As I was working on part two of my "going-out looks" series (yes, it's turned into a series), I realized that finding cute party tops amidst a sea of fast-fashion party tops is almost like finding a needle in a haystack. You may or may not agree with me on this, but sometimes it seems like 99.9% of party-tops are just unwearable. Either the fabric isn't right, the colors are off, the cut is waaay off or the print is wacko—and you have to leave it on the rack.

So here are a couple tips that will help you hone-in on budget-fashion party tops that don't look cheap but rather have that designer-feel. Because we like to party in style.

How to Shop for Budget Fashion That Looks Designer

Look for embellishments that appear to have been hand-sewn. Anything with a hand-made look and feel to it is extremely "in" these days. It's funny because when I was a child, I wasn't always enthusiastic about wearing things my mother had sewn for me because I wanted that "store bought" look all the other kids were wearing. Now I wish I had half her talent so I could sew things for myself! But yeah, the homespun look says "designer." Any imperfect beading, embroidery, unfinished seams or interesting patchwork will elevate the look of any garment.


Focus on uncommon colors: All colors can be found at all pricepoints, but if you've ever stepped into a designer boutique, think about the colors you saw—generally darker, muted hues, right? Now think about the colors you saw last time you were at Wet Seal—lots of CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, black), correct? I'm not saying "don't wear color," just be aware of those less common shades like the dusty rose corset shown here (which also features some unique ruching that makes it look pricier)—and give them a try.


Be picky about prints. Certain prints have this indefinable quality about them that makes them look "expensive" while other prints just look cheap. Oftentimes, it's the way a print is used that determines whether or not it passes muster (Marc Jacobs can make any granny print look hot) but generally speaking, you'll want a print that looks pulled from the pages of history or inspired by art, something quirky and un-generic in harmonious colors. Make sense?


Pay attention to detail. Sometimes all a top needs to be elevated from "cheap" to "chic" is a lovely detail, like the peacock feather pin on this top (left). Other on-trend details include zippers, bows, subtle laser-cutting, or crafty appliques. A word of warning: Generally speaking, a built-in necklace, scarf, belt, etc. is not a good detail and one you should avoid.


Choose tops with a cool construction. High-end designers, as you know, play with the shape, cut, and silhouette of their creations, focusing on such things as draping and tailoring to construct their garments. Not so much in the budget world. This is due, in part, to the fact that fast-fashion manufacturers don't have luxurious fabrics at their fingertips. But every now and then, you'll find something with interesting origami pleating or exaggerated proportions that says "designer"! Waste no time scooping them up, just make sure they work for your figure.

P.S. Expensive tops can sometimes look cheap. Just because a garment carries a hefty pricetag doesn't mean it's not the tackiest thing on earth. Use discretion when shopping at places like bebe which aren't cheap but have plenty of cheap-looking clothes.

Juicy's take on the whole rocker-chic trend? A hoodie motorcycle vest in slouchy fleece. ($148 at Saks)


To get the look for less, check out Wet Seal's motorcycle vest ($24.50). It doesn't have a hood, and it's not soft fleece, but the asymmetrical zip closure, zipper pockets and snap detail on the fold-over lapel give off a similar vibe.

And the winner is…#24 April who wrote, "An April in Paris necklace would be many strands of silver and gold thin long chains, a few semi precious strands (especially light blue aqua and pale yellow) that were long as well. I would want an antique key or French legion medal attached off center. The back would have a decorative bow of lace a la Chanel."

I enjoyed reading everyone's response, once again, my readers never fail to amaze me with their creativity. Congrats to our winner and thanks to all for participating!




Please note: This contest is now closed.

Today's amazing giveaway is brought to you by Robyn Rhodes, a California-based jewelry designer who has been designing unique and affordable jewelry for over 7 years. Robyn's jewelry, which often blends delicate semi-precious stones with hard chains, is worn by Hollywood's elite stars including Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Alba and Eva Longoria, to name a few. Currently, Robyn's line can be seen on the entire new season of Entourage!

Here are the deets for the giveaway:

The prize: One (1) RITA Triple drop necklace as pictured above (Shown in Citrine, Red Elephant Cloisonne & I Ching Coin). The Rita is Robyn Rhodes' most popular necklace and has been featured in InStyle magazine & on HBO's hit show Entourage!!! Value: $135

How to enter: Visit the Robyn Rhodes website, then tell us in the comments below: If you had a piece of jewelry named after you, what would it look like?

Exclusive deal: Why leave things up to chance? Shop Robyn Rhodes jewelry now and save! Enter code BUDGETBABE at checkout to get 20% off your order.

Good luck!!!

Be sure to use a valid email address and include info(at)thebudgetbabe.com in your address book so we can contact you if you're the winner. Email addresses will not be shared and will only be used to notify you if you're the winner for this giveaway. Comments must be posted by 12 noon ET on Tuesday July 28 to be eligible to win. One lucky winner will be chosen at random, and will be announced on Wednesday July 29. Giveaway is open to residents living in the continental United States only.

Leather Steve Madden "Sauna" Wedge, available in white, blue or tan, Was $79.95 now $19.95

The Deal: Tuesday:Steve Madden Footwear - $19.95 Today Only!


Why You Need It: We're midway through the summer which means the sandals you bought back in May are probably wearing out from all that walking and traveling you've been doing (you have been walking and traveling, haven't you!?). Time to refresh the shoe wardrobe with something new, like these fabulous "Sauna" sandals featuring genuine leather uppers and a stacked heel, on sale now for just $19.95! Other standout styles include quilted cap-toe flats, lace-up leather boots and sky-blue suede pumps. Don't miss out.

Every weekend I go through the same routine: What will I wear to dinner? What will I wear out dancing? And every weekend I end up wearing the same outfit: Jeans and a tank top with a black blazer. I don't feel cute or dressed up when I go out. Most of what I wear, I can get away with wearing during the day on a nice summer afternoon. I'm in need of serious fashion advice and tips on cute, classy, and trendy ideas on night life outfits and tops. What are some good outfits and where can I buy them? —JK

Ah yes, the jeans/tank top rut. Been there, done that (and still do it on occasion!) There's no harm wearing the tried-and-true if it makes you feel great, but you've admitted to feeling uncute, so, here are three completely new party outfits to help you break away from the boring. Consider this part one of my answer; in part two, I'll cover cute going-out tops that will breathe new life into your old jeans. And for more great outfit ideas, definitely check out the celebrity style section of my blog; I feature celebs mostly to show how their stylists piece together simple yet stylish ensembles, then I break it down for the budget-babe set.

Now, on to the outfits!

1. Dresses. One piece and you're done. Well, almost. You will of course need to shave and you will need shoes—possibly jewelry and a matching handbag—but other than that: One piece, and you're done.

2. Short shorts. Swap your jeans for chic black shorts and add a loose-fitting top that covers the waist, yet still allows you to see the shorts underneath, lest onlookers wonder, "Is she wearing any pants?"

3. Skirt + tank top. There's a skirt shape to flatter every figure; pick yours in a bright hue or stylish print and pair it with a simple, solid tank (or tee if you'd prefer to cover some arm).

Where to shop for "going-out" clothes on a budget:

• 
  Aldo
  


• 
  Arden B.
  


• 
  Charlotte Russe
  


• 
  Express
  


• 
  Forever 21
  


• 
  GoJane.com
  


• 
  Lulus.com
  


• 
  Target
  


• 
  Torrid
  


• 
  Wet Seal