In Full Bloom

Floral prints continue to dominate as one of the season's hottest trends. Yeah, we were a little scared at first, too...but we gotta admit—they're starting to grow on us.

Everything's coming up roses for top designer Oscar de la Renta (left). Get the look for a whole lot less with this Woven Floral Dress (right), $29.80. Forever21.com

Roses are red, violets are blue, we love Anna Sui and so should you! On the left, a blouse by Anna Sui available at Bergdorf Goodman for more than we'd like to say. Try this Floral Puff Tunic (right) instead, $19.80, Forever21.com.

Budget Beauty: Summer Skincare

Posted by The Budget Babe's Beauty Expert
Summer is almost here, and we all know what the means—skin skin and more skin!!! Beautiful skin from head to toe is just a couple bucks away with these great products that I personally use for glowing, soft, and gorgeous skin!

For a beautiful fresh face I have a product that I think I would literally die without (actually I have several, I’m freakishly attached to my regimen). I’ve tried a lot of face washes, and never have I come across a product that has such obvious and consistent results. It’s the [1] St. Ives Swiss Formula Medicated Apricot Scrub with Salicylic Acid for Oily/Acne Prone Skin. Its not strong at all, never leaves my skin dry, and makes me feel clean not tight. It’s fabulous. It also comes in different formulas, sensitive and renew & firm. All really great (I’ve tried them all!) Each one only costs $3.79. Use it daily for best results.

In the summer, I love to follow up with a very light moisturizer that cools, refreshes and depuffs skin. Also creates a perfect base for any kind of makeup (I could go on about how great this stuff is for hours!) I adore the [2] St. Ives Swiss Formula Cucumber & Elastin Eye & Face Stress Gel for all skin types. So cheap ($3.99), and worth is weight in gold! Hard to find in stores, but readily available at Walgreens.com or Drugstore.com. Loves it!

For a soft, supple body from the neck down I recommend [3] Vaseline Intensive Care Deep Conditioning Cocoa Butter ($5.79). Not greasy, sticky, or too thick, you’ll get perfect moisture and beautiful skin. This is the first lotion I can honestly say I think has improved the quality of my skin (I’m talking about stretch mark repair), and considering I’ve tried them all, that’s saying a lot. Smells lovely, a definite bargain.

Hot summer tootsies bringing you down? Try [4] Burt’s Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion ($8.99). Its 100% natural, and 100% effective! Peppermint brings a tingly cool sensation to tired feet to soothe and calm, while softening Beeswax and Vitamin E prevent against roughness.

Stock Up on Basics

There's really no reason to pay more than $10 for a basic tank. Made from 100% cotton, these Perfect Fit Tanks from oldnavy.com are just $2.99 a pop, and are available in white, black, heather gray and terra brown. You can't afford not to buy one in each color. Get 'em while you still can!

Things We Love: Silk-Wrapped Bead Necklaces

Add shine to your spring wardrobe with a sumptuous silk-wrapped bead necklace.

Option one: silk-wrapped bead necklace from bananarepublic.com, $34. Available in ivory/brown or ivory/orange.




Option two: Silk-wrapped bead necklace from JPHardee.com, $20.





Option three: Make one yourself with these simple steps from marthastewart.com! Keep reading for the instructions >>

Drew Barrymore Is People's 'Most Beautiful'

We're fans of Drew, we really are. But we were kinda surprised to see her top People's list of the world's most beautiful guys and gals. We would have preferred to see someone like Christina Ricci take the crown. Other than her, we can't really think of anyone better (we didn't spend much time on the subject, either).

So what do you think? Do you agree with the decision to name Miss Drew fairest of them all?

In her interview with People, Drew did share some interesting beauty secret tid-bits, including a mention that she rejuvenates the tired skin around her eyes with TALIKA Eye Therapy Patches. We found this Eye Therapy Patch with Case by TALIKA (6 piece) for $58.00 at dermstore.com, which makes them cheaper than many spa or dermatologist treatments.

Admittedly, we'd love to know if they really work—and if Drew's photo from her no-makeup fashion shoot was any indication, those suckers really do work magic! No seriously, she looks great and we applaud her for baring it all sans makeup. Very "Dove Real Beauty" campaign-ey.

Now that's beautiful.

Love the Shoes You're In with Foot Petals

Posted by The Budget Babe's Beauty Expert

Like most women interested in fashion, I have a love/hate relationship with shoes. Love is the only word that can be used to describe the initial response to a glorious pair of heels. The sexy spike of the stiletto, the oomph of the wedge, the beauty of the boot—these are the things dreams are made of. Only difference is that in my dreams, I can wear them for longer then twenty minutes without cursing under my breath from the horrid pain they inflict on my poor feet.

