BCBG Max Azria presented a fluid, modern collection for Fall 2010 consisting of dresses, wrap vests and tunic tops layered over lightweight long sleeve tees and mostly white opaque tights, in a muted palette of navy, gray and black with the occasional slice of sporty yellow or blue. Everything was subtle and sophisticated, including the graphic prints, sequined black dresses and occasional abstract embellishments. Elastic belts, oversized leather clutches and closed-toe platform ankle boots added some structure.

It was beautiful and the fabrics had great movement on the catwalk but I was surprised by how somber and minimalist it felt for this youthful brand. While none of the individual pieces stood out as contenders for fast-fashion-knockoffs, I can definitely see the colorblocking trend interpretted at lower price points. Another thing we budget conscious fashionistas can do is layer short sleeve tops, tunics and dresses over fitted long sleeve cotton tees for a BCBG Max Azria look for less.

What do you think? Are you inspired or bored by this collection?








Photos: Style.com

UPDATE 3/16/2010 We never heard from our first winner, so we've selected another winner to receive the bag! And that lucky lady is Beth Gerson! PLEASE keep an eye out for an email from Baghaus as they will be contacting you with details on receiving your prize. Thanks all for participating!!




Please note: This giveaway is now closed to further entries.

We've teamed up with Baghaus.com to offer one lucky Budget Babe reader the chance to win this Urban Expressions Bridget Bag, valued at $65.95.

Made of high-quality synthetic leather, the eye-catching Bridget Bag features lacing and tassle embellishments and measures 16.5" Wide x 14" High x 6" Deep.

To enter, just follow this link.

Good luck!

Entries must be submitted by Thursday, February 25th. Winner will be chosen at random and announced later that day.

The Macy's Spring 2010 Look Book is out, showcasing some of top trends we can expect to see in their ready-to-wear collection. Sequins are back, as are oversized pieces paired with skinny elements. Stripes, florals and what they're calling Afrique-Chic prints all make appearances on tops, skirts and dresses. I'm loving Rachel Rachel Roy's khaki coat paired with a bright blue top as well as that delicious embellished abstract-floral dress from DKNY. The return of canary yellow is also a welcome sign that spring is in the air (somewhere). I'm also impressed by the sophisticated styling, looks more Neiman Marcus than Macy's to me! But of course, with Macy's comes the affordable pricing we prefer. What say you?

I.N.C. DRESS: $99

MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS
TANK TOP: $69.50
JACKET: $129.50
DENIM: $89.50

BCBGENERATION
BOYFRIEND JACKET: $138
WALTER SHORTS: $103

The Carlos Miele Fall 2010 collection was a carnival of color and energy, from the upbeat music (which is the only decent thing about the video I took) to the graphic prints which brought cocktail dresses and red carpet gowns to life. The designer's Brazilian roots were clear without being cliche, while dramatic fur coats and capes reminded one that this was, in fact, a fall/winter collection. I could see many of these looks translated to real life, especially the zig-zag embellishments, rich color combinations of red and purple, paperbag-waist trousers, and even the furs (we'll take ours faux, thank you). Prior to seeing this show, my knowledge of Carlos Miele was limited to the fact that celebs such as Beyonce and Christina Aguilera are fans, but now I am, too!

Backstage at Jill Stuart/Fall 2010, part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, I got to photograph expert makeup artists and hair stylists as they worked their magic within the gorgeous setting of the New York Public Library. The inspiration for the makeup was a modern-day Brigette Bardot, according to key makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury, who created a feline eye complemented by fresh and neutral makeup on the rest of the face and lips. Bob Recine for TIGI created a rock-n-roll hair look inspired by "Kate Moss after midnight" using Tigi Catwalk Your Highness Root Boost Spray. Nails were painted in a barely-there opaque peach shade called Deborah Lippmann Collection Nail Polish in I'm Not Innocent.