Owner: The Budget Babe URL:http://www.thebudgetbabe.com Join Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2007 22:39:26 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: The Budget Babe is a fashion, beauty, style and shopping blog for hotties
on a budget. We dish the latest cheap-chic fashion news, bring you designer looks for less, and deliver honest reports on the places we all love to shop! Site statistics:Click here
New Spring Looks from Simply Vera Vera Wang 2008-03-06 05:05:00 I love Vera's play on proportions and smart color choices in this latest crop of looks from her Simply Vera by Vera Wang
collection for Kohl's. She mixes various volumes and lengths, adds a touch of brights tempered by subdued hues, and incorporates some of the whimsical watercolor, painterly prints that are so popular this season. When you add it all up, everything about her collection suggests she takes women seriously. Comfortable, dare I say, practical looking shoes suggest she respects the fact that women actually have places to walk to without pain or breaking an ankle. She's also succeeded in convincing me that an anorak can be both functional and cute. Even the way the lovely models are styled says, "We can think, too." It's just refreshing, that's all. Bravo.
Related post:
Si Read more:Looks
, New Spring
, Spring
Look for Less: Marc by Marc Jacobs Denim Trim Tunic 2008-03-05 21:06:13
Not all knock-offs can be winners, and this sad mustard tunic with jumbo buttons and denim trim from Forever 21 is a sore loser indeed. The MARC tunic works because of the length and the smart juxtaposition of bright and subdued hues, as well as the touch-worthy materials (cotton/rayon/cashmere). The imitation, on the other hand, falls flat in every regard. Maybe next time...
Left: MARC by Marc Jacobs
Sweater Dress at NeimanMarcus.com, $338.00
Right: Denim
Trim Tunic
at Forever21.com, $29.80
Read more:Marc Jacobs
Deal du Jour: Square-Neck Pullover Blouse 2008-03-05 16:50:37 Allow me to help you get started with the pink and orange trend by sharing this amazing budget find: A pink square-neck pullover blouse from Chadwick's that costs just $24.99. The color—stunning. The cut—flattering. The neckline—fresh.
Now we just need to find you some hot orange shorts...
>> Chadwick's Square
Neck Pullover Blouse
in Begonia, $24.99
Spring Fashion Trend 2008: Pink and Orange 2008-03-05 05:09:00
If you're not sickened by brights (and you shouldn't be!) try mixing them two at a time. My personal favorite combination this Spring
: pink and orange. Together, they form a sartorial sherbet of Lilly Pulitzer pink and Hermès orange that's sweet and delicious...but won't drip. This joyful, dynamic duo could be seen dancing in floral prints on the Michael Kors runway, canoodling as resort-ready separates at Versace, and electrifying tailored suiting courtesy Jil Sander. Scoop up sweet pink and orange pieces at your fave budget-fashion retailers this Spring, mix and match 'em, and then, perhaps, drink a glass of water.
Image source: Style.com
Read more:Fashion
, Orange
Deal du Jour: Metallic Stretch Ballet Flats 2008-03-04 23:02:44 So the whole "metallic flat trend" may be waning, but we just picked up a pair of these Xhilaration Simone StretchBalletFlats
in Silver on sale at our local Tar-zhay and dammit, we're going to wear them! Sure, they're synthetic, but they're cute as heck, surprisingly comfortable and look exactly like pricey designer pairs that cost way more. Plus, they come in a wide range of great colors, like pewter, bronze, black and gold. Who knows, depending on how these wear, we might just pick up another pair!
>> Simone Stretch Ballet Flats are available at Target.com for $14.99.
Read more:Metallic
Revlon Limited Edition Lash Jewels 2008-03-04 05:08:00 Revlon's new Lash Jewels
top The Budget Beauty Babe's list of "Things that make you go 'Hmmm'..." —BB
by The Budget Beauty Babe
Every once in a while, the makeup people release a product that is just completely impractical for anyone not working on the set of a movie. This is one such product. Don't get me wrong, it's an interested concept, however, because I am not planning on dressing up like a dew covered fairy anytime soon, I find it to be impractical and slightly bizarre.