That’s where the hate part of the relationship comes in. Just two weeks ago I found myself screaming at a pair of brown suede pumps in the subway, "WHY?!!!! Why must you be so tempting and then hurt me this way?!" Needless to say, my fellow riders gave me the you’re-the-reason-people-fear-public-transportation look.

That night at home while soaking my tootsies in a warm bath, I decided that the relationship between me and my shoes needed professional help...

Continue reading "Love the Shoes You're In with Foot Petals"

Fashion First-Aid: Removing Stains

Rather than rushing to the nearest dry cleaner each time you spill your Starbucks, consider correcting the problem at home. You can go easy on your wallet and get tough on stains if you know the right approach to treating a slew of bothersome stains.

Remove deodorant stains with a hand steamer and watch them evaporate away. If you don't have a steamer, rub a pair of a pantyhose against the stain—works like an eraser!

Get rid of coffee stains by placing garments in a warm water tub. Add three or four denture cleaning tablets and let sit for one hour, then launder as usual.

Remove salt stains from leather shoes by wiping with a mixture of half warm water and half vinegar. Let air dry, away from direct heat.

To remove red wine stains, make a paste of lemon juice and salt, spread on the stain and let sit for 30 minutes. Try a delicate wash cycle with a scoop of OxiClean to remove any remaining traces.

Eliminate oil stains by covering with flour and letting it sit for 12 hours or so. Much of the oil will be absorbed, but the dry cleaners can finish the job—and its certainly worth cleaning a beloved article of clothing rather than scrapping it.

Summer Lovin'

Spring weather can turn on a dime (especially if you live in Chicago). Be prepared for rising temperatures with these summer essentials.

Ridiculously cheap Loop Terry Tube Dress with Pockets from American Apparel is just the thing for lounging by the pool, or stooping on the front steps waiting for the ice cream truck to drive by. $12.00



Genuine leather straps and brass buckle details make these Equestrian Flip Flops from Wilson's Leather a stylish alterative to the usual plastic. $28



What's not to love about the line of handbags by award-winning New York designer Rafe Totengco for Target? Purses from his original line start at $300, which makes this Rafe® for Target® Linen Flap Shoulder Bag a steal at $39.99.

The Best Drugstore Beauty Buys from Real Simple Magazine

We budget beauties have long-known that looking beautiful doesn't have to come at a high price. So we were eager to check out the May 2007 issue of Real Simple magazine, where readers share their picks of 60 budget-friendly moisturizers, sunscreens, shampoos, and more.

We took a gander at the complete list and have to agree with most of the suggested products. All were practical, effective and affordable (which is precisely what you'd expect from Real Simple's loyal readers).

Here, The Budget Babe's handpicked faves from the list:
[1] Best Moisturizing Bar Soap: Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Moisturizing Body Bar, $3.50

[2] Best Shampoo for Fine Hair: Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo, $3.99

[3] Best Body Wash with Lather: Burt’s Bees Citrus & Ginger Root Body Wash, $8

[4] Best Face Cleanser for Dry Skin: Vichy Oligo 25 Foaming Cleansing Face Wash, $12

Fashion Word of the Week: Seersucker

If you don't know your chiffon from your charmeuse, now's the time to get schooled on terms that anyone interested in fashion should know. Familiarity with fashion terms will not only impress your friends—it will help you know what you're getting when you're shopping online.

Today's word: Summery seersucker is a fabulous fabric for warm, humid weather...read on!

Seersucker: is a thin, all-cotton fabric, commonly striped, used to make clothing for spring and summer wear. Seersucker is woven in such a way that some threads bunch together, giving the fabric a wrinkled appearance in places. This feature causes the fabric to be mostly held away from the skin when worn, facilitating improved heat dissipation and air circulation. The wrinkled look also ensures that seersucker clothing will look good even when worn by people working in hot weather. It also means that ironing is not necessary. Seersucker was first used in the United States by the working class but was later adopted by the upper classes. The material became perceived as a staple of attire for the Southern gentleman who wore it in deference to the high heat and humidity of the American South.

Definition of "seersucker" from wikipedia.org.
Photo: Detail of a cotton seersucker pant by Nina Ricci, eluxury.com

Save Time and Cash with Shop It To Me

Ever wish you had a personal shopper? Of course you have. But since you don't, here's the next best thing: Shop It To Me, a free online service where you can get the heads-up when sites put your favorite brands on sale in your size.

