The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Loehmann's Hits Downtown Chicago

Good news for Chicago shoppers...

From WWD.com: "Loehmann's will open its first downtown Chicago store at 151 North State Street next month, adding to the discount retail presence on the street, which currently houses Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx and Filene's Basement. Located between the Chicago Theatre and Macy's on State Street, the newly constructed 27,000-square-foot bilevel Loehmann's will possess one of the more upscale interiors of the 61-store chain, with marble floors and private fitting rooms. It will sit below the Joffrey Ballet's new headquarters and across from ABC Channel 7's new studios. ..."

FYI, Loehmann's is a discounter of designer fashions. Think of it as a dressier, more mature version of TJ Maxx.

The opening of Loehmann's is part of an ongoing transformation of State street...which has been bittersweet: In 2006, Marshall Field's, an iconic department store and city landmark, was replaced by New-York based Macy's. (We won't shop there on principle, but the building is still worth visiting for it's stunning Tiffany glass dome.) Then, the nearby Louis Sullivan-designed building that had housed Carson Pirie Scott for over a century saw it's tenant take flight.

On the plus side, the area south of Washington has really seen a surge in new businesses including affordable clothing retailers and restaurants. In addition to the stores listed above, budget babes can also shop at Chicago-based Akira, and Sears, plus Urban Outfitters, Old Navy, H&M, and a trilevel Forever 21 (to name a few).

Let's hope Loehmann's gives shoppers in Chitown something to cheer about.

Fashion Inspiration: 1234 by Feist

Check out this feel-good music video by Feist (You're probably familiar with the song, "1234," from recent iPod nano commercials)...



Fun wardrobe and choreography, no? It's like a big box of Crayola Crayons comes to life and gets jiggy a la Richard Simmons in "Sweatin' to the Oldies." We love the blue sequin jumper that Leslie Feist is rocking out, too.

The takeaway? Color outside the lines!

Style Spotting: Marc Jacobs Girl

This past Sunday, we had a change of plans and spent the day drinking wine and eating cheese at a vineyard not too far from us, as part of their annual harvest celebration. (So Target and Alice Temperley had to wait a day—can you blame us?)

Tomorrow, we'll bring you our review of the line, but today we wanted to share this photo we snapped of a stylish reveler at the wine-tasting. Most of the people there were wearing jeans and sweater-sets, but not Ms. Marc Jacobs girl. Take a look...


Lovely, isn't she? Subtle colors in her ensemble contrast nicely with her rich brown locks.


Our eyes lock-on to the delicious robin's egg blue purse by ::squinting:: Marc Jacobs.


The simple, delicate botanical print of the dress picks up the color of the purse perfectly. (If you can name the designer, please do!)


A soft white sweater seems spun from the clouds overhead. Adds a touch of texture (and warmth). Note also the bling.


The colorful batik tablecloths remind us of the French countryside (and as a matter of fact, so did the wine!)

The people watching, picturesque scenery, and cerulean blue skies made for an idyllic way to bid farewell to summer and say hello to fall.

Alice Temperley for Target Preview

Question: Where will you be this Sunday, September 16th?

Answer: Checkin' out British designer Alice Temperley's new GO collection at