The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Look for Less: Gucci Plaid Pants

Plaid for Spring? Sure! Why not? At least, that's the message designer Frida Giannini was giving us with her Spring 2008 collection for Gucci. Gianni proved that plaids, typically reserved for chilly fall and winter seasons, can be fresh and unexpected when the temperatures turn upwards, too. Try the look with these plaid pants from Forever 21 and you'll be tiptoeing through the tulips in tartan.

Plaid Spring Trend Fashion
Left: A look from the Spring 2008 Gucci runway. Image source: Style.com
Right: Forever 21 Flared Plaid Trousers, $24.80

Look for Less: Marc by Marc Jacobs Top

In her Style.com runway review, writer Nicole Phelps pinpoints the theme of the Spring 2008 Marc by Marc Jacobs runway show by calling it "Pan Am stewardesses, by way of Mary Tyler Moore." To illustrate her point (because she's spot on), we offer the look on the left as well as its budget fashion doppelgänger on the right. Oh, and this assessment: Both are so ugly, they're cute!

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Left: A look from the Spring 2008 Marc by Marc Jacobs runway. Image source: Style.com
Right: Forever 21 Jessica Satin Tunic, $29.80


Deal du Jour: Budget B.J. for V-Day

No, not THAT kind of B.J. - we're talkin' super cheap, super cute lingerie from Betsey Johnson!! Surprise your sweetie this Valentine's Day by wearing one of these ultra girly, ultra chic babydolls from the wild-child designer's intimates collection. Each style costs just $33.99, marked down from $68.00! So hot.

Betsey Johnson Lingerie
Left: Betsey Johnson Lace Trim Swing Babydoll with Matching G-String, $68.00 $33.99
Center: Betsey Johnson Microsatin Floral Lace Slip, $68.00 $33.99
Right: Betsey Johnson Swing Babydoll with Ruffles and Matching Thong, $68.00 $33.99


Look for Less: Chanel Wide-Leg Jeans

Leave it to Chanel to pair wide-leg stonewashed jeans with a matching denim bathing suit and generous helping of pearls - and actually make it work. Sort of. On second thought, we're not quite sure about this head-to-toe denim ensemble, but we're willing to at least give the pants a go with Forever 21's Stacy flare jean. Just don't expect us to give up our dark-wash skinnies any time soon.

Chanel inspired wide leg jeans

Left: A look from the Chanel 2008 runway. Image Source: Style.com
Right: Forever 21 Stacy Flare Jean, $34.80. Five pocket, flared wide-leg jean with oversized button and zipper fly.


Look for Less: Chanel Striped Blazer

Courtesy Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel's Spring 2008 runway was a veritable parade of stars and stripes and all things Americana. Pay tribute to the red, white and blue in your own version of Old Glory-chic with Forever 21's navy and white wide-stripe blazer. Not feeling the Fourth of July vibe? Rock the jacket with Spring's equally hot nautical trend.

Chanel Knockoff

Left: A look from the Chanel Spring 2008 runway. Image source: Style.com
Right: Forever 21 Wide Stripe Blazer, $24.80. 3/4 sleeve wide stripe blazer with single hook and eye closure. Features lined welt pockets, back buckle tab.