The Budget Babe

Lauren Conrad shares a sneak peek of her summer collection for Kohl's.

ELLE talks to Kate Bosworth about curating a festival collection for Topshop.

Refinery29 has pics of the actual Topshop festival finery.

BellaSugar rounds up the best drugstore products under $10.

The Cut has a first look at J.Crew's CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Collection.

Brains of the Outfit puts together a perfectly preppy spring look.

BSugarcoated shows you how to create a superchic Kate Spade-inspired "newsprint polka dot" mani.

Style It Online shows off her neon yellow Brahmin "Tucker" satchel.

Sweet Paul shares a recipe for pink peppercorn rhubarb and berry cake.

Racked is loving the Levi's x Liberty of London collab.

GreenLiteBites blends up a simple green pineapple smoothie.

Teen Vogue has pics of Tommy Hilfiger's new surf-inspired collection.

Sydne Style shows you how to wear this spring's '60s fashion trend.

H&M enlists actress and model Josephine de La Baume to model her favorite summer looks.

Aspiring fashion designers should check out the Diet Coke Young Designer Challenge with guest judge Rebecca Minkoff.

What's Haute to Shop:
Macy's launches a new collection with Keds.

Anthropologie debuts a capsule collection by designer Peter Som.

Teaser alert! Check back later today for some BIG news and a sneak peek at one of Julep's June Maven Box nail polish colors - see it here before anyone else!

Happy Friday! I'm sooo excited to share this coupon code with you guys today! The lovely boutique owner over at HarmonyBelle.com has generously extended a 40% off coupon exclusively for Budget Babe readers! The code to use at checkout is BUDGETBABE40. Expires in one week, so don't delay. Take advantage of this fabulous deal to shop for pretty spring dresses, baubles, separates, handbags and more - already priced mostly under $50! Three cheers for Harmony Belle!

Some of my favorites:
1. Bubble Plum Bubble Necklace, $40
2. Peplum dress, $30.40
3. Pinking of You Cross Over Bag, $34

Looking for a boutique that you saw featured on this blog? Check out my Ultimate Shopping Guide for a complete list.

Emma Roberts wore a blue dress by Prabal Gurung - plus black cage heels and Melinda Maria earrings - at the Vogue MAC Cosmetics Dinner.

Get the celebrity look for less:

3. Darling "Carmen" Dress, $94.99
6. ShoeMint.com "Romy" Heels, $99.98

Drawstring linen shorts will keep you feeling and looking cool this summer, whether you opt for a pair from Vince ($145, shopbop.com) or Gap ($44.95, gap.com). See if you can spot the designer pair by clicking either image below!

I bought a super cute skirt at Target on clearance - A-line and short, with a cool, almost retro patterm (see image at right). Now that I have it home I have no clue what to pair with it. I tried it on with a plain white tank and my favorite sandals, but that seems blah! Could a military-type blazer work? Should I try a contrasting color? No clue! I'd hate to return it! —Erin

A printed a-line skirt is a summer essential, so I'm really glad you asked this question! I'm not a big skirt person myself so I scoured the web for inspiration and discovered a few common themes - it's all about finding the right proportions, and mixing-and-matching those wardrobe staples.

Here are three ways to wear your skirt using items you probably already own:

1. With a black scoopneck top and boyfriend blazer, like Lauren Conrad. Note how she's tucked her top, which is fitted and has a flattering scoopneck, then topped her look with a boyfriend blazer that hits her mid-thigh. She's also rolled the cuffs for the cool factor and finished her look with strappy sandals. I think ballet flats would work with this look, too.

2. With a chambray shirt (long sleeve or sleeveless would work), tucked or untucked, and nude heels or sandals. Oh So Glam nails this look. Add a pop of color with a clutch or bag that matches one of the colors in the print.

3. With a white blouse and wedges. Eva Mendes' skirt is longer than yours but I think the same principles apply. Just be aware of proportions - by tying her blouse, Eva shows off her waist. You could also try tucking a white blouse. I love the rolled-tab sleeves for summer. Add casual wedges (espadrilles would work nicely too) and you're ready to go.

P.S. I really like how you styled your skirt with a white tank top! I might add a denim jacket and pop of color with something like red ballet flats, plus a crossbody bag.



What advice would you share with Erin? Let her know in the comments.