DRESS FOR LESS: TIBI + MALANDRINO

Get the less expensive version of two of this summer's hottest dresses!

I'm still so torn! On the one hand, I'm really not mad at these reasonably priced alternatives...but the Wetseal version (copy?) of this Tibi and Malandrino are a bit too close for comfort.

Tibi...or not to be?

Malandrino...or no?

Top: Tibi's zebra print dress is now $184.00 on net-a-porter. Wetseal's border print halter dress is only $24.50. Bottom: Catherine Malandrino's sequined minidress is £640.00 on the net-a-porter's UK site. Wetseal's mod three color dress in brown is...$22.50!

See my thoughts on a similar issue-- Forever 21 v. Diane von Furstenberg here. What do you think?

Click on the label below for vintage Dress for Less posts!

STARRY NIGHT

Add a touch of cool to these balmy summer nights. There's something about the color blue (all shades) that is so calming. These navy numbers are understated in their solemnity, but the sparkles rev up the glam factor!

My starry midnight blue pick for the summer is this French Connection "lines sequin" dress--available on the UK site for £91.00 (I've seen them in stores here in the NY, but the dress is not on the US website)...

Celebs have been loving this color too. Sarah Jessica Parker sports an Alice + Olivia; Beyonce rocks a Cavalli; Jessica Simpson wears Herve Leger; but I couldn't figure out the designer of Serena Williams' dress! Let me know if you can...

WEEKLY STYLE REVIEW

It's been a long time since I've done one of these! The title is such a misnomer. Please forgive me...

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND...

Bethrothed? Affianced? Engaged? Head over to Abazais.com to build your own engagement ring! Or choose from the many pre set rings available. This NASDAQ listed company is the purveyor of over 80,000 loose diamonds and a wide selection of diamond jewelry, all at discount prices!

Get more bling for your buck! You don't have to be a celeb to sport a good quality diamond (Paris' ring is off the chain though, damn)!

Get your own at Abazais! Point your significant other over in their direction to learn more about the 4 C's (cut, color, clarity and carat), and how to determine the most appropriate metal for the setting you desire...

Check out my antique pave picks below:

Left: princess cut white gold .5 carats is very affordable at $798.00. Right: this 30-diamond crown-set stunner is a steal at $6,856.00...

CHULO PONY

The marketing and PR rep for Chulo Pony sent us some information about their line! Check it out, our friends from up north are definitely on to something!

This romantic label is for the more literary among us. Each season, the creative directors work with a writer to create intricate, brooding tales that explore and mix themes such as history, literature, art and music! Art imitates life, as each piece evokes a beautiful sense of nostalgia (and high drama)!

Chulo Pony is the fashion line of Nettwerk Music Group, Canada's leading privately owned record label and artist management company which represents, among others, Dido, Avril Lavigne and Sarah McLachlan. The designs are worn by celebrities such as Chloë Sevigny, Anne Heche, Sarah Silverman, Sarah McLachlan et al. Get your own...tell 'em I sent ya!

StyleChile readers can save 20% by using the promo code found here!

Photos taken from LA Splash Magazine's coverage of the Mercedes Benz fashion week.

DRESS FOR LESS: MISSONI

Want a cheaper alternative to Mischa's colorful Missoni crochet frock? Check out French Connection's "Riverboat" dress--only £25.00! Eh...not quite the same, but close, right?

STYLECHILE & AMBER MAG!

Boutiques anyone? Check out the rolodex of boutiques that we've assembled over at Amber Magazine! Amber Mag is unquestionably one of the best beauty, health and lifestyle mags for women of color.

Thanks to the fabulous Marcia Cole--Amber Mag Founder and Editorial director (and among other things, former Lifestyles and Features editor at Suede) for giving us the opportunity! Special thanks to so many of our friends, all over the US and the world for submitting boutiques and taking pics. Not every boutique nor region made it in, but more to come!...your help has been very much appreciated!

vintage Suede spread courtesy of The Fashion Bomb!

Stay tuned for StyleStar: Marcia Cole and more on Amber Mag!

RIP LIZ CLAIBORNE

Fashion has suffered an immeasurable loss with the passing of style icon Liz Claiborne.

Her legacy lives on! Read more about her life here.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER...

I thought the more socially conscious among us would appreciate these cute T-shirts! These shirts are scheduled to hatch right now--summer 2007.

Flying Solo, one of three shirts in Rara Avis' summer 2007 line...

Get your limited edition Tee here! StyleChile readers will save 20% off all orders--promo code rare20.

" Our tagline, 'Where Self-Expression Takes Flight', is a reflection of how the brand celebrates the untamed spirit of uncommon individuals."- Jenifer Jacoby, Rara Avis founder and President

Save our world and your wardrobe! A portion of proceeds of all sales are donated to RARE, an organization that provides the tools and motivation for people in the world's most threatened natural areas to care for their natural resources.