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I know a number of you are searching for that perfect dress (or three) to wear to all your summer wedding engagements—something appropriate for the occasion (to quote one reader, "non-appropriate equaling cheap material, too casual, or designed for 'clubbing'!"), something affordable (preferably under $100), and above all, something that will make other guests says "Wow!" (without taking attention away from the bride, of course).

It's a tall order, but I'm up to the challenge. To kick things off, here are 6 fabulous options from Nine West. We love them for their shoes and bags, and right now we're loving them for offering flattering party dresses at prices we can live with. Here are just a few that caught my eye:

[1] In The Present, One Shoulder Dress (also available in black), Was $130.00 Now $49.99. Tap into the one-shoulder trend with this tasteful dress in a vivid shade of red.

[2] In The Present, Floral Lace Dress $160.00 NOW $59.99. The wonderful thing about floral lace is that it's perfectly appropriate for special occasions in all four seasons.

[3] Power Girl, Sleeveless Dress With Draping Detail Was $124.00 Now $89.99. This hot halter dress is tempered by elegant draping that's strategically placed.

[4] Power Girl, 3/4 Sleeve Dress Was $124.00 Now $89.99. Show off just the right amount of decolletage with this LBD's spectacular plunging neckline.

[5] Power Girl, Circle Clustered Jacquard Dress Was $134.00 Now $99.99. While it's OK to wear white to a casual daytime wedding, I'd add colorful accessories to brighten up this pretty, fitted shift.

[6] Power Girl, Matte Jersey Dress in Lemongrass, Was $124.00 Now $89.99. This sunny frock can be dressed up for a wedding, or pared down for the office.

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Do you have any ideas for cute, fashionable bathing suits on a budget?

The newcomer to the swimwear scene that's got everyone talking this season is Forever 21, which now offers attention-grabbing bikinis, monokinis and more at select stores and online. Get a two piece bikini for as little as $22.60 (total!) (continued below)

[1] Wild Zig Zag bikini, $12.80 top + $12.80 bottom at Forever21.com
[2] Triangle top bikini, Now $25 at Newport-News.com
[3] AE Retro Halter One-Piece, $39.50
[4] Nylon Tricot Le Sport Chic Swimsuit, $42 at American Apparel

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I will spend this upcoming summer holed up in a library in the midwest, studying for the bar exam. The only consolation to this impending doom is my plan to wear adorable summer dresses paired with cowboy boots. I have many options with respect to the former: I need some help with the latter. So, I guess my question is: Where can I get some adorable cowboy boots to pair with dresses for summer wear? —Stephanie

Without a doubt, handcrafted cowboy boots should be in every fashion connoisseur's closet, but a quality pair can easily cost hundreds of dollars. Here are some affordable western-inspired boots that you can wear this summer as a student. (And when you pass the Bar and start making the big bucks, you can splurge on a pricier pair!)

[1] Steve Madden "Saddle", Now $79.95 at Solestruck.com
[2] Chinese Laundry "Two Step", Now $89.99 at Chineselaundry.com
[3] "Cissota" boot, $69.99 at Myspringshoes.com
[4] Coconuts "Olga" Leather Ankle Boot, Now $99.95 at DSW.com

Can you do a feature on cross-body bags? My trusty old one just busted its strap! I think I can fix it, but I figured what better time to ask you to do some looking around for me? Especially since you're a fellow cb-bag user. Whenever I go shopping for purses I feel like there is NO LOVE for the cb-bags. Gah! —Sandra

Regular readers will know that I love my Fossil cross-body bag because it's just the right size and keeps my hands free. The quality leather in the perfect shade of brown is seasonless and seems to match everything I own.

While I dream of finding the perfect vintage cross-body bag someday at a thrift store, that day has not yet come. As such, I happen to know a bunch of brands that will do you right and stores where you're most likely to find cross-body bag bliss.

Here's my breakdown of the best brands, where to find them, plus a widget chock-full of great options that you can buy right now online:

Best affordable brands for a real-leather cross-body bag (under $200):
Tignanello
Lucky Brand
Fossil
Nine West
Banana Republic
Melia Bianco
B. MAKOWSKY

Where to shop:
Marshall's
TJ Maxx
DSW
Nine West Outlet
Macy's (on sale)
Bon Ton
Dillard's
ebags.com
endless.com

Cheap but cool brands (under $30):
Target
Roxy
Kohl's (Axcess)
PacSun
Charlotte Russe
Forever 21
H&M

Where to shop:
Swell.com
Forever21.com
Target.com
Kohls.com
PacSun.com
CharlotteRusse.com

After I wrote this post about these Xhilaration 'Kayden' Utility Boots from Target, I received a couple questions about how to style this rugged, low boot. Here are three outfit ideas to get you thinking about ways to pair this comfortable yet stylish shoe with things you might already own in your closet. How would you style these boots?

How to Wear Utility Boots: Hippie Chic by The Budget Babe featuring Forever21 necklaces

A tough utility boot is the perfect contrast to a tender, hippie-chic dress. Understated accessories like a convertible leather-look handbag, woven belt and turquoise pendant necklace finish the look.