Revlon has come out with a product called Lash Jewels Eye Accents. This tube of clear, slightly tinted goo is meant to be used to create "jewels" (read: droplets) of liquid on the tips of eyelashes. The promo picture is absolutely fantastic, and if they actually looked like that I would be dripping goo Read more:Edition
Spring in Your Step: Airwalk Nature Slip Ons 2008-03-03 21:50:42 Spring
is just around the corner (somewhere!) and with temperatures rising, flowers blooming, and birdies chirping, what better way to celebrate new beginnings than with this adorable limited-edition Airwalk slip on? This green-trimmed style features a '60s inspired print bursting with tulips, ladybugs, caterpillars, rainbows, and tiny bugs.
Spring is in the air (or at least, on your feet!)
>> Shop the Airwalk Nature Twin Gore at Payless.com for just $19.99.
Jovovich-Hawk for Target Review 2008-03-03 05:09:00 Jovovich-Hawk for Target
landed in stores yesterday, and yours truly was there to check it out. We were greeted by breezy tops, flirty dresses and hip swimwear that made us ache for warm weather that much more. Cool, feminine, and most of all, sexy. FYI: The pics on Target's website don't do this collection justice. Sure, some of it fit a little snug (a jacquard wrap-dress didn't fit at all, couldn't keep the girls covered) and a lot of it was strictly stuff you'd wear on the beach (please don't wear a cover-up downtown), but overall, this is definitely one hot collection you'll want to hit before taking that Spring break vacation (my bootie isn't going anywhere so send me a postcard!). Keep scrolling to see some of our favorites - and tell us what you think of the collection in the commen Read more:Jovovich
Luxe vs. Less: Colorblock Dress 2008-03-02 15:20:33 For those of us who need a little order in our lives, a colorblocked-frock keeps hues neatly compartmentalized in three distinct zones that are calming, clean and grounded. Take your pick of luxe or less...
Luxe on Left: Iodice Three-Tone Bubble Dress at NeimanMarcus.com, $335.00
Less on Right: Pleated Colorblock Tunic at Forever21.com, $22.80
Orange You Glad I Didn't Say Banana? 2008-03-02 14:38:00 Citrus hues like lemon, orange and lime give a jolt of color to Spring fashion. Afraid of looking like a Fanta girl? Just pick a hue that works with your skintone (fake tan, anyone?) and accessorize with neutrals. Here's a tart little tunic to get your taste buds going. Refreshing!
Luxe on Left: Ali Ro Macrame Tie-Waist Dress at NeimanMarcus.com, $290.00
Less on Right: Romanza Belted Tunic at Forever21.com, $19.80
Read more:Orange
Subversive Jewelry for Target 2008-03-02 05:29:00 Target is partnering with renowned jewelry designer Justin Giunta to launch a limited-edition accessories collection, Subversive for Target. The second jewelry launch in a series of limited-time-only accessories designers (following Dominique Cohen, which is on mad clearance right now), the Subversive collection will be available at select Target stores nationwide and at Target.com March 23 through July 20, 2008. Prices range from $14.99 to $59.99.
I think I love this collection...but it's too pricey! No way I'm paying $60 for a necklace from Target. But patience is a virtue, and I can certainly wait until it goes on sale. But what about you? Will you be pouncing on this collection when it hits stores? (Click the thumbs to see full-size pics)
Images courtesy of Coutorture.com
Read more:Jewelry
, Target
Exclusive Discount: Lulu's Fashion Lounge 2008-03-01 20:26:05 Lulu's Fashion
Lounge just got in a ton of super-cute stuff for Spring, and they're offering Budget Babe readers an exclusive discount. Shop www.lulus.com and enter the coupon code budgetbabe at check out for a cool 15% off any order. This sweet deal ends 4/1/2008. Here are just a few of the chic things you'll find... Happy Shopping!
