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Grab ’em! Five fab fashion finds under $50

Want to add spark to your summer wardrobe without breaking the bank? Judy Gordon highlights five items that will do the trick

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By Judy Gordon
"Today" Style Editor
TODAY
updated 10:35 a.m. ET June 21, 2005

Looking for a summer fashion splash for just a little of your hard-earned cash?

Don’t want to waste time scouring the stores for just the right piece at just the right price?

Don’t worry! As always, we’ve done the footwork for you.

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We've scouted out five must-have, fabulous fashion finds — and they’re all under $50. So, if you want a stylish lift to your wardrobe, read on!

It’s all right here in the latest edition of our weekly fashion-and-beauty update.

BostonProper.com
Tunics are practical and stylish.

Tunic time

It’s the must-have tunic you’ve seen everywhere — trendy yet easy to wear for all ages. We love it with the bohemian chic of hand embroidery and beaded embellishments. And we love the price — just $29 from Boston Proper! Pick one up in any of the fashion-right colors: chocolate, white, orange or turquoise.

Trend Tip:
Many of this summer’s sexy cotton, silk or rayon tunics are slightly sheer. The style solution: Wear yours over a matching or neutral tank top.

OldNavy.com
Capris, like the island they are named for, never go out of style.

Capri
chic
As the summer heats up, the perennially stylish capri moves to the top of the fashionista hit list. This season, we love it in a stretch linen blend (so pants won't wrinkle) with an easy fit and a drawstring waist (only $20 at Old Navy). White is always right, of course, but you can also opt for the same pant in black, khaki or light blue.

Trend Tip:
This slim yet easy-fitting capri pant can work with either a tank or tee (worn tucked in) or with a loose tunic. Either way, they're sure to be comfortable!

Gap.com
Sandals that look like a museum piece.

On the glam

Your walk-around, wear-everywhere summer sandals don’t have to be basic. This year, you need to go for the glam — and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg! These bejeweled, metallic beauties from the Gap are only $29.50. Wear them with jeans, khakis, capris or a trendy, tiered skirt — they go with everything!

Trend Tip:
Love them? Pick them up soon! Gap’s accessories are getting a lot of attention lately thanks to the success of their fashion-forward designer, Emma Hill.

JCPenney.com
Cutting-edge and classic, these hats are cool.

Top it off

There’s nothing like an easy, wide-brimmed straw hat to top off a stylish summer outfit. This year, you’ll find classic styles in just about every color under the rainbow. We love hats in bright colors, which are a great way to perk up any neutral-colored outfit.

Trend Tip:
A brightly colored hat is a fun fashion treat, but don’t make it “matchy matchy” with your outfit. If you prefer a neutral-colored hat, opt for one of the season’s new “it” colors, chocolate brown.

JCrew.com
Get in the swim of things with this seahorse tote.

Haute tote

Looking for a brand new bag? Go for the haute tote this summer! A woven straw number is hot fashion news and, best of all, you can find fabulous looks that are reasonably priced. This capacious style from J. Crew ($48) will hold a lot of gear and look cheerfully chic at the same time.

Trend Tip:
Summer is a great time to add a whimsical touch to your wardrobe, such as these silky embroidered seahorses. You’ll smile every time you look at them — and that’s truly priceless. Enjoy!

  Only on TODAY.MSNBc.com!

Style editor Judy Gordon brings you the latest news and advice about apparel and beauty.

Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more about Gordon, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America and across the world.

firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to www.firstVIEW.com for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.

© 2009 MSNBC Interactive.  Reprints

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