Express Fashion has finally realized there's this thing called the Internet, and guess what? They decided to launch an online store. This is good news for budget babes, bargain queens, and cheap chicas because we crave options - oh yes!

So far, it looks like the selection is slim and the prices are steep but let's give them a chance, shall we? Once they get the hang of this e-commerce thing, I expect they'll have more goodies to choose from, juicy sales, and fantastic markdowns so that we can shop to our heart's content.

>> Shop Express.com

Steve & Barry's is in big trouble, according to The Wall Street Journal. The chain, which specializes in university sportswear and carries celeb endorsed lines such as Bitten by Sarah Jessica Parker, Dear by Amanda Bynes, and Eleven by Venus Williams, is said to be closing 100 stores, and may face total liquidation unless emergency financing can be found.

I won't be shedding any tears. The first and last time I ever stepped into a Steve & Barry's store was when SJP launched her Bitten line, and since that was a huge disappointment, I have no reason whatsoever to shop there. If Steve & Barry's does, in fact, get liquidated, the fate of Bitten is yet unknown...I'm hoping that this, er, setback, would give rise to a new fashion collection by Parker.

Perhaps she could redeem herself by teaming up with H&M or Topshop. Heck, even if she did a collection for Kohl's or JCPenney's we'd be happier. Somehow I don't see Target tapping that. Sure hope they don't get licensed to Sears or heaven forbid, Kmart. Uh oh...what if Walmart scoops that up? Whatever happens, nothing could be worse than what she did for Steve & Barry's - right??

Will you be sorry to see Steve & Barry's go?

I've been looking for something similar to Lauren Conrad's Katherine Wrap (above left, $155) or the DKNY Cozy ($195), but since these two are very pricey, of course I'm wondering if there is something similar for a portion of the price?

You've got great taste! Both of those wraps are the perfect cover-up (especially for freezing, air-conditioned offices!), very on-trend, versatile and comfortable. I think you'll get a lot of wear out of one, but of course, you want to get a deal if possible. Here are a couple options to consider:

• 
  Black Stretch Wrap Cardigan by Wish Collection at eDressMe.com (above right), $60.00
  


• 
  Banana Republic Wrap Cardigan, $59 (gray or black)
  


• 
  Lucky Brand Jeans Long Layering Cardigan, $58:
  


• 
  Merino wool cozy wrap at Bodenusa.com, $74
  


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  Cotton/cashmere wrap at Bodenusa.com, $63
  


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  ASOS chunky wrap sweater, $47.59
  


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  Lightweight cardigan wrap sweater at VictoriasSecret.com, $39
  

Every time I take a road trip, I inevitably pass by one of the many Chelsea Premium Outlet locations dotting the country. I always beg my boyf to pleeeease stop the car and let me shop, but he usually just speeds up and "accidentally" misses the exit. Yeah, right.

But that's just me. If you're looking to do some shopping this holiday weekend, you might want to head to your nearest Chelsea Premium Outlets for their annual July 4th Summer Sale from Thursday, July 3rd through Monday, July 7th. Enjoy extra discounts on top of the everyday savings of 25%-65% off brand names like Burberry, Chanel, Chloé, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Tod's, Tory Burch, and many more (varies by location).

I'd love to hear what everyone thinks of these outlet malls, since I haven't been to one in a few years...and when I did go, the deals weren't all they were cracked up to be. It seemed like the merchandise was solely intended for the outlet mall, as opposed to overstock or last season wares from other stores that was really, truly marked down. Basically, nothing compelled me to drive an hour outside the city just to shop there, but again, that was just my experience. If you guys tell me otherwise, I am so there!

Also, if there are slim shopping pickins in your town, Chelsea Premium Outlets are probably a great alternative to your local mall. Gotta love the outdoor summer shopping, too!

For a complete list of stores and to find an outlet near you, please visit: www.premiumoutlets.com/.

To register, use this ACTIVE WORKING link:

http://www.gilt.com/invite/budgetbabe


I recently made my first purchase from Gilt Groupe, an online sample sale website that launched back in November, and I have to say that I am seriously impressed with the quality of their merchandise and high level of service. First off, a little background: The site, which is invitation-only, holds 24-hour sales a few times per week with designer merchandise often selling out within the first hour. Gilt has featured big, big names like Just Cavalli, Vivienne Tam, Allegra Hicks, Gustto and Jill Stuart, to name a few. The selection is always impressive, as are the prices - considering the original price - but that doesn't mean we're crazy enough to buy this stuff. A Rachel Roy dress that's marked from $600 down to $300 is still three hundred dollars, people. We usually spend about $30 for a dress. Oh yes. Not more.