Simply select your favorite apparel brands—such as Theory, Ella Moss, Juicy Couture or BCBG—and sizes. They'll scour the websites of leading retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, Bloomingdales, Zappos and more and email a daily or weekly summary of which new items go on sale in your size.

Plus, Shop It To Me has been featured in publications like Daily Candy Deals, Glamour, and The Washington Post.

Ready to sign-up? We thought you would be.

Sign up for Shop It To Me >>

Isaac Mizrahi Bridal Collection Soon to Be Unveiled at Target

Even frugal fashionistas say it's OK to splurge on your big day. So will the recent crop of inexpensive wedding gowns by top designers (think Victor & Rolf) change the way we think?

Not likely. But come May 1, Isaac Mizrahi will introduce his first bridal collection for Target—and we're definitely intrigued. Prices will range from $9.99 for accessories to $159.99 for gowns. The full collection will be available exclusively at Target.com.

Just promise us one thing: If you say "I do" to Isaac's frocks, please, don't skimp on the bar.

Random Act of Kindness: The O Magazine "STRENGTH" Bracelet

Even on a budget, you can make a difference, do some good, and feel good about it.

That's why we love the new O, The Magazine "STRENGTH" Bracelet. This beautiful hand-beaded bracelet sells for $35.00 at Macys.com. Proceeds go directly to the artisans that make them, who are impoverished Rwandan and Zambian women in desperate need of a source of income.

It's fashionable and it gives us all just a little more hope.

Top Beauty Pick: Lip Smackers Lip Gloss by Bonne Bell

I have been a self-proclaimed lip gloss addict since the early age of nine (yes, I have a problem). Through the years, I have tasted, puckered, and kissed my way through every kind of vial, tube, stick and tub available to (wo)man. Now that I think about it, I should really be in the lip gloss industry… ----dreaming---- or rehab… Anyway, since I've titled myself a lip-glossing expert I feel it's my duty to share my wisdom.

When it comes to the gloss, I personally don't think that cost and quality go hand in hand. If anything, the cheaper the stick the better the balm. For a high-quality, delicious, and super affordable pucker-pleaser, stick with the classics: Lip Smackers by Bonne Bell.

They come in all kinds of tempting and delish flavors, and are so super affordable at under two bucks a pop I can stock up and switch it up to make sure my lips (and my boyfriend) never get bored.

Keep in mind I'm talking about the classics—no glitter (too scratchy! Ouch!), but even that's fine because every year the brains at Lip Smacker come up with new flavors for the original formula.

They're creamy, have a perfect texture, and leave just the right sensation on your pucker. Most are sheer, some have a slight tint, but all are perfect alone or as a base/primer.

For summer, my personal fave is Tropical Punch. It comes in a sassy, hot-pink tube, has a slightly tangy scent, and leaves just a hint of vibrant pink/orange on your lips that looks so natural, it will have all your friends jealous of your genes!

These little sticks have never let me down throughout my love affair with glosses. I love trying and wearing all types of gloss (and will probably be passing on my tips on many), but in the end I've always got that little Lip Smacker in my bag as backup, and so should you!

Kisses from TBB Beauty Expert

Get the Bonne Bell Lip Smacker trio lip gloss with Kiwi, Tropical Punch and Mango flavors, $4.15 at drugstore.com.

Things We Love: Betsey Johnson Spider Ring

We absolutely love this adorable yet edgy Betsey Johnson Spider Ring. It's a conversation starter AND it will make you smile (or jump!) every time you see it. $40.00 at Nordstrom.com

Impressed by Aerosoles

After two fruitless hours of pushing and shoving at a cramped outlet shoe store by my home, I resigned myself to the fact that I would not be getting new shoes to wear to the party that I was going to that night. Crushed (as we all are when we can't find the right pair of heels), I started to head home when a nearby Aerosoles store caught my eye. Typically, I don't shop there because the styles look too old for my taste and the prices, while reasonable, are a bit too high for my budget.

Nonetheless, I gave it a try—fifteen minutes later, I had myself the dreamiest and comfiest red-leather heels I've ever owned.

• Service was impeccable (The Budget Babe is generally used to having to forgo good service to get a bargain)


• The styles were fresh, modern, suitable for any number of occasions. Clearly they've undergone a makeover by their design team.


