Chic
fashion doesn't have to be expensive. You
can treat yourself to some of these bargains
and still have money left over to spend on a
gift for mom or a new graduate.
Step out in
style with Switchflops. The concept is
simple: Buy one pair of flip-flops and
switch the strap to fit any occasion or any
outfit. Switchflops lets you instantly
customize your look with just the switch of
a strap.
With three
shoe styles and over 50 straps, the
possibilities are endless. Whether you're
lounging poolside or mingling at a cocktail
party, there's a Switchflop style to
complete your look. Take a walk on the wild
side with "Ruthie," a pink leopard print
strap, or stroll along the beach in style
with "Margaret," a beach print strap with a
starfish center. At
www.switchflops.com, it is $32 to $37
for the basic flip-flop and $10 for each
additional strap.
And to keep
those tootsies in great shape, try the new
Ped Egg, the newest way to remove calluses
and keep feet smooth. The Ped Egg is a
specially-designed, egg-shaped micro-file
that collects skin shavings in a mess-free
container. Only $10 at
www.pedegg.com.
The new GO
International line at Target translates the
newest fashion trends into easy-to-wear and
low-cost ensembles with this private label
collection. Check out each designer
collection that is available for one month
at select Target stores nationwide and at
Target.com/go. Find mod dresses, boyfriend
vests and one-shoulder jersey dresses for
under $40.
Banana
Republic introduces the latest way to wear
their signature scents. New Minis, 7.5
milliliter versions of the best-selling
fragrances, are perfect pocket- or
purse-sized additions to the Banana Republic
fragrance collection. Whether you want to
tote your favorite fragrance or try out a
new scent, Minis are a simple solution.
Designed to be exact replicas of "parent"
sizes, Minis make a luxurious little gift as
well. Minis are $10 for one vial, $15 for
two vials. All are available online at
www.bananarepublic.com and in Banana
Republic stores nationwide.
A relaxing
soak in the tub with the California Baby I
Love You Bubble Bath is great way to pamper
mom. The fresh combination of rose water,
sweet orange, and ylang-ylang ease tension
and soothe sensitive skin. A portion of all
proceeds from the sale of California Baby's
I Love You line are donated to breast cancer
research, benefiting moms everywhere -
$11.99 at Target stores, select Whole Foods
and californiababy.com.
Leave a
little luxury by the side of the tub with
Glowology's Sugar Mama Honey Scrub from
Noodle & Boo. The blend of sugar, shea
butter and honey will leave her skin feeling
smooth and smelling sweet. All Noodle & Boo
products are made for sensitive skin - $26
at noodleandboo.com.
For spring
and summer, it's time to go au naturel with
the makeup. How about trying one of the new
mineral formulas? Physicians Formula's
Mineral Wear Talc-Free Loose Powder Blush
features a minimalist, talc-free formula
with minerals such as Mica and Silica which
provide a smooth, "second-skin" feel and
finish. This new formula allows skin to
breathe and can help to minimize the risk of
irritation and breakout. Flow-through brush
automatically delivers just the right amount
of powder. Available at fine drug and
mass-market stores nationwide for $10.95.
Gap's new
(PRODUCT) RED collections are inspired by
Africa - Spring '08 was inspired by Ghana.
The collection includes new women's blouses,
T-shirts, sweaters, scarves and bags. Gap
contributes 50 percent of profits from the
Gap (PRODUCT) RED line to fight AIDS in
Africa. Check out
www.gap.com.
Casio has
designed a line of white hot Baby-G women's
watches that combine both fun and
functionality for a day at the beach or a
night on the town. Baby-G makes it easy to
add this season's biggest trend to your
arsenal of fashion staples. With no signs of
white cooling off in the month's ahead,
practicality never looked so good and
inexpensive. Visit
www.baby-g.com.
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor
of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and
executive director of the Fashion Editors
and Reporters Association.
© Copley News Service
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