[1] Spectator peep-toe heel, $24
[2] High-waist khaki trouser, $39
[3] Global bead necklace, $15
[4] Ivory Eyelet blouse, $37
[5] Bamboo bangles, $9
Read more:Discount
, Exclusive
, Fashion Lounge
Revlon Molten Metal Liquid Shadow Review 2008-03-01 05:25:00 The metallics trend makes its way into makeup - and The Budget Beauty Babe is loving it! —BB
by The Budget Beauty Babe
There is nothing quite like metallic eye shadow, but for those of us who don't like the powder drifting to other places in our eyes and on our faces, it's a product usually avoided. That is why I was absolutely thrilled to find Revlon Limited Edition MoltenMetalLiquid
Eye Shadow
.
Let me just put it this way - it looks like it does in the promo shot! That should be enough to convince you, but if not I'll go on. This fantastic product is lightweight yet saturated, so it only takes one coat (that goes on quick and dries even quicker) to produce stunning results. Not thick or gloppy. It stays put through the night, and doesn't crease at all. I'm in love!
Pl
Luxe vs. Less: Tory Burch Patent Tote 2008-02-29 05:18:00
Tory Burch
knows how to make a big statement with accessories, but they typically come with a big price tag: The yummy Tory Burch 'T' Contrast Patent
Tote on the left costs $325.00.
For a similar look - single-strap, oversized patent tote with a perforated design and snap closure - pick up Steve Madden's 'Bjenn' tote in pink instead. It still packs a punch but costs considerably less at just $38.
Luxe: Tory Burch 'T' Contrast Patent Tote at Nordstrom.com, $325.00
Less: Steve Madden Bjenn tote at SteveMadden.com, $38
Deal du Jour: Twelve by Twelve 12 Day Sale 2008-02-28 15:20:00 From our inbox: Twelve
by Twelve is offering 12% off all fashions for 12 days beginning this Friday, February 29th, until 12:12 a.m. March 12th.
Scoop up fashion-forward deals from their latest collections: Culture Club, Sixties Glam Couture, and Twenties Art Deco.
Where to shop: TwelvebyTwelve.com
New Hair Part, New Personality 2008-03-12 05:03:00 According to the Hair Part Theory, where you part your hair may play a dramatic role in how other people perceive you - and these effects over the long term can change your personality:
"A left hair part draws unconscious attention to the activities that are controlled by the left hemisphere of the brain, i.e. activities traditionally attributed to masculinity. A right hair part draws unconscious attention to the activities that are controlled by the right hemisphere of the brain, i.e. activities traditionally attributed to femininity."
Ok, so it's more quack science than rocket, but it's still kinda fun to think about (like horoscopes). Besides, changing your part is just about the cheapest way to make-over your look, and with Spring just around the corner, we're starting to think we coul Read more:Personality
Deal du Jour: Save Big at Sears.com 2008-03-11 20:46:19
Can you believe these fab styles are from Sears
?! As in, Sears, Roebuck and Co.? Yeah. Not bad, huh. And they're on sale...
The Deal: Save 40-50% off fun and flirty Spring Collections at Sears. All Apostrophe, Harve Bernard, Covington, and Dresses on sale thru 03/14/08.
Our top picks:
[1] Harve Benard Pintucked Shirt and Skirt in Zebra, $44.00 $25.99 each
[2] Covington Belted Wool Jacket, $250.00 $62.49
[3] Apostrophe Bow Blouse and 6 Button Vest (Items sold separately), $44.00 $26.40
Spring Fashion as Art (Nouveau) 2008-03-11 05:07:00
Many designers drew inspiration from Art Nouveau
for their Spring
2008 collections, including Prada, Alexander McQueen, and T-Bags—with brilliant results. We'll take advantage of this opportunity to present a mini refresher course in art history:
From Wikipedia: Art Nouveau (French for 'new art') is an international style of art, architecture and design that peaked in popularity at the turn of the 20th century (1890―1905) and is characterized by highly-stylized, flowing, curvilinear designs often incorporating floral and other plant-inspired motifs.