• The shoes I picked fit like a glove and the touch of real leather to my toes—which have grown accustomed to stiff, synthetic uppers—was heavenly. I am sensitive to the vegan fashionistas out there (we ADORE everything matt & nat), but nothing quite compares to the comfort and breathability of real leather.


• And finally, they were on sale for $39.99!

I'm happy to report that the shoes stood up to a night on the town. Someone even asked if they were Pradas. I graciously accepted the compliment, of course, but promptly proceeded to tell them the truth, and now I'm bent on spreading the news to all: Aerosoles are my new best friend.

Find the "Irretraceable" pump by Aerosoles featured above at aerosoles.com or zappos.com.

Spring Bling

If you're going to the prom or a spring wedding, you're going to need some serious bling—but chances are, you don't have the serious cash to pay for it. Luckily, today's fashion forward ladies have plenty of affordable options to choose from.

If you like to take your fashion cues from the red carpet, you're going to fall in love with Emitations.com. Their specialty is bringing you celebrity jewelry that looks just like what your favorite stars are seen shining in, at a fraction of the price of course. Silver and cubic zirconia take the place of platinum and diamonds, but who will know it except you?

Academy Award winner for Best Actress, Helen Miren, looked regal at the 79th Annual Oscars draped in diamonds on loan from jeweler Chopler. Emitation.com's Neva's CZ Diamond Cluster Earrings are reminiscent of the ones she wore so you can feel like a queen, too. $49.99


This handmade Katherine Necklace featuring faux pearls and a vintage rhinestone pendant from Cuttlefishjewelry.com is the perfect accompaniment to your favorite little black dress...or pink dress...or yellow...you get the picture. $50



If you're willing to splurge a tad more, try Maya's CZ Pave Layered Ring from Emitations.com, a veritable bouquet of diamond-like brilliance that doubles as a door knocker (just kidding!). Reminds us of the iconic Chanel Chamelia. $119.95

Budget Beauty: Lips Pop with Hot Pink

Warm weather has yet to arrive, but you can still turn up the heat with brightly colored lips—and if that suggestion has you running for cover, remember that with today's options, there's sure to be a shade and formula that's right for you. Honest.

Beyonce is seen here rocking fierce fuchsia. Sure, she can rock just about any look, but this is something you can pull off, too. Just downplay your eyes and accessories, and let your lips sparkle on their own. If you're shy, do a practice run at home first so you can get used to the look before taking it out on the town. No joke!

Get the look with [1] NARS Sheer lipstick in Flaming Dust, $23.00 at beauty.com; [2] Maybelline Shine Seduction Glossy Lipcolor in Beaming Berry for a cream finish or Candy Desire for a pearl finish and lighter skin tones, $7.79 at walgreens.com; [3] Cargo PurseGloss in Beijing sheer berry shimmer, $16 at sephora.com.

Preview the Kate Moss Fashion Line at Topshop

We've been big fans of Kate Moss for as long as we can remember. For better or for worse, she appeared on our fashion radar screens around the same time we were entering that wonderful and frightening stage of life called puberty. Her darling, familiar face has been with us ever since. Can you even imagine going through an issue of W without seeing Kate at least once?

So we're curious to see what her line for the UK's Topshop will look like—and now we can, with their recently unveiled viewbook of Kate's duds. Plus, her line of rock-boho-chic looks will also be available at Barneys New York starting on May 8th. http://www.katemosstopshop.com/

J. Lo We LOVE You!!

Don't act so surprised. Last night, we were super psyched to see the bootylicious Jennifer Lopez as the guest mentor on American Idol!! Hadn't seen her in a while (haven't used the word "bootylicious" in quite some time, either), but apparently she's been busy topping the Latin music charts, and looking sexy as ever.

Tonight, J.Lo gave us a smokin' hot performance that had us up off the couch, singing and shaking our groove thangs right along with her! Say it loud, say it proud--we love you, J.Lo!!

Amidst the Jenny-from-the-block excitement, we surfed on over to americanidol.com and discovered for the first time that they have an entire section on Idol style. This might be old news to some, but in all honesty, we're kind of proud that we didn't know about it until now.

We had a good time in the Fashion Idol department where you can browse pics of all the singers and rate their looks.

In Get the Look, you can find suggestions for clothes, shoes and accessories that will help you look like your fave idols. Their recommendations are hit-or-miss—some items looked nothing like the original, others were identical or even preferable to what the singers wore.

Unfortunately, we still can't find a photo of Stephanie Edwards wearing a certain red and ivory satin halter which we happen to know came from Forever21 because we had it first! And don't you just love it when you see something you own being worn on TV?? Hey, gotta get your kicks somehow.

