Sun-Times columnists often get tapped to judge contests around Chicago -- everything from the tastiest meatball to who should be queen of the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Since landing this Shopping gig last July, I have wondered whether anyone would request my "expertise." Well, it finally happened. On Feb. 19, I judged Battle of the Boutiques fashion show event for Poorlittlerichgirls.com at Chaise Lounge in Bucktown, where five Chicago shops were challenged to send a hot outfit -- priced at less than $200 -- down the runway. Vote for your favorite dress below!
 Lisa Maxi dress, $193 at V Fish, 2937 N. Clark
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Sequin top, $170, and leggings, $30, at Eliana Lilly, 826 W. Armitage |
Julie Haus ruffle dress, $98, at Beta Boutique, 2016 W. Concord
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Molly New York dress, $130, and Free People headband, $24, at Frankie's on the Park, 2322 N. Clark |
Donna Morgan dress, $198, from Le Dress, 1741 W. Division |
Jessica Sedgwick works in the Chicago Sun-Times features department. When she's not working, she's sniffing out deals all over Chicago for fellow shoppers. Zap her an 
All of the dresses are terribly ugly, although the blue ruffled pillow case and the plum-colored after-shower wrap are the worst...the black sequin & leggings look like prostitute wear and doesn't deserve even a mention! Horrible! Horrible! What has happened to fashion? What has happened to good taste? Is it nonexistent anymore?
Pretty dress!
They are all ugly. The black outfit is missing roller skates, the first one has an ugly print, the burgandy one looks like a potato sack, the green one is just, weird. The black and green one is the only one worth taking a second look, but I personally wouldn't buy it.