This week I paid my first visit to Primark, an Irish fast fashion chain that's just beginning to open stores stateside. I visited the Danbury, Connecticut location (thanks to a tip from alert Budget Babe reader @booshabear about the store opening), and while I realize this post will be a bit of tease for many of you (Primark.com does not have e-commerce yet), it may only be a matter of time before this discount clothing retailer comes to a town near you. So what can you expect when it does? Think fast fashion quality (Forever 21, H&M) in a vast yet highly organized set-up. Rather than multiple styles on a rack, as is the case at Forever 21 or H&M, Primark has fewer styles available in multiple sizes (which is juniors sizing as far as I could tell).

Over the weekend, we paid a visit to Westfield Old Orchard, one of my favorite places to shop when I'm back home in Chicago. I had lunch with my blogger friend/kindred spirit Heidi Doud (Wishes & Reality) at Epic Burger - seriously, so lovely to finally meet IRL. Then it was time to ride the mini train with my sister and nephew, followed by a nursing break, more playtime (this time by the lifesize chess set), followed by more nursing, ice cream at Godiva and naps. By that point I was tired and ready to head home, so I did not actually engage in any actual shopping. But I did spot a pair of sandals while passing through Nordstrom that caught my eye...the Steve Madden 'Slithur' ($89.90, down from $109.95). The moment I saw it, I realized it looked identical to the Mossimo 'Kylea' sandals ($34.99) I had just blogged about in Saturday's post. So, all was not lost. See if you can spot the real from the steal by clicking a link below!




Update: After posting this, I noticed while browsing Pinterest that the Steve Madden shoe is actually a copy of the Schutz 'Juliana' caged sandal, which is $190 at shopbop.com!


Have a good eye for fashion? Check out more Spot the Real taste tests!

Blake Lively looked radiant in a lemon yellow ballgown topped with her Madewell Denim Jacket ($118) while exiting The Today Show in NYC earlier this month. I'm not sure if the jacket was merely an afterthought to keep her warm (or cover her adorable baby bump) but I'm loving the juxtaposition of bright yellow with blue accents, carried out in the jacket and her jewelry. I'd copy this look with a simple summery yellow chiffon dress and blue crystal earrings. Blake's exact Madewell jacket is just $118 at shopbop.com and totally worth the price for something so versatile that you'll have - and love - for years!

Yesterday I had the chance to scope out the new Superga x Target collection, featuring lace-up sneakers in classic colors like white, navy and black (faux) leather as well as fun stars and stripes motifs, perfect for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday. I highly recommend checking these out: They look identical to "real" Superga sneakers, including the tag...as far as I can tell, it's identical to the tag they put on all their sneakers, which is nice for us Target shoppers who don't want to give away our little budget shopping secrets!

Supergas are a cult favorite - celebs and streetstyle stars alike love these designed-in-Italy kicks. As far as I can tell without actually wearing them and putting them to the test is that they're the the same as shoes that cost twice as much. I bought Supergas once and actually returned them because I didn't feel they were worth the price (and they kinda made my feet look big, it's an issue I have with flat lace-up sneaks) but I will definitely be picking up a pair at this price...probably the low-top in faux black leather ($29.99). With shorts, jeans or cute dresses, these are the perfect comfy-chic shoes to wear all summer and into the fall. You can see more of my off-the-rack photos below and shop all the shoes in the Superga x Target collection online at target.com.

It never ceases to amaze me how celebrities with seemingly limitless financial resources still often choose to rock the most basic of basics for their everyday style. Here's Taylor Swift's cool summer style, just a black loose fitting tee, black denim shorts and some white sneakers. Granted her shoes are Saint Laurent 'Court Stars' leather sneakers ($493, luisaviaroma.com or $645 at saksfifthavenue.com), and her handbag is designer, too, but we found some near identical finds that will have you rocking her look in no time...millionaire status not required.







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