piece de resistance: topshop fluff skirts

These outrageous fluff skirts from Topshop bring us back to childhood dress-up days. The fun, bright colors and prints and the endless tiers of chiffon are just begging to be shown off. While they may be a little too "out there" for everyday use, these skirts would be perfect for anyone looking to make a statement. Wear them with bright red cowboy boots to re-create our favorite Kindergarten ensemble :) Each skirt costs around $60.

designer items for less

Want the designer look without the lofty price tag? Luckily, some of our favorite designers are making budget-friendly pieces as of late. Whether through collaborations with megastores like Target and H&M or through special accessory collections, there are several ways to get that designer label for less. And trust us, unless someone is as adept in fashion as yourself, they won't even be able to tell the difference.

Clockwise from top left:

Marc Jacobs Satin Evening Bag ($35), available at Marc by Marc Jacobs stores.
YSL Beaute Charm Bracelet ($56), Neiman Marcus.

Marimekko shorts ($30), H&M
Tory Burch 3T Printed Flip-Flops ($45)

Vera Wang Beaded Knit Dress ($58), Kohl's
Gryson Woven Patent Bag ($45), Target

Necklace ($48), Bracelet ($40), and Earrings ($30), Betsey Johnson

Abaete Kaya Sunglesses ($15), Payless

sweet ruffles

Ruffles have always been a girly tradition, but lately ruffle necklines in particular have been sprouting up just about everywhere. Especially in the summer months, this look gives off a laid-back, exotic vacation vibe, and we approve! The style is easy-to-wear and definitely a step up from the bland strapless dresses we've seen in the past. Whether made from delicate white eyelet, simple stretch jersey, or bright colorful prints, this trend always looks hot and fresh.

Clockwise from top left:

Milly Strapless Ruffle Dress ($374), Shopbop

AKA New York Strapless Flutter Dress ($175), Shopbop

AKA New York Ruffle Dress ($222), Shopbop

Floral Drop Ruffle Dress ($70), Topshop

Milly Strapless Scallop Dress ($374), Pink Mascara

Sparkle Blouson Dress ($248), J. Crew
Purple Ruffle Top Dress ($25), Cora Boutique

Velvet Torch Ruffle Tube Dress ($44), Nordstrom

make it personal with monograms

A preppy staple for decades, monograms are the perfect way to add a personal touch to any outfit. From sandals to classic tote bags, almost anything can be monogrammed these days. For usually around $6, personalization is affordable and easily attained, and can make a boring item interesting. Make it custom by choosing your favorite color combinations and fancy fonts. Plus, monogrammed items make great gifts because they show that you took the time to make it personal.

Clockwise from top left: tote bags, L.L. Bean; custom polo shirt, Ralph Lauren; silver barrette, thepinkmonogram.com; tennis racket cover, idaclaire.com; earrings, thepinkmonogram.com; headbands, idaclaire.com; ring, thepinkmonogram.com; key fob, Eliza B.; Steven Bonnano sandals, C. Oricco

inspired by...native american style

From the fringe to the feathers to the bright beads, Native-American inspired finds are popping up all over lately, including the moccasin boots we posted about a few weeks ago. To get this look just right, don't overload entirely on one style. Instead, try pairing a fringe hobo bag with a girly floral dress, or wear a bright pair of beaded chandelier earrings with an unexpected neon top and dark jeans. This way, you can capitalize on the trend without looking like Pocahontas.

