The Look for Less: DKNY Jumper Dress

The Look: DKNY Spaghetti Strap Jumper at Shopbop.com for $175.00. . . . for Less: Forever21's Gabby Knit Slip for $14.80.

The Look for Less: Temperley Papillon Dress

Temperley of London's Papillon Mini Dress (left) has been seen on the likes of Halle Berry and Sarah Michelle Gellar. However, at $1,625.00 a pop for a dress you'll probably not wear more than once or twice, is kind of rough. To the rescue, the always reliable fast-fashion "inspired" chain, Forever21 with their version, the Ordella Knit Tunic for $22.80.

Shoe of the Day

Try not to imagine Paris Hilton saying this, but these Dream Patent Pumps from Forever21 are hot like a potato, like Kilauean lava, like a space shuttle reentry. Also, they are only $22.80. I love the pointy-toe, and most of all I love the raised vamp. It gives a basic black pump more of an oomph, but enough oomph without too much wackiness if that scares you off. Now if only they were actually leather and not synthetic, but I was totally going to get them, and then I did my tax return. Yikes. So instead, I practice some restraint while possibly enabling others by presenting you this shiny bit of sassiness.

The Look for Less (and even less)

These Miu Miu multicolored patent brougues are decidedly high-end, and while they are on sale for $437.50 (down from $625.00) at Net-a-porter, for many, that's still pretty gosh darn steep. Have no fear, though. There are even cheaper versions of this shoe available, such as the Pauletta round toe pump from Bakers for $29.99 (down from $69.95). If that's still too steep, well, now the trickle down effect is in full-effect and this Miu Miu inspired pump has found its way to Forever21 in the form of the Neopolitan ice-cream color inspire "Mandy Pump" for $25.80. For my money, though, I think I'd go for the Baker's version of the shoe, if only because it's (a) still reasonably affordable and (b) made of leather versus man made materials. For about $5.00 more, I think it's probably worth it.

Gray Ladies

Gray is the “in” neutral for the season. Because it’s a neutral too, it’s great for basic pieces that will likely last longer in your wardrobe rotation than say, that cantaloupe colored trapeze dress. The grays vary from the matte to the silver gray. Here are some great “gray” finds for reasonable prices: Staring from the top left going clockwise: Striped Woven Top from Vera Wang’s “Simply Vera” collection at Kohl’s for $58.00. Women’s Cable Knit Sweater Hoodie from Old Navy for $29.50. H&M Jumper dress for $16.99. Gray Ribbed Tights from GAP for $12.50 or two for $10.00/each. Pinstripe Boyfit Trouser Pants from TopShop for £35.00. Corduroy Tote from Forever21 for $16.80. Daryn Peep-Toe Pump by Mossimo from Target for $19.99 (on sale)