Yesterday I went backstage at the L.A.M.B. Fall/Winter 2010 show thanks to Sarah Conley, author of StyleItOnline.com, who I've teamed up with to help cover Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week! This was my first backstage event ever and it couldn't have been more dreamy. The excitement level was high from the moment I stepped off the elevator at Milk Studios to head backstage where designer and superstar extraordinaire Gwen Stefani was talking to the press and helping her team prep for the show. She was so close at one point I had to back up against a wall to let her pass (I dare not get in her way!). Simply gorgeous in person, and she brought her youngest son Zuma along for the fun! Too cute.

But back to the video at hand: Here, I had the supreme pleasure of taping beauty expert Charlotte Tilbury for MAC Cosmetics as she talks about creating the dramatic, high-impact makeup looks for the show.

Designer Alexander McQueen, who passed away on February 11, often incorporated skulls into his designs, like this skull and flower cocktail ring which plays with imagery of life and death. ($254 at Zappos Couture.com)


For those who can't afford to drop that much cash, this skull and flower ring from Torrid is a budget fashionista's way to homage to the ideas of a great designer. I think he would approve. ($10 at Torrid.com)

These satin Prada shoes with plastic flower heels originally sold for $590 at Neiman Marcus.com.


Get the look for less with these white satin closed-toe pumps from Newport-News.com. Despite the obvious differences, you can still flaunt those unmistakable flower heels for only $35.

The Budget Babe has teamed up with Stylehive.com to exchange links once a week so that you can see what's buzzing in their budget-friendly hive.

Valentine's Day is this weekend, so last-minute gift givers take heed: You'll need to pick up some chocolates, flowers and jewelry, stat. Or better yet, skip the fattening candies and wilting buds for a gift that will creating lasting memories long after the 14th has come and gone.

Think floral-themed jewelry, sparkling accessories that meld the best of two worlds for a fashion statement that says "I love you." That's what our friends at Stylehive have in mind with a round-up of some beautiful jewels with flowery motifs.

Check out this slideshow, then drop a hint to your special someone by sending them the link!

COLORED Denim

In many ways, American Apparel stores look the same every season. Whether it's the middle of summer or the dead of winter, you can always count on AA's neatly displayed racks, rows and stacks of famous basics in a rainbow of colors. But whereas winter stock includes hoodies and long sleeves, spring means lots more tank tops, skirts and dresses. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it begs mentioning that American Apparel also has a fab selection of sexy unmentionables including supersoft cotton panties, boxers and thongs. If you think about it, many of the crazy clothing items they carry (think silver lame hotshorts and sheer lace leotards) are perfect for spicing things up in the bedroom! And they are affordable to boot. Check it out, you'll thank me later.

More photos after the jump >>