Ever since I purchased a pair of cheap-o riding boots at Target, I've become obsessed with these versatile, classic, equestrian chic shoes. With Winter clearance sales in full swing, I'm determined to pick up another pair - preferably in real leather this time - on mad discount. It's a look I know I will wear and love for many seasons to come...the trick is narrowing it down to that one perfect style. Here's what I've found so far - would love some help in the decision-making department (and I'm open to your great riding boot finds, too!):



[1] Steve Madden Riding boot, Orig. $139 Now $119
[2] St. John's Bay "June" Riding boot, Orig. $110.00 Now $49.99
[3] a.n.a "Amber" Leather Riding boot, Orig. $130.00 Now $59.99
[4] Asos Zip Back Flat Riding boot, Orig. $79.84 Now $63.87
[5] Bandolino "Jordana" Tall boot, Orig. $149.00 Now $69.28
[6] Jessica Simpson"Glennon" boot, Orig. $179.00 Now $69.99
[7] Aerosoles "Override" Riding boot, Orig. $180.00 Now $99.99

Styling ideas for Riding Boots, courtesy BCBGMaxAzria.com...

We're not sure exactly why, but we love fashions that are yummy - and boy is this BCBG Max Azria
Mona Leather Wristlet delicious!

The color, the lambskin, the cute quilting, and the petite cupcake-like size combine to make this one tasty accessory, perfect to give on Valentine's day. Plus, it will be totally hot for Spring (we're all about the brights for punching up neutral outfits.)

Scoop it up on sale at Saks for $38.90, orig. $98.00. Also available in juicy purple.

Old Navy is playing catch up with budget fashion powerhouses like H&M, Target and, we would add, Forever 21: Thanks no doubt to Creative Director Todd Oldham, the family-friendly Gap brand is getting a face lift that will include faster turn-around collections and more fashion-forward apparel and accessories.

All we can say is it's about time. We haven't purchased a thing from Old Navy in YEARS (except some gifts for relatives and friends' kids in the under 10 age group). It's not that they're a bad store per se, it's just that they don't offer us anything we can't get at the other aforementioned retailers - they don't offer better style, better quality or better prices. So why bother?

Having said that, we will definitely take the time to check out the new looks (expect an urban safari collection in February, Palm Beach in March, Hawaii surf appeal in May and glitz and glamour come June.) We frugal fashionistas are growing in strength and numbers and we need more options. Fortunately, the market is taking note and evolving to meet our needs.

Here's to the New Navy.




Image source: Fabsugar.com

Tribal trends for Spring 2008 from Oscar de la Renta, Pollini, and Just Cavalli. Image source: Style.com


Ethnic-inspired prints added depth and colorful sophistication to many a designer's Spring 2008 collection. Tribal Africa made its presence known at Just Cavalli, accented by feather and bead flourishes. Oscar de la Renta played with more traditional kente-esque fabrics, perhaps the best known of all African textiles, identified by its multicolored patterns, geometric shapes and bold designs. At Pollini, inspiration came from abstract Asian ikats. Since these tribal prints are already on loan from various cultures around the globe, expect them to percolate throughout all strata of planet fashion without litigious reproach come Spring.

Dear Budget Babe,

I have recently come across a huge fashion problemo!!! In the past year I had gone through not one, but TWO pairs of extremely pricey designer jeans. Both of them ended up ripping in exactly the same spot, and I've had enough!!! I refuse to give this company any more of my money! So Budget Babe, my question is this - can you tell me where I can find a pair of long, or stacked, skinny jeans (longer inseam so they bunch at the bottom) on a budget? Please!!!

Sincerely,
Desperate and Drafty

BB: I've bought jeans at just about every price point and what I've learned from experience is that a great pair of jeans doesn't have to cost a small fortune. At the same time, finding a perfect fit is nothing short of a miracle (also speaking from experience), so when you find amazing jeans that make you look and feel great, by all means, buy them. Just make sure you're doing it for the fit, style and comfort and NOT the label alone.

With that in mind, here are a few places to look for those extra-long skinny jeans you so desire (great taste, btw!):

Delia's: Shop for jeans by cut AND inseam length (up to 36"!!), which is an extremely helpful search option. We recommend: Morgan Low-rise Skinny, available in 6 washes, just $39.50. What's more, if you buy one pair now, you can get a second pair HALF-OFF.

LeviStore: The great American classic (even if they're made overseas these days) has undergone a fairly recent facelift, offering a wider selection of current styles. We recommend: Ultra Low Skinny 521 Jeans, 3 different washes, up to 34" inseam, $58.00 to $68.00.

Charlotte Russe: Stylish jeans at Forever 21 prices. We recommend: Lapis Ultra Low Rise Skinny Chelsea Wash (featured above), $29.99

Bluefly: Designer denim at a discount. Browse their selection of Joe's Jeans, Paper Denim & Cloth, Sass & Bide, Earnest Sewn, Diesel and Habitual. We recommend: Joe's Jeans Dark Blue Stretch 'Chelsea' Skinny Jeans, $159 $95

Urbanoutfitters: The latest trends in denim are always at Urban. Check out brands like Lux, Levis and Free People. We recommend: Free People Stretch Denim Skinny Jean, $68

Dear Readers: Where do you shop for budget-friendly jeans?