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What: This month's Details magazine addresses the "LA Style Crisis" -- which, while we're not sure anything fashion-related should really qualify as a "crisis" (except maybe Crocs, but we're just sayin' . . . ), we can see their point.

What We Say: LA style isn't just for LA, after all -- it does set a certain tone that many of the rest of us, for better or worse, attempt to apply to our own personal style. Abstract techno-inspired graphic tee? Check. Acid wash super skinny jeans with studded/canvas/ belt? Check. Colored scarf thrown ironically and casually-but-still-arranged-just-so around the neck? Check. And therein lies the problem -- those items alone might be okay as style elements, but put one on top of the other? It's just plain trying too hard. The solution to said "crisis"? Umm, just stop doing it. How? Well, we've picked some LA style-inspired pieces we like, on a budget -- wear them, just not more than one at any given time. Problem solved.

Our picks, with commentary:

The T-shirt: Alternative Apparel Argyle V Neck T-shirt, $28. It's not techno-inspired, but that probably makes it better.

The Jeans: Acid Wash Jean, $34.90, Heritage1981. We figure it's best to go acid wash OR skinny, but not both -- that's trying too hard.

The Belt: Mossimo Stripe Belt, $14.99, Target. or a Webbed D-Ring Belt from Old Navy, $4.99-$10.99. We've decided to skip the studs and just head right for the striped canvas. It just seemed like the right call.

The Scarf: Buffalo Plaid Fringe Scarf, $18, Urban Outfitters. Just so you know, we're pretty much going to skip the scarf. But if you're really set on it, this one looks pretty good.

The Deal: Big discounts on men's clothing at J.Crew during the retailer's ominously-titled Final Sale section.

The Lowdown: We love J.Crew for casual preppy/laid back office pieces, but we find that when it comes to being budget friendly? They're not so much. However, hit a sale like this and you can pick up some great items that will even take you into fall, like this denim Straight-Fit Tompkins pant, marked down from $75 to just $19.99, or this Cotton Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, select colors $19.99 (down from $59.50).

Shop the Sale: J.Crew

Looking sharp is as easy as taking sheers to a faded pair of pants. As the fashion world springs ahead to 2009, we’ve been seeing cutoff shorts above the knee. “It’s just cooler, more casual," the new fashion director of Details magazine Michael Macko said to the New York Times. Browse the Times slideshow of options and catch onto the trend with the following picks that are available now.



Cutoff knee shorts in throwback blue denim with....

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Simply Good Media, which includes the popular fashion blog The Budget Fashionista as well as The Budget Ecoist, The Budget Casa, The Budget Bambino, and of course See Jack Shop, is walking the walk when it comes to its business.

This past weekend Simply Good Media moved all of its web assets to Rackspace servers. Our new Rackspace server environment uses eco-friendly components such as:

* Powerful, low voltage processors;
* Energy-efficient....

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The Deal: Jos. A. Banks Summer Sale and Clearance, now through Aug. 10

The Lowdown: Save big on workwear for now and later with end-of-summer deals at Jos. A. Banks. We never pass up a suit sale, and we're kind of partial to this Stays Cool 2-Button Wool Patterned Suit, for $238 (regularly $595) -- the "Stays Cool" part means a lightweight wool, which translates to great style while avoiding excess persperation (your office-mates will thank....

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What: Casio watches have come a long way. The Casio Waveceptor Watch, worth $99.95, is a futuristic digital watch with bold numbers and a wide face. But its smooth exterior belies its many gadget-y features.

Why You Want This:

-- It's eco-friendly. This watch runs only on solar power, which is only a bad thing if you're Batman.
-- You'll never have to remember the saying "Spring forward and fall backward"--the atomic timekeeping resets the....

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The Deal: Sears' Summer Clearance Sale and $1.99 shipping, right now.

The Lowdown: Get summer apparel at great clearance prices at Sears.com -- and take advantage of $1.99 shipping on apparel and shoe orders of more than $49. Not sure where to start? How about a pair of Airwalk Short Ripstop shorts for just $7.69 (regularly $42), or maybe a short sleeve Pima Cotton Polo for $11.89? And there's plenty more where that came from.

Shop the Sale: ....

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What: Bright Stripe Military Shirt from ASOS

Price: $15.14, (was $54.08)

The Lowdown: Inspired by classic military shirts, this ASOS stripe military shirt has all the details to complete a flawless look - front pockets, tab detail at shoulders, and tab fastening at the sleeves for a rolled up look. Pair with a pair of dark jeans and a black oxford shoe and it'll will definitely help you stand out without trying too hard.

Buy It: @ ASOS

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Endless.com is an excellent store for fashionable shoes at a discount. Whether you're a loafers or sneakers type of guy, or both, head to Endless for trendy shoes. Here, some options for your perusing pleasure.

Pictured: The Sperry Top-Sider Men's Sport Striper Slip-ons come in several prints and variations that are a great option for any casual outfit. Priced at $24.72-$44.95.

Black dress shoes are a staple in any guy's shoe rack. Or....

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See Jack Shop brings you links to the latest styles, trends and tips from around the web.

~ manChic looks at Alexander Longe debut fall 2008 collection and questions when casual became so chic. The web magazine says the line is “comfortable, easy on eye and great to wear."

~ Fear not, Acne and One & Only Resorts have your travel woes covered. Well, at least a day’s worth of lost luggage. Details magazine says their limited-edition....

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