And ::yawn:: this is where we lost interest.

P.S. We're purposefully avoiding any mention of J.Lo's ventures in fashion design. Do as she dresses, not as she "designs."

The Designer Knock-Off Dilemma

Designer Diane Von Furstenberg's studio filed a copyright-infringement lawsuit just weeks ago against Forever 21, claiming their $32 "Sabrina" dress is practically an exact copy—from the pattern right down to the measurements—of her $325 "Cerisier" dress.

We actually tried on the Forever21 version a couple weeks ago and well, it's hard to argue. They look pretty much identical, and both are even 100% silk.

So needless to say, we're shooting ourselves in the foot right about now for not buying the knock-off. Sure, it's wrong, but it's also one super cute, super cheap frock!



We immediately thought of checking Ebay, and spotted a dress (above) that looked like the Forever21 version, but claimed to be an original in the item description. Starting bid: $225. At that price, it better be the real thing, but who's to say that some unsuspecting buyer might be getting ripped off with a faux? All's we can say is shop smart and do your research if you're worried about getting taken for a ride.



This may be the first lawsuit we've heard about against Forever21, but it's not the first time we've spotted a copycat design. Check out this Anna Sui Rose-Print Voile Dress, $541 at neimanmarcus.com (left) and this Maven Top for $17.80 that we saw at Forever21.com and in stores on the right. It's one thing to draw inspiration from another designer, but this takes the cake. Still, we're torn...it's cute, cheap and reminds us of one of our favorite expensive designers. What's a girl to do? More on this later.............

Readers Share Their Tips: Earring Holder

The Budget Babe likes to get crafty every once in a while. That's why we LOVED this nifty DIY project for an earring holder sent in to us by a reader named Liz. Using wire cutters, cut a piece of wire mesh to fit your favorite frame. (You could also buy a plain frame and decorate it with fabric or paint.) And there you have it—the perfect place to hang all your earrings. Looks like Liz has a pretty fly collection of earrings, too!

Budget Boudoir: Isaac Mizrahi for Target Bedding

Nothing speaks to the notion of a metamorphosis more than the beautiful butterfly. Emerging from its dull cocoon, it spreads it prismatic wings and takes to the skies. An undeniably inspiring feat of Mother Nature.

Now you can transform, too, thanks to the inspired designs of Isaac Mizrahi. Take your bed from ho-hum to heavenly with the Isaac Mizrahi for Target® Butterfly Bedding Collection. Bold orange, green, yellow and white flutter on 200-thread count cotton.

Go ahead. Fly, butterfly.

Available at target.com and in stores. $29.99 - $89.99

In Defense of Trends

For some, "trendy" is a dirty word. Why is that? If we're trendy, does that mean we can't think for ourselves? That we're somehow slaves to fashion? Gullible consumers willing to throw our money at whatever the magazines, celebrities or big business dictate?

Perhaps. But for some of us, following trends is just plain fun. We love to see what fabulous things our favorite designers will think of next. We giggle with glee to see trends we love, while we take guilty pleasure mocking and critiquing the ones we dislike. Then, we head to the stores (or our laptops) to find the trends that work for us—and make them our own.

One trend for spring that makes us sing is metallics, especially silver. These Aurora flats from forever21.com are both cute and sophisticated—but we just like 'em cuz they're shiny. $21.80.



If you haven't tried cropped jackets yet, now's your chance. They're surprisingly comfortable and completely wearable, like this loose-fitting Frenchi Linen Blend Jacket from nordstrom.com, $44.00.



All things navy and nautical are in this season. Sail with pride aboard the S.S. Trendwhore in this Kool Hearts Front Button Square Neck Blouse from macys.com, $36.

Patrick Robinson for Target Preview

Check out some of the upcoming looks from designer Patrick Robinson for Target's GO. International Flights of Fashion series for Summer 2007, scooped from target.com's pressroom. Whaddya think? Hot or not??


Left: Shift Dress in Brown Medallion Print $34.99
Center: Tie-Front Pleated Tank in Lavender $16.99; Reversible Tank in Rosette Print/Terracotta $16.99; Denim Bermuda Shorts in Gray $29.99; Leather Net Bag $34.99
Right: Tank with Crochet Detail in Ivory $16.99; Twill Cropped Pants in Khaki $34.99; Floppy Canvas Hat in Khaki $14.99

Abaeté for Payless

We spotted this ad on dailycandy.com and were instantly intrigued...see for yourself:

"Payless® has collaborated with renowned fashion designer Laura Poretzky to bring you a stunning spring ’07 footwear and accessory line. Think Paris 1971 in springtime. Designed for the runway. Destined to sell out. If you want to score a bit of Abaeté French femininity for under $30, you’re going to have to shop fast. Shop payless.com."

