As part of their Gap Design Editions, the Gap enlisted 2007 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalists 3.1 Phillip Lim, Band of Outsiders, Michael Bastian, and threeASFOUR to design a limited edition collection of white shirts, each putting their own spin on the classic white button-down. The collection looks pretty stunning on the models in the ad above, but keep scrolling...


Here's how the shirts look on yours truly: Not good. Not good at all. Yes, I took a trip to my friendly neighborhood Gap (a very rare occurrence) to scope out the collection, and while I had a very pleasant shopping experience (I forgot how oddly relaxing the Gap can be), the four shirts I tried by Phillip Lim were sub par considering the $78 pricetag.

Lim's Bell-sleeve shirt fit best (above left), but the ruffles would be difficult to layer under a cardigan or blazer without bunching and wrinkling. The Picot button-front shirt (above right) featured an uncooperative tie detail. Sorry, but I can't be bothered with buttoning and bow-tying. Pass.


A 3/4 sleeve top (above left) felt more like a mock-up than an actual finished garment. And it had a sort of "mad scientist" vibe that I wasn't feeling. Scary. Finally, I slipped into a low-tie neck top which made me look prego. Nothing wrong with that...but it's not the look I'm after. And again with the bow - please don't ask me to tie my own bows. The results ain't pretty.

In a nutshell, I felt the collection was unflattering, fussy and stiff. There's a reason that classic white button down shirts are universally appealing - it's that classic shape, cut and silhouette. So save your $78 and spend it on a great classic that you'll wear over and over again instead.

Beyoncé made famous these $4,200 “Closed Front Cage Sandals With Ankle Pads” Balenciaga heels (left)—also known as the Lego shoes—during her performance at the 2007 American Music Awards.

Now you, too, can release your inner diva with the absurdly similar shoes on the right, the "Brenda," available at Bakers. The question is, who will want them? And does that shoe look like a "Brenda" to you? I am most certainly missing something.

P.S. The "Brenda" comes in all white as well, and it's actually pretty fierce. In fact, they're all kinda starting to grow on me...

>> "Brenda" heels at BakersShoes.com, $79.95

Baby Phat president and Life in the Fab Lane star Kimora Lee Simmons is launching Fabulosity, a fashion sportswear line for juniors to be sold exclusively at JCPenney, later this year.

Fabulosity will feature tees, knit tops and sweaters, jeans, skirts and dresses, as well as hoodies, jackets and outerwear, with prices ranging from $29 to $108.

With all due respect, I think this is a big step backwards for JCPenney. They will never attract today's sophisticated budget fashion shopper with moves like this, nor will they be able to help their current customer base attain great style. Big "sighs" all around.

As the seasons change, so should your makeup. The latest issue of Allure magazine highlights the newest makeup shades for Spring 2008, and it's all about "subtle twists on the classics." Hey, we can work with that. Here's what they recommend:

1. Peach Lip Gloss


2. Lilac and Silver Eyes


3. Mushroom Shadow


4. Indigo Liner


5. Icy Accents


6. Gilded Eyes


7. Terra Cotta Rose Cheeks


8. Cherry Lips

Dear Budget Babe,

Can you recommend some shoe brands at Zappos.com that are both cheap (under $50) and stylish?

Sincerely,
Broke & Barefoot

BB: Anyone who's ever shopped at Zappos.com can attest to their incredible selection, super fast shipping and easy-as-pie returns. But let's face it - their shoes aren't exactly cheap, and you can easily squander hours (if not days) of precious time browsing and sorting through thousands of shoes just to find a cute pair that won't break the bank.

So here are ten of our favorite brands that we can always rely on for cool styles, good quality and reasonable prices (each offers at least some styles for less than $50, meaning you don't have to wait for them to go on sale). This list is by no means exhaustive, but it's a good place start!

10 Best Affordable Shoe Brands at Zappos.com (in no particular order)
1. Unlisted by Kenneth Cole: Urban, stylish, versatile.
2. dollhouse: Funky and feminine
3. MIA: Unique with a hint of retro style
4. diba Fashion-forward, diva vibe
5. Yellow Box: Casual and glamorous
6. Restricted: Trendy and unique
7. Naughty Monkey: Playful, sexy, bold
8. Penny Loves Kenny: Wild-meets-whimsical
9. Shellys London: Hip shoes with a twist
10. BC Footwear: Young, fun, trendy

Dear Readers: What are your favorite brands for cheap & chic shoes?

Featured above: Shellys London "Crazy," $51.00 at Zappos.com