I'm often asked to comment on the quality of the merchandise at Forever 21, an incredibly popular albeit controversial fast-fashion giant. I'm a big fan, in case you haven't noticed, and I definitely think Forever 21 has its place in the market—and in your wardrobe.

If you're new to the phenomenon that is Forever 21, here are a couple things to consider:

• Shop in person if possible. This way you can try things on and judge the fit and quality firsthand.


• Be prepared to dig. For a budget shopper who's used to thrifting, etc, this shouldn't be a problem - rather, it's an adventure! But yeah, their stuff can be hit or miss, so you need to dig around for those diamonds in the rough.


• Forever 21 has great accessories and trendy items that let you "test" new styles without making a big investment. You will have so much fun, because for the price, you can afford to take some style risks.


• Sizes are targeted towards teens. A major drawback for some but that's how it goes.


• Quality: Is it amazing? No. But it's good, and with proper care, it will hold up. And consider this: Many other stores these days are selling the same types of garments which are sewn in the same kinds of factories, except they're marking their prices up well beyond those found at Forever 21. Remember: Just because something costs a lot these days, doesn't mean it's good quality and vice versa.


• Check back often. Forever 21 stores get new merchandise just about every day. Sometimes I don't see anything I like, other days I want everything in sight.


• Don't be turned off by the name. I always see women of all ages shopping at the Forever 21 on State Street in downtown Chicago, for example. Besides, a budget babe must always be willing to shop anywhere and everywhere for a great deal!

Into optical illusions? These unique frocks have stripes that give the illusion of a tonal gradient when viewed from a distance. Pony up $168.00 for French Connection's version (center), or simply give the illusion that you paid a lot for your duds with either of the dresses on the sides from (who else) Forever 21.

>> Left: Diamond Knit Dress at Forever21.com (also available in red), $22.80
>> Center: Sunrise Tellin Dress at Fcuk.com, $168
>> Right: Sleeveless Diamond Knit Dress at Forever 21.com, $24.80

We're feeling kinda curious (OK, nosy) to know more about your personal hygiene habits. So tell us this:


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Anything that helps us get dressed quickly and look effortlessly put-together is a big winner in our book, which is why we're loving the idea of beaded collars. Forget the struggle of finding the right accessories: With an embellished neckline, there's no need for a necklace, earrings become optional, and at the very most, all you need to dress your wrists is a bangle or two. (Hey, that's less money spent on baubles, too, right?)

Tunics, tanks and dresses all benefit from beaded collars. Tribal-inspired wooden beads look casually chic for day; dainty pearl embellishments add the perfect touch for a night out. As far as we're concerned, it's full bead ahead with this very wearable trend. Click the pics for product details...

The Budget Babe's International Travel Advisor Fifi LaMode enjoys a few moments of solemn reflection in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. —TBB


by Fifi LaMode
Several villages dot the landscape around Lake Atitlan. Probably the most visited is Santiago Atitlan. The shops on the narrow streets sell paintings, handicrafts and richly embroidered fabrics. Each region of Guatemala has its distinctive embroideries. In Santiago Atitlan it's birds: Quetzales, macaws, you name it.

What is also unique to the area is the headdress the women wear. It's a thin red woolen band that wraps around and around the head, forming a sort of halo effect. Of course the women make it look easy but it's a thin strip of wool and I don't know how they wind it around without anything slipping. The tradition is very old as these headdresses can be found on monuments from at least 1200 years ago. This area is also known for ikat, a tie-dyed thread used in weaving.

In the square there is a church that's a reminder that it was not always so peaceful in Santiago Atitlan. Guatemala suffered immensely during a 30-year civil war which ended in 1996. Many civilians died or disappeared. Some of the deaths were caused by guerrillas, some by government militias. Sometimes one masqueraded as the other to shift blame.