Idol Chatter & Hello Kitty!

American Idol hasn't exactly been the kind of show where you'd expect to find great fashion. Contestants are encouraged to express themselves and even get help from professional stylists, but it's entertainment we're looking for, not style ideas. Nonetheless, we look forward to what everyone with be wearing each week, from how they'll do their hair (Sanjaya), to how they'll accessorize and do their makeup...

OK, so maybe we are paying just a little too much attention to the looks on American Idol, but so what?! We can't help it! In fact, our interest was peeked further when last week, we think we spotted a Kimora Lee Simmons for Hello Kitty necklace dangling around the neck of Idol hopeful Jordan Sparks as she belted out a song by No Doubt. We hope it was a gift (or a faux) since this similar looking Simply Kitty Necklace costs a staggering $4,250 at neimanmarcus.com.

If we had that kind of money, we'd find better things to spend it on. But because we've always loved Hello Kitty and her friends when we were growing up, here are some fashionable, less expensive alternatives to show your affection for the curious white cat:

Hello Kitty Pink Head Glass Pearl and Crystal Bead Necklace with Vintage Style Collage Pendant. (Yes, that's Miss Cameron Diaz)
$170.00
jestjewels.com




Avon Hello Kitty Rhinestone Necklace We'd wear this with a few other silver chains of varying lengths and thicknesses.
$9.99
avon.com







Keep your true feelings about Hello Kitty under wraps and display this unique Hello Kitty decorative object in the privacy of your own home. Definitely kitsch.
Hello Kitty Tangerine Deco
$34.99
dreamkitty.com

What (Not) to Wear This Summer

Today we're talking about the dos and donts of summer dressing, despite the fact that tomorrow's weather forecast calls for snow. (That's right, snow.)

Summer means sandals, and certain styles work for certain occasions. Don't wear flip-flops to work unless you're a lifeguard. And don't wear them if you're going to be on your feet all day either. Although comfortable, it's been shown that flip-flops don't provide your feet with the support they need.

Another don't is short shorts. We're here to tell you what your best friends won't: short shorts rarely look flattering on any of us. Even if you've got the figure to pull them off, there's a chance you'll end up lookin' like a hoochie. Flattering and temperature-wise alternatives include capris, bermuda shorts and cropped pants as well as dresses and skirts.

Speaking of which, the dress is still a must-have item for everyone's summer wardrobe. We're partial to the ever stylish and versatile shirt dresses which have been cropping up in stores everywhere. Dresses keep you cool and look fabulous on any woman. The best part: you toss on one garment and you're good to go.

RAVE: Anthropologie

This rave is long overdue. Simply stated, we adore Anthropologie. The store, not the study of mankind. We love the look, the feel, the flavor, the mood. The moodiness. The creativity. The originality. We'd never pay for or even wear the clothes, heaven forbid, but we love it nonetheless. We especially love their catalogs, fashion stylists and photography. Gorgeous, luscious, intelligent, chic, smart, exotic, well-mannered, poetic, artistic. All these adjectives gush to mind (and if that's not a phrase...now it is.)

We think the success of the brand reflects the consumer's ever-growing desire for a sense of exclusivity, originality, whimsy, and personality, whether the items are mass manufactured and sold or not. The average consumer is willing to take more risks, more chances and create their own style. The possibilities are endless—and now, they're within reach, with costs of clothes going down and new trends coming out with increased frequency. (We didn't say they were cheap—just within reach.) Anthropologie taps into that, from accessories to home decor.

This anthropologie is the science of good taste.

Spring 2007 Trend Alert: April Cools

Be they electric or icy, blues are one of this spring's coolest trends.

Bright blue dazzles on these Chailyn heels with a wood platform from Ninewest.com. $89.00.





C&C California's blue cotton dress will have you feeling anything but. Perfect for seaside strolling, shopping or a day in the park. Tip: Layer over a supportive tank and proper undergarments to avoid any unsightly squeezing and/or clinging. $68.00 at Shopbop.com


Energize that little black dress (or black top, black bottom combo we so often rely on for a night out) with this Xhilaration® Faux Patent Clutch in cobalt. You'll be blue-skyin' in no time.