Above left: The work of Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939), especially as a poster artist, came to symbolize the full flowering of the style and the era.
Above right: Forever 21 adopts Art Nouveau's intricate forms in this beautiful sleev Read more:Fashion
Take Our Poll: Prom Dresses 2008-03-10 23:59:42 more at twiigs.com...
>> Featured at right: Jessica McClintock Long Sleeveless Charmeuse Dress, $129 at Dillards.com
Read more:Dresses
Look for Less: Prada Ombre Purse 2008-03-10 05:08:00
The PradaOmbre
Patent Leather Tote on the left is sooo last season, but ombre (or color gradations) is still very hot for SS08. If you're fond of the fade, the ombre tote on the right by Guess just might be your perfect purse for Spring. It's modern, structured and highly polished - but with an edge. Suitable for work or the weekend, it's a practical investment for $125. (Hey, cut me some slack - the Prada bag costs $2,270.00!)
>> Guess Shadow Large Tote at Guess.com, $125
Spring Forward: Forever 21 Must-Haves 2008-03-09 16:57:23
Step lightly into spring with these seven trends, all available at Forever
21.com:
[1] Gladiator sandals (Benefit Metallic Sandal, $12.80)
[2] White handbags (Cassie Studio tote, $22.80)
[3] Lightweight jackets (Brilliant cotton jacket, $13.50. Available in 5 colors)
[4] Stripes (Brilliant stripe tee, $7.50. Available in 5 colors)
[5] Geometric Lines (Lucille Knit Dress, $22.80)
[6] Ruffle Details (Chiffon Ruffle Blouse, $22.80)
[7] Ombre (Sophie Ombre Scarf, $7.80. Available in 5 colors)
Read more:Forward
, Spring
Spring Fashion Trends 2008: Zebra Print 2008-03-09 15:43:00
Zebra print accessories are nice for some, but others can handle more of the dizzying, color-sapped pattern. If you are one such wild and crazy girl, feast your eyes on these drool-worthy zebra print fashions fresh off the Spring
2008 runways. Tuleh's all-over zebra print coat exudes wearable couture; Proenza Schouler's sleeveless dress takes zebra to a not unlikely tribal place; and Derek Lam serves up zebra print in modern, ladylike separates. Get inspired, then look for zebra print fashions at a store near you.
Related post:
Hilary Duff's zebra print purse for less
Image source: Style.com
Read more:Fashion
, Print
, Trends
Look for Less: Hilary Duff’s Zebra Bag 2008-03-09 05:11:00
Zebra print is a hot trend for Spring, and what better way to rock this look than with a fierce purse? Hilary
Duff knows what we're talkin' about - her $3,395 Jimmy Choo "Saba" printed pony handbag is just about as fierce as they come (although for that price, Duff could have flown to Africa, shot a zebra, and crafted an entire set of luggage using the skin - but that would be cruel.) If you're a fan of the black and white striped hide, try this Large Zebra Print Sac (right) from Baghaus.com for the reasonable price of $47.52. It's budget-savvy, stylish and humane.
>> Large Zebra Print Sac at Baghaus.com, $47.52
Read more:Hilary Duff
Fashion Link Round-Up 2008-03-08 09:50:20 A quick round-up of some of the sexiest (read: interesting) links in the world of fashion from the past week...
Develop an Eye for Quality: In the rag trade, more expensive does not necessarily mean better. Angie over at youlookfab.com explains.
Save Money by Shopping Juniors: fdiary at Budget Chic asks, "Why pay $98 for a skirt in Misses when you can pay $39 in the Junior section?"
Sister Act: Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman defy typecasting. See the complete spread at the new W magazine online.
Influence: The Olsen twins work on a fashion book.
Moxie Bee: The author of So Frugalicious launches her own online fashion boutique.
