Rachel Bilson: Style Deconstructed
It is pretty much an undisputed fact that Rachel Bilson is one of the most… Read More »Rachel Bilson: Style Deconstructed
Be the most stylish girl in any room without spending a fortune! Budget Fashionista has a long history of providing fashion-minded women with budget fashion advice and style trends — for looking and feeling beautiful.
We love the trends, even if we don’t chase them. We love to watch what’s coming off the runways and into the stores. And then we can get creative about incorporating those fresh new styles into the rotation without breaking the bank. Take that fashion and style journey with us!
Need something super specific? We have you covered! See our spring/summer trends posts and our fall/winter trends posts.
You can also check what’s happening with accessories and our look for less celebrity style advice.
It is pretty much an undisputed fact that Rachel Bilson is one of the most… Read More »Rachel Bilson: Style Deconstructed
She is a style chameleon, which makes explaining Rihanna styling a little tough. She’s always… Read More »Rihanna Styling 101: 6 Looks to Copy
Queen Latifah does it all; she raps, sings, acts, produces and she’s a published author.… Read More »Style Deconstructed: Queen Latifah
Jessica Biel smart, sexy and oh so stylish. Whether she’s gracing Revlon’s beauty ads as… Read More »Celebrity Style Deconstructed – Jessica Biel
Credit: Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images Europe It’s no understatement to say that Jada Pinkett Smith is… Read More »Celebrity Deconstructed Style – Jada Pinkett Smith
The following is a guest post from our friends at I Spy DIY. Photo by… Read More »How to Make Your Own Color Oxfords
As a fashionista, form must meet function, even when it comes to our electronics. The… Read More »5 Awesome, Stylish Laptop Sleeves Under $60
In so many ways, we have watched Mila Kunis grow up before our very eyes.… Read More »Celebrity Style Deconstructed – Mila Kunis
Kristen Stewart just may be one of the most recognizable actresses working today, in large… Read More »Celebrity Style Deconstructed – Kristen Stewart
Kerry Washington is one exceptionally fashionable woman. When she steps out, you know you’re going… Read More »Celebrity Style Deconstructed – Kerry Washington
The following is a guest post from our friends at I Spy DIY. December is… Read More »DIY Party Glitter Pump
Inspired by Mara Hoffman’s Spring 2012 line, I became obsessed with making a statement tribal… Read More »How to Make Your Own Tribal Necklace
It’s hard to believe that it’s been twenty-six years since we met “Jules” Demi Moore’s… Read More »Celebrity Style Deconstructed – Demi Moore
Necktie blouses are a trend that circles back every few years as a feminine alternative… Read More »How to Tie Necktie Blouses: 2-Minute Guide
Dear Budget Fashionista: How many pairs of shoes are considered too many? I have about… Read More »How Many Shoes Do You Need?
While many fashionistas think of Chico’s like an older woman’s store, there is plenty of… Read More »How to Shop Chico’s
It use to be that being pregnant was the kiss of fashion death for moms-to-be.… Read More »The Five Best Maternity Brands on a Budget
When it’s time to bundle up, it’s easy to get bored with the same-old, same-old… Read More »The Best Winter Coat Brands on a Budget
The following is a guest post from our friends at I Spy DIY. While in… Read More »How to Make a Bungee Cord Bracelet
Way back in 2009, “Pawn Stars” hit your TV screen, and TV watchers became fascinated… Read More »Pawn Stars For Chicks: Consignment Shop Reality Shows
Most of us purchase designer handbags because they have status. The quality of the bag… Read More »How to Avoid The Designer Handbag Trap
It’s not every day we take a fashion cue from Kanye West. But once upon… Read More »DIY Kanye’s Denim Ombre Shirt
The History of Budget Fashion is a series of articles that explores the evolution of… Read More »History of Budget Fashion: What Ever Happened to Forth & Towne
The following is a guest post from our friends at I Spy DIY. The amazing… Read More »How to Make Plastic Bracelets
Winning over the fashion critics can be as difficult as getting elected into public office.… Read More »Celebrity Style Deconstructed: Michelle Obama
People get emotional on the subject of designer handbags for teenagers. People meaning teens. And… Read More »Designer Handbags for Teenagers?
