Photo: Coolspotters.com

Actress Elizabeth Banks says that the “high” fashion spreads we often see movie stars posing in weren’t always her thing. “I was kind of late to the party,” she reveals in the February issue of Lucky mag. “I mean, I have always appreciated fashion. But I’m a girl who loves a bargain. I’ll shop at Forever 21 and H&M.” Nowadays, however, as she transitions from the funny, small parts in flicks like The 40-Year-Old Virgin to leading lady in films like her latest crime thriller Man on a Ledge–opening in theaters January 27– or the highly-anticipated sci-fi drama The Hunger Games, we’re more likely to see her in some serious designer duds. She does admit that she loves Prada shoes and can’t get enough of them–who can blame her! “I’m always impressed by the craftsmanship and beauty of shoes,” says Elizabeth.

Shoes aside, she has more important concerns, namely a new baby boy! In March, Elizabeth announced on Twitter and on her website that she and hubby Max Handelman had welcomed little Felix via surrogate. “It was a womb issue for me. Embryos wouldn’t implant,” she explained. “It’s a big leap, inviting this person into your life to do this amazing, important thing for you. And it’s hard losing that kind of control.” She goes on to say that their surrogate is extraordinary and still in their lives–like an auntie. On parenting, Elizabeth says she wants to be the cool parent. “My plan is that when Felix is 15, we’ll go skydiving together,” she says. “I mean, the guy is fierce and fearless, and I’m hoping he stays that way. Because I want to be that mom. The one who takes her kid skydiving.” She’s indisputably the cool mom on the block in these sweet transparent, candie-colored Prada cat-eye shades.  –rpuccia

Buy these now: Prada SPR19M, $149