It really doesn't cost a fortune to look like a million bucks. Case in point, Gina Carroll's chic presentation at the Beat the Odds luncheon. Fasten your seatbelts fashionistas on a budget. She got this dress at H&M in Southern California, and we all know that that fashion mecca opens in Houston in two weeks.

"I am all about the easy dress these days," she said. "And I was surprised that H&M carried such a flattering cut. It's even lined." 

Her shoes by Via Spiga are from Saks Fifth Avenue. She explained, "I've never met a pair of Mary Janes that I didn't like."

She dressed up the look with bracelets from David Yurman, John Hardy and Kostantino. The large square bead bracelet featuring different images of the Madonna is from a street vendor in San Diego and Gina — a writer, blogger and author — says "I am wearing this bracelet until I finish my novel in which the Madonna is the central character."

—SHELBY HODGE