This post was inspired by a request from a reader who asked me to track down James Perse's linen shirtdress for less. The designer dress retails for around $185, while my budget find is $69.99 (down from $99.50). Can you spot the real from the steal below? Click either image to check your guess.

If you didn't do much Memorial Day shopping (I opted to avoid the malls and my computer as much as I could), you might want to saunter over to the eBay Fashion Vault, which launched a new French Connection sale earlier today. It won't take long to see if something catches your eye, like a pretty top or flirty dress marked down up to 70 percent off. The sale runs through Friday 6/3, 9pm PT, but the sooner you shop, the better the selection.

Shop it online:
eBay Fashion Vault French Connection Sale

Shown above (from left): French Connection Floral top $24.99 (down from $68); French Connection Promenade dress $49.99 (down from $148); French Connection Cilla dress $69.99 (down from $178).

Diane von Furstenberg's "Opal" wedge is $295 at Footnotesonline.com. The combination of a beautiful stacked wood heel and bold criss-cross straps make this shoe impossible not to love.

More Diane von Furstenberg...

Steve Madden has created their own interpretation of this shoe with their "Riddgge" wedge, $69.50 (down from $100) at Piperlime. Click either image to shop.

More Steve Madden...

I'm a little late posting these but today's the unofficial start of summer, so at least you can fantasize about wearing these fashions right now. Zara is becoming more and more visible here in the states. I fell in love with this brand over a decade ago (wow I'm feeling old) when I studied abroad in Spain, where this fast-fashion chain is based. For summer, think light, loose and long, from oversized silk boyfriend shirts to floor length maxi dresses in white, cobalt and red, plus prints like paisley, ikat and python. I'd be happy to have any and all of the looks in this collection in my closet. More eye-candy after the jump.

Recently I received a complimentary pair of Dr. Scholl's For Her Ball of Foot Cushions ($5.99), a product that promises "comfort where you need it most" so you can rock your fabulous heels without aching feet. Sound too good to be true? Well, I put these inserts to the test by wearing them for a busy day of work in the city - Uptown, Downtown, subway stairs, cobblestone streets - the works. Keep reading to find out how well they performed...or didn't.