are breathing new life into old-school fabrics, textures and trims, including lace, eyelet, embroidery, fringe, crochet, and one of my favorites, dotted swiss. One variation of dotted swiss - which is typically a sheer, lightweight fabric with a dotted motif - is flocked fabric, or flocked dots, which means the tiny little dots are raised. Leave it to Marc Jacobs, who's always reinventing retro with beautiful results, to utilize flocked chiffon in a fresh, new way.

Sadly, the pricetag on the Marc by Marc Jacob's creation has also kept up with the times, and costs a hefty $235 on sale. But thanks to, ahem, modern technology, stores like Forever 21 carry similar styles at a fraction of the price. For a summery little black dress, scoop up Forever 21's dotted swiss wrap on the right. It's got all of the flock, none of the fat.

Left: Marc by Marc Jacobs Flocked Silk Chiffon Dress at eLuxury.com, Was $388.00 Now $235.00
Right: Forever 21 Dotted Swiss Wrap Dress, $37.80

Target is partnering with renowned accessories designer Monica Botkier to launch a limited-edition handbag collection, Botkier for Target. This collection is the fifth handbag launch in a series of limited-time-only accessories designers at Target. The Botkier for Target collection will be available at select Target stores nationwide and at Target.com July 21 through Sept. 14, 2008. Until then, here's a sneak peek at the collection.

Personally, I'm beginning to bore of the whole metallic-bag-for-day trend. But if you're determined to go there, then the bronze and rose gold numbers below might just do the trick. I like how they look soft and slouchy, which helps offset the bling factor. I still love metallics for evening, though, and am really looking forward to seeing the clutches (above right) in person. What do you think of Botkier for Target so far?






Photos courtesy of Target

The other day I got to wondering about what ever happened to Cynthia Rowley for Target (remember the Swell collection of stuff for the home? I loved that line. So colorful and cool.) Anyways, I decided to do a little search for Ms. Rowley on Target.com, and to my surprise, I discovered that she's created a new line called Whim!

This might be old news to some of you, but if not, you gotta check it out. From picnic baskets to croquet sets, dinnerware, tumblers, coolers, and lawn chairs, Rowley's latest line has everything you need for summer fun in the backyard or at the beach. Since we're in the fashion biz, we've highlighted some of the prep-tastic totes and hats from the collection below. Could they be any cuter?! Love the colors and the whimsical little sailboats, stripes and ladybugs. Nantucket, here we come. If you like what you see, better act fast: According to Target's pressroom, Whim will only be in stores through June 14.


Floppy green rope hat, $9.99


Market tote in madras, $16.99


Ladybug hat, $9.99


Pink/red clear tote with sun, $14.99


Pink floppy hat, $9.99


Clear sailboat tote with sun, $14.99


White cloche hat, $9.99


Market tote in green/blue stripe, $16.99


Pink/red pocket tote, $16.99

Something we budget babes know well is that you shouldn't pay a fortune for fashion fads. Case in point: The ombre tank. Sure, it's hot this season, but what about 3 months from now? What if we're all dip-dyed-out and on to bigger, better things? If we buy into this trend with the chic tank on the right from New York & Co., for just $32.95, we will have zero regrets. If, on the other hand, we splurge on Theory's ombre tank on the left for $180.00, we will be ashamed of ourselves. Be savvy and don't say we didn't warn you.

Luxe on left: Theory Mahira Ombre Top at Shopbop.com, $180
Less on right: City Style Ombre Tank (also available in white/gray fade) at NYandCompany.com, $32.95