Tina Fey style amazes us on so many levels. She’s been extremely successful in the male-driven… Read More »Celebrity Style Deconstructed: Tina Fey
Be honest — if you’re anything like us, your thighs are the subject of far… Read More »How to Wear Skinny Jeans: If You Have Large Thighs
What’s the best way to add some punch to an otherwise so-so outfit? With a… Read More »How to Wear a Statement Necklace
Skinny jeans can be a great asset for petite girls, because — while we support… Read More »How to Wear Skinny Jeans If You’re Petite
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We’ve bemoaned the agony of finding fashionable and affordable plus size clothing a million times… Read More »How to Shop Torrid: 5 Rules for Success
There’s just something about Emily Blunt that we love. Quirky, charming and just plain cool,… Read More »Celebrity Style Deconstructed: Emily Blunt
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Kate Middleton has been rocking the fantastic fascinator hats for years — long before the… Read More »Kate Middleton’s Fascinator Hats — 8 Looks to Love
Plus-sized women everywhere can thank real estate investor Joseph Sitt for bringing Ashley Stewart stores… Read More »How to Shop Ashley Stewart Stores and Website
It doesn’t get any more gorgeous than new mom Penelope Cruz. The Spanish beauty is… Read More »Celebrity Style Deconstructed: Penelope Cruz
You’ve got a lot of curves, but not so much height, so shopping for a… Read More »The Best Dresses For Petite Plus Size Women
We’re pretty much always obsessed with Jessica Alba. The absurdly gorgeous star has been capturing… Read More »How to Get Jessica Alba’s Style
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We’ve been wowed by Diane Kruger style for nearly two decades. Bring more elegance and… Read More »Diane Kruger Style Deconstructed
“Bodacious” isn’t a term you hear very often any more. One, it’s kind of a… Read More »Celebrity Style Deconstructed: Sofia Vergara
Halle Berry is perfect. From head to toe, the 44-year-old actress is so beautiful, she… Read More »Celebrity Style Deconstructed: Halle Berry
It seems lately that Jennifer Love Hewitt is getting more attention for her infamous figure… Read More »Style Deconstructed: Jennifer Love Hewitt
With a resume as long as the U.S. Constitution and a marriage that’s equally impressive,… Read More »Annette Bening: Celebrity Style Deconstructed
Ready for a low-down on work shoes? This is a no-nonsense guide on which shoes… Read More »Work Shoes: What to Wear and What Not To
In 2011, Women’s Wear Daily wrote about “The Oprah Effect,” detailing how Oprah Winfrey kicked… Read More »Thank Oprah for Plus-Size Bras and Panties
For this very special edition of celebrity style reconstructed, we break down the personal style… Read More »A Closer Look at Suze Orman’s Clothes and Style
The name “Fendi” is synonymous with Italian luxury, so it’s no surprise that women the… Read More »Is Your Fendi Bag a Fake?
Trends come and go but there’s always place for retro fashion in my heart. Why?… Read More »Retro Fashion: 10 Budget-Friendly Accessories + Essential Style Tips
Ahhh, the little black dress. Such an iconic piece, and most of us probably already… Read More »7 Fun & Affordable Little Black Dress Styles
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We all have “problem” areas, a part of our body, whether based in fact or… Read More »Got Thick Calves? Try These Shoes Tricks
Many unsuspecting budget fashionistas spend up to $1000 on “authentic” Louis Vuitton bags that turn out to be fakes. Before purchasing your bag, read these basic rules to determine whether or not your Louis Vuitton is fake.
For more information on how to tell the authenticity of your Louis Vuitton bag, visit an authorized Louis Vuitton retailer (a boutique at your local high-end mall), or call the Louis Vuitton headquarters at (212) 758-8877.
Law professor and blogger Susan Scafidi gives us the legal issues behind buying or selling counterfeit goods.
Not in the U.S. But both France and Italy have passed laws targeting consumers of counterfeit merchandise. Also, if you go on vacation outside the U.S. and try to bring back an illegal fake, both you and the merchandise could be stopped at customs. But hey, at least you’ll have a great tan in your mug shot.
Yes. You already knew that one. Law enforcement can seize not only counterfeit items but also other things used to facilitate trafficking, like computers or automobiles. So think twice before driving downtown to pick up a load of fakes and then printing invitations to a neighborhood purse party.
Yes. There’s still a chance of “consumer confusion” (the test for trademark infringement) among other people who see the bag or upon resale.
That’s a bit more complicated, but for an iconic design, a court might find the bag illegal under a theory of “trade dress” protection. The closer the copy is to a recognizable, famous original, the more likely it is to be illegal.
Law enforcement is expensive and there’s an eager market. For some manufacturers, the potential for huge profits makes the risks worthwhile.
The new law would apply only to literal copies, not trends or inspiration. But it could bring about some changes. In 1994, YSL sued Ralph Lauren for copying an evening gown under a similar law in France, and won.
The bottom line, from a legal perspective anyway, is that selling and even buying fakes can be risky, but the choice is up to you. Will it be a cheap designer knockoff or an original at an affordable price point? Class dismissed. It’s time to shop!
I have no opinion one way or the other on the whole fake bag issue. However, most people assume if you’re carrying a Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas, it’s a fake. So why bother purchasing the fake OR the real thing? My advice: head to the nearest Loehmanns, Marshalls, Off Fifth, Saks Fifth Avenue, or Last Call Neiman Marcus, purchase a real, high quality bag (Kooba, Marc Jacobs, Longchamp, Rebecca Minkoff, Cole Haan) for cheap and put the money you save into your retirement account.
Susan Scafidi, Counterfeit Chic
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