The Naughty Monkey "Exhibit A" gladiator sandal features a funky mix of bold textures—from ribs to braids to edgy studs. The cost for such decadence? $74.95 at Endless.com.


While not identical, these embellished gladiator sandals over at GoJane.com are a fabulous cheap-chic option. Choose from brown, black or tan for just $9.99 a pair. Thanks to reader Danielle for the tip!

During a routine browsing session over at JCPenney.com, I was shocked to find not one but TWO new-to-me labels: twelfth of eleven and Oxford & Regent. Both lines deliver chic, affordable basics (in spite of their trying-too-hard names). Need a perfect blazer? Check. A super-soft pocket tee? Check. Skinny black pants that go from day to night? Check! Best of all, everything's on sale. Scoop these pieces up now for back-to-school, work, whatever!

[1] twelfth of eleven Mixed Tee, Was $30.00; Now $19.99
[2] twelfth of eleven Pocket Tee, Was $26.00; Now $17.99
[3] twelfth of eleven Shirt, Was $36.00; Now $24.99
[4] Oxford & Regent Skinny Pant, Was $44.00; Now $29.99
[5] Oxford & Regent Knit Blazer, Was $58.00; Now $39.99
[6] Oxford & Regent Perfect Blazer, Was $58.00; Now $39.99

Gossip Girl's Jessica Szohr was spotted wearing this BDG boyfriend button down which costs just $39 at Urban Outfitters.


While the BDG shirt is by no means expensive, here's another option for you: It's from Forever 21, and it's just $19.80. Wear it tucked into a skirt with ballet flats now, then with jeans and boots in the fall (which is just around the corner!).

The leading online designer dress site, eDressme.com, is jumping on the "Cash for Clunkers" bandwagon—but instead of trading in a clunker, they're asking customers to round up their gently used dresses.

That's right: eDressMe is encouraging customers to donate a dress to receive 15% off their next purchase. When you donate, eDressme can even provide you with a prepaid shipping label for the donation. Upon receiving your package, eDressMe will issue you a coupon code for the discount.

Best of all, the garments will be donated to Good Will, and you don't have to wait on Uncle Sam for your rebate. Way to stimulate the economy! Or at the very least, your wardrobe.

The promotion, which began on Monday, August 10th, will run through August 31st, 2009. Visit eDressme.com for all the details.

I am a 23-year-old girl from New York who will be traveling to Ireland for two and a half weeks at the end of August, and am at a loss as to where to begin packing. … [A]ny advice or suggestions you or your readers might have would be greatly appreciated! —Mairead

I would LOVE to go to Ireland some day, but since I haven't, I asked my good friend Erin to ask her good friend Lisa McInerney, who lives in Dublin, for her fabulous fashion advice. Take it away, Lisa! (and thanks a million for sharing your expertise!)

"[W]eather can be unpredictable in Ireland and most of the time it does the opposite to what is forecasted!! Always have a small umbrella, and, if you can fit it, a rain proof jacket in your handbag! Suncrean, too, is important as when it shines the sun can be strong!

Funky accessories and the requisite umbrella
will have you partying in style in Ireland.


Fashion in in Ireland at the moment varies, as probably the same in the U.S., the '80s are creeping back in quickly! Anything goes though and even in the fanciest of clubs you will find girls casually dressed as well as OTT dressed up! What works for me in the summertime is a couple of tank tops layered, skinny jeans, killer heals (always flat shoes or flip flops in my bag though) and some funky accessories! If the weather is really good (as is at the moment) a nice summer dress, either bare legged or with leggins.

If stuck for space in a suitcase some good accessories would help transform ultra casual day wear into something a little fancier for the evening twined with a pair of high heels—you can't lose!

I would advise bringing something warm as it can get chilly in the evenings, long cardigans are fashionable here at the moment 2.

If all fails and you arrive with a suitcase completely full of inappropriate clothing (which often happens me on holidays) we have a shop here called Penneys—cheap and cheerful and stocks all the latest trends—you could kit yourself with a complete outfit for less than €50!

Have fun and I hope the sun keeps shining ".