Clockwise from top left: feather earrings, Forever 21; beaded earrings, Lulus.com; fringe top and beaded sandals, Urban Outfitters; feather hairclip, Forever 21; fringe bag, Delia's; bangles, Lulus.com; beaded necklace and feather headband, Urban Outfitters.

love it or loathe it: tie-dye jeans

Tie-dye jeans definitely make a bold statement, but we're not sure if it's a good one. In general, we think jeans are meant to be plain and simple so not to distract from the rest of the outfit. However, if you are going to wear this look, take note of Fergie's accessory choices: plain leather shoes, belt, and bag, along with a crisp and tailored white shirt make the jeans look as wearable as possible. Her exact jeans, made by Habitual, are available at Holt Renfrew stores for about $200 if you're interested. For a more subtle take, try Lux's Marble Skinny Jean, on sale at Urban Outfitters. For the really audacious out there, you can try tie-dying your own jeans, either a plain white pair or an old pair of blue jeans (completely bleached of course). We don't really recommend spending too much money or effort on this look because we doubt it will be around for long. The look might better be left for celebrities and models, but kudos to anyone brazen enough to try it...maybe you can prove us wrong.

What do you think: are tie-dye jeans "devilishly daring" or "strikingly strange"?

simulating "sex and the city"

Ever since the moment the movie hit theaters, women everywhere have been trying to emulate the "Sex and the City" look, and several websites have gathered items with the same sassy New York style. Asos takes the top prize for their creation of an interactive replica of Carrie's closet. With over five different outfits to choose from, and very budget-friendly prices to boot, it won't be hard to get the Carrie Bradshaw look.

lovely look: sweetheart necklines

Sweetheart necklines have always been a girly favorite, but the layered take on the look brings it to a whole new level. We like these pieces because they have the same visage as the traditional style, but the added inset means more flair and comfort for the wearer. Now, you no longer have to worry about keeping up a strapless shirt or dress, because the top layers will do all the work for you. The soft knit gives off a casual and comfy vibe (which can be a great antithesis to a fancier silk or chiffon bottom layer), and a mesh top lets you be sexy and demure at the same time. Overall, a great twist on a time-honored style.

Clockwise from top left: Lauren Moffatt Tank Dress ($352, Shopbop), Sparkle & Fade Sweetheart Twist-Front Tank ($32, Urban Outfitters), Sheer Jersey Heart T ($26, American Apparel), Mama Mia Ruffle Accent Dress* ($42, Lulus.com), Lucky Sweetheart Tank ($99, Anthropologie), Tiered Ruffle Dress ($25, Forever 21)

*if you recall, this dress is another Rebecca Taylor lookalike similar to the one posted in "knockoff, shmockoff"

piece de resistance: sequin clutch

This sequin mini clutch from Intuition screams tropical island getaway, but even if you're not headed overseas anytime soon, it is a good addition to any summer wardrobe. The Moroccan-feel print, the bright contrasting colors, and the intricate sequin and bead design create a one-of-a kind look, but at only $25, you should stock up because these would make great gifts. Comes in three different vibrant color combinations.

a not-so-formal affair

This month's take on...black & white

The most classic of color combinations, black and white work well together for several reasons. The simplicity allows the look to be easily dressed up or down, the contrast of light and dark gives the look more depth and sophistication, and the commonality of the color combo means that it will always be in style and will never be hard to find. We found several pieces that demonstrate some of the best ways to wear this quintessential color scheme. Black and white no longer stand for zebra stripes and fancy penguin tuxedos. Fun new shapes and quirky designs put a twist on the typical ebony and ivory union, while the basic options continue to hold a certain timeless appeal. Either way, you can't go wrong with this customary combination.

Clockwise from top left: Applique Shift Dress ($50, Urban Outfitters), Karta Jeweled Patchwork Dress ($259, Neiman Marcus), Sunsetter Hat ($11, Forever 21), Bow Bib Detail Vest ($44, Topshop), Two-Tone Fitted Mini Dress ($34, American Apparel), St. Tropez Cuff ($150, J. Crew), Giuseppe Zanotti Patent Spectator Pumps ($550, Intermix), Marimekko Bikini ($30, H&M), Canvas Embroidered Clutch ($60, Intuition), Quilted Mary Jane Pump ($50, Topshop)

inspired by...last year's prada

The knots, the silk, the bright contrasting colors--J. Crew has clearly taken a hint from Prada's Spring 2007 collection in designing their latest accessories. Sometimes, it takes a while for the runway trends to hit the national chain stores. In this case, we don't mind the wait. If you always wanted to emulate the Prada style but never got a chance to, look no further than J. Crew's Martine collection. The clutch and shoes are available in several two-color satin hues, so go bold and wear one of these pieces to brighten up any outfit.

