I was wondering if you could use your skills to track down a similar dress/shoe combo (shown above). I am in LOVE with this outfit but it's a bit out of my price range! —Abby

At Tim McGraw‘s Superstar Summer Night, Taylor Swift wore a sheer panel dress by Elizabeth & James ($375)...

Elizabeth and James Roxy Open-Back Dress

...and Jean-Michel Cazabat heels ($320):

Jean-Michel Cazabat Orla

Here are some under-$100 look-for-less options that might work for us babes on a budget:

1. Boohoo.com Lilly Mesh Exposed Top And Side Bodycon Dress, $40
This UK online fashion store has lots of affordable options - search by keywords like "mesh," "bodycon," "sheer panel" or "cut-out."


2. Blaque Market "Reach For The Stars" Dress, $25.95 (down from $58)
Karmaloop's new women-only site Miss KL carries lots of little hot numbers similar to Taylor's like this dress with demure long sleeves plus racy cut-outs and mesh panels.

Blaque Market The Reach For The Stars Dress

3. ASOS Midi Dress With Sheer Detail, $49.88
It's hard to beat ASOS' selection when it comes to cute, cheap and on-trend dresses. They have lots of sheer mesh panel bodycon dress options but this one is my favorite because it's seductive yet covered up at the same time - the perfect soft/hard mix!

ASOS Midi Dress With Sheer Detail

4. BEBE Lace Inset 3/4 Sleeve Bodycon Dress, $69
This sultry dress by Bebe plays up the sheer paneling with feminine lace.

Lace Inset 3/4 Sleeve Bodycon Dress - ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

5. GUESS Ponte Mesh-Insert Dress, $89
If you can spend a little more, this dress by Guess offers better construction and might help hide minor figure flaws a bit better, too. It's unique yet versatile enough to wear mays ways depending on how you accessorize.

Ponte Mesh-Inset Dress

As for the heels, try Sole Society's "Stephanie" for $49.95 which has a similar cage cut-out feel and sexy high heel:



Have a suggestion for Abby? Let her know in the comments!

This April, P&G wants to share the love with consumers by highlighting some of their "Most Loved" products. I received a complimentary P&G Best of Beauty box courtesy of the brand and Style Coalition, which included CoverGirl Outlast Double Lipshine, Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Eye Roller, Pantene Hairspray Flexible Hold, Venus Embrace Razor, Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power Razor and Tide To Go.

Keep reading for my reviews of three of my favorite P&G products!





1. Tide To Go Stain Eraser: This stain remover is about the size of a marker and works like one, too, removing stains with a combination of cleaning solution and a micro-fiber pad that lifts and absorbs them. I tested it out on a week-old chocolate stain which my guy was responsible for (ahem) on a throw pillow and it totally worked. I was so relieved because the pillow cover isn't removable so I wasn't sure how I was going to salvage the pillow, but with a little rubbing with the Tide To Go Stain Eraser, the chocolate was gone. I'm a believer, and I'll definitely keep this handy for those little "stain" emergencies.

2. Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power Razor: My razor of choice has been the Gillette Mach3 for as long as I can remember, so I was excited to test the Fusion ProGlide Power Razor. As far as I'm concerned, men's razors are the best so I'll continue to "borrow from the boys." The ProGlide gives you a nice, smooth, close shave (I sound like a commercial haha) without nicks or cuts. I'm not sure how long the blade will last but I imagine it's comparable to my Mach3. A must have for summer.

3. CoverGirl Outlast Double Lipshine in Coral Shimmer: I wore this for Easter weekend and it lasted nearly 2 days. That's right, this stuff is like a tattoo of color for your lips. If you're not familiar with these types of lip colors, basically you apply the color to your lips and let it completely dry (no smacking your lips together). Then you use the clear lipgloss to add shine throughout the day. I have a couple similar products from other brands and this one performs just as well if not better. I really like the color I received because it has a hint of coral and a subtle shine. My lipshine didn't start to wear off until I reapplied the color and ate some super creamy coleslaw. Yum. At that point it started to wear off on my inner lips. But it had done its job. Here's an extreme closeup of the product on my hand after I took a shower - see?! Doesn't even smudge!




For more information on some of America's "Most Loved" brands, follow this link.

So, what are some of your "most loved" P&G products? Let me know in the comments, plus join the convo on twitter with hashtag #PGmostloved.

This post is sponsored by P&G and Style Coalition.

The Tory Burch "Adonis" espadrille wedge sandal in navy, almond or olive is $185 at Shopbop.com.

Tory burch Adonis Lower Wedge Espadrilles

Get a similar look for less with the Merona "Emilia" nautical wedge sandal, which features a cork heel instead of braided raffia and costs just $29.99. Click either image for details.

Women's Merona® Emilia Nautical Tall Wedge Sandal - Black

The checkerboard trend was born the moment models took to the runway at the Louis Vuitton Spring 2013 show. This fun mod print grabs your attention instantly, whether small or large in graphic black and white or subtler (though no less optimistic) shades. No wonder every celebrity under the sun seems to have embraced it, including Jessica Alba who wore a ladylike mid-length dress from the collection for a red carpet appearance. Make your own LV-inspired statement with these 5 checkerboard fashions under $50.

The Budget Babe contributor Vanessa Williams Stevenson from Lollipops and Leather falls head over heels for subdued luxury at the Banana Republic Fall/Holiday 2013 press preview in NYC. —BB

by Vanessa Williams Stevenson
Yesterday evening Banana Republic rocked my world with their Fall/Holiday 2013 presentation at Cedar Lake in New York City. I literally stopped in my tracks and gasped when I first walked in because I was so amazed at everything I was seeing. The looks were luxe and sophisticated, but simple. The collection as a whole is really accessible, but it also has a real sense of purpose.

Banana Republic presented a refreshing and new take on their classic American style. It's so obvious to me that the designers behind this collection really thought about the details. It was contemporary, it was edgy, it was everything. I loved the leather and faux fur, the amazing shoes and booties and the fabulous handbags and statement jewelry. I really appreciated the way that everything was presented and styled because it gave me endless ideas on how I could wear things.

I absolutely cannot wait for this collection to be available for purchase. I have my eye on the black leather tee and the faux fur clutch. What's on your list?
—VWS