Vera Wang holds a special place in my heart because I wore a gown (and veil and hairpiece and sash) from her WHITE for David's Bridal line for my own wedding. I can't say enough good things about this collection, and neither can Budget Babe contributor Vanessa Williams Stevenson of Leather and Lollipops, who headed to the designer's preview yesterday in NYC to bring us a first-look at the latest swoon-worthy styles. —BB

by Vanessa Williams Stevenson
Yesterday afternoon, Vera Wang presented the WHITE by Vera Wang Fall 2013 Collection, available exclusively at David's Bridal. The collection incorporated Vera Wang's classic aesthetic into affordable looks for brides and bridesmaids.

Bridal gowns in the collection are priced from $728 to $1,348. The collection features traditional white and ivory and introduces sterling, a silvery grey, and oyster, and pale beige tinted with grey. It includes satin and textured organza and there is a huge emphasis on detail in the design and an elegant sophistication throughout. Each piece was breathtaking. It's hard for me to decide on a favorite because each was so perfect and appropriate for any wedding. The crystal details, sashes and draping and layering of fabrics was done so beautifully.

The bridesmaid dresses are priced from $168 to $198. The collection introduces two new looks, a crinkle chiffon flutter sleeve dress and a satin and matte crepe peplum dress with a satin sash. I fell hopelessly in love with the peplum dress. Not only is it a fabulous dress for a bridesmaid, it's great to wear if you're attending a wedding or any other formal event.

I absolutely adore this collection. I think it's wonderful that Vera Wang has this collection for David's Bridal and is bringing her designs into a more affordable range for brides who want a Vera Wang without completely breaking the bank. Which of the gowns is your favorite? —VWS

This Viscid exposed gears watch in a yummy mint hue is $68 at Anthropologie.com.

Exposed Gears Viscid Watch

Get the look for less at Target which carries this mint-green watch by Xhilaration for $14.99. Below is a photo of the watch that I snapped in person because I think it shows the pretty color better than the Target website. Click either image for more details!

When it comes to the beauty products I use everyday - like facial moisturizer, cleansers and deodorant - I try to pick items that are as natural and chemical-free as possible. One natural brand I'm already a fan of is Yes To, and recently I was sent a travel-size pack of their Yes To Blueberries Age Refresh Cleansing Facial Towelettes and a travel-size pack of their Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes to try out. Here's how it went...

If you're starting to build up your spring and summer wardrobe, a trip to Kohl's is a must. The LC Lauren Conrad collection has lots of warm-weather essentials, like the perfect denim shirt, denim vest, denim jacket and white skinny jeans. If you follow my daily "Dress by Number" posts, you'll see these pieces come up again and again because they're so versatile and work with almost any style aesthetic, whether you're bohemian like Alessandra Ambrosio (seen in a white jean jacket here), chic like Miranda Kerr (seen wearing a denim shirt here) or trendy like Jessica Alba (seen wearing a denim vest here). But instead of paying hundreds of dollars for designer takes on these pieces, you can find them for under $30 or $40 at Kohl's. Sometimes less. Other highlights included cute day dresses, pretty blouses and breezy skirts. See more of my real-life photos after the jump (I couldn't resist mixing in a few items from other in-store brands, too, so let me know if you have questions about any of the items).

Brazilian jellies brand Melissa has teamed up with Forever 21 on a capsule collection of affordable jelly shoes for spring. Mel for Forever 21 features six styles that will be sold at Forever 21 stores beginning April 26th as well as online (shop it now!). Founded in 1979, Melissa is known worldwide for their innovative use of plastic to create sustainable, fashion-forward footwear.

The Mel x Forever 21 capsule collection is bright, cheerful and cheap (kinda what you'd expect for jellies) with none of the styles topping $22.80. At this price you can afford to pick up more than one pair for rainy spring days. The shoes are made in Brazil, 100% recyclable, and feature an additional insole on top of the plastic to wick away moisture from your feet.

I haven't worn jellies since the '80s and the mere sight of these shoes makes me nostalgic - it's like I'm 8 years old again, running through the sprinkler on a hot summer day and begging my mom to flag down the ice cream truck. I'm thinking of getting these cut-out jellies with a cute bow detail. And you?