making a floral decision

Unless you've been living in a box for the past few months, you are probably well aware by now of the floral print trend that overwhelmed the Spring 2008 runway shows. Inspired by designers such as Dries Van Noten, Balenciaga, and Ralph Lauren, we took it to the streets to find the look for much less. Although you could probably find this style in any and every store you walk into, we favored the Summer Collection for women at Express (shocking, right?). The sweet floral prints and classic silhouettes create easy-to-wear versions of spring's hottest trend. The dresses, skirts, and clutches all come in three different prints, and we recommend picking up at least one to add to your wardrobe this season. And don't be afraid to mix floral prints for an edgier take on this classic look.

love it or loathe it: exposed zippers

Zippers have always been an integral part of fashion, but they don't usually warrant too much consideration. In the past, they were often hidden as best as possible, but now designers like Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs are making statements by using rudimentary railroad zippers on high fashion pieces. Although we respect the idea of spicing up a rather basic dress, skirt, or top, sometimes the exposed zipper look can go a little overboard. Some items call for a more delicate look, and an oversized zipper adds unnecessary clutter to an otherwise cute ensemble. The key to making this work is to ensure that the zipper looks like it was meant to be there, not like it's the outcome of a shoddy repair job.

For example, the tiers and airy chiffon of the first dress ($30, Forever 21) create a feminine silhouette, but the exposed zipper in the back makes the dress look somewhat messy, taking away from the overall look. The second dress ($23, also from Forever 21), gets the look right by adding a quirky zipper to a fun polka dot print. This zipper keeps the print from being too overwhelming and adds substance to a basic cut. The Alexander McQueen zipper tank ($213, Shopbop) is an exaggerated take on the trend, with the zipper serving a more decorative purpose. The zipper on the chiffon dress (Shopbop) and the green sack dress ($30, Forever 21) are basic ways to wear the look with little effort involved. The LnA Leggings ($99, Shopbop) have been a celebrity hit this season, and while we personally think they are a little too loud, we commend anyone who is daring enough to pull them off. We turned to the eternally cheap and chic Topshop to find variations on the exposed zipper look and were pleasantly surprised with some of the options. The floral dress ($90) and denim skirt ($60) highlight the trend in very wearable manner. The denim skirt, as well as the belt ($44), have a distinctive 80s style, but they could work with certain outfits. The plastic purple zippers on the floral skirt ($70) are lovably childlike and a present a fun take on the look. Accessories and sandals can be a great way to pull off a trend without looking like you are trying to hard. The best sandals we have come across that showcases the exposed zipper style are these Matt Berson sandals ($198, Urban Outfitters); a tad overpriced, but they are worth their weight in style and wearability. Overall, we do love the trend if the look calls for a certain versatility or edginess, but we do not like the look as much when it detracts from an otherwise adorable outfit.

What do you think: are exposed zippers "edgy" or "tacky"?

piece de resistance: marc by marc jacobs airliner bag

The Marc by Marc Jacobs Airliner Jacquard Pilot bag has been on our radar for a few months now. You may recognize it if you entered the Teen Vogue "Trip to Paris" sweepstakes, because this beauty was offered as a second place prize. Assuming you didn't win the contest, you can purchase it yourself at Barneys. The canvas material, not too big, not too small size (9"H x 11"L x 2"D), and the removable shoudler strap make this handbag versatile and wearable. The retro style, jacquard logo lettering, and gold hardware make it a real statement piece. Whether you choose to use this bag everyday or save it for more special occasions, it is an item unlikely to disappoint. Best of all, it has recently gone on sale...get ready for take-off.