Abbey Dawn: Pop star Avril Lavigne is bringing her fashion sense to a Kohl's near you.
Read more:Fashion
A Soft Spot for Polka Dots 2008-03-07 05:08:00
To borrow an adjective from Project Runway winner Christian (he so deserved to win!!) - polka dots are fierce. Just look at the model above - pair those typically innocent dots with killer red heels, diva high-waist shorts and a bright yellow patent clutch, and the result is most definitely fierce. Polka
dots are a perennial springtime trend, but this time around, don't make your polka dots cutesy or frilly or sweet - make them fierce. Grrr!
[1] Spot Tulip Sleeve Dress at TopShop.com, £45.00 (89 U.S. dollars)
[2] Ruffle-front shirt in polka dots at VictoriasSecret.com, $39
[3] CL by Laundry Polka-Dot Large Hobo Bag at Target.com, $22.99
[4] Polka-dot chiffon ruffle top at Forever21.com, $19
[5] Lela Rose for Payless Satin Polka-Dot Pump at Payless.com, $35
Pierre Hardy Spring Shoe Collection for Gap 2008-03-06 19:52:38 PierreHardy
is a name worth knowing (he's a highly acclaimed French accessories designer with his own eponymous line of highly coveted shoes and bags). But his collection for the Gap, which hit select stores and Gap.com today, is regrettably forgettable. The capsule consists of a dated pointy toe flat, a drab three-strap platform and an uninspired flat sandal. With prices ranging from $78 to $98, these shoes are still too expensive - and they're not even stamped with Hardy's name (all the shoes are just labeled "Gap Design Editions"). The verdict: Next!
Read more:Shoe
, Spring
L'Oreal New Sublime Glow Skin Tone Enhancer 2008-03-14 05:16:00 L'Oreal
's latest sunless tanner delivers a sublime glow, but this is one trip that doesn't last. The Budget Beauty Babe explains. —BB
by The Budget Beauty Babe
With spring break just around the corner, I've decided to try out some of the newest sunless tanners out on the market, opting out of the popular end-of-winter rush to the tanning salons (it's not worth the wrinkles and increased risk of skin cancer!)
While shopping the sunless tanner isle at Ulta, I came across L'Oreal's new Sublime
Glow Moisturizing MicroFine Mist + Natural Skin Tone Enhancer
. It comes in an attractive gold bottle, and boasts it will give you moisturized skin and a healthy summer color year long. Not only that, but it is applied by spraying a mist over your skin with a 360 degree nozzle that assure
Sick Deals at Classic Closeouts 2008-03-13 21:37:54 ClassicCloseouts
has a slew of ridiculously cheap yet chic fashions. Here, our top picks:
[1] Trade your cardigans and hoodies for Spring's preferred cover-up, the blazer. $13.99
[2] Not into Spring's floral trend? Try a tailored yet feminine frock instead. $6.99
[3] Stay warm with a cool lightweight jacket during Spring's erratic weather. $8.99
Total: $29.97
Luxe vs. Less: Silver Glitter Pumps 2008-03-13 13:24:00
Dorothy had her ruby reds, Cinderella had her glass slippers, and now today's budget babe can have her glitzy glitter pumps.
Can you guess which pair above costs less?
Continue reading "Luxe vs. Less: Silver
Glitter Pumps"
Kohl's Semi-Annual Shoe and Handbag Sale 2008-03-13 05:10:00
The Deal: The Kohl's Semi-AnnualShoe
and Handbag
Sale is going on now through March 22, which makes this the perfect opportunity to pick up some hot brights for Spring. Color-rich accessories are the foolproof-way to add bold hues like fuchsia, green and yellow to your repertoire.
Our top picks:
[1] Simply Vera Vera Wang Incisive Ballet Flats, $59.99 $41.99
[2] apt. 9 Studded Tote, $48.00 $28.80
[3] daisy fuentes Ruched Flap Clutch, $34.00 $20.40
[4] MIA Macie Wedge Sandals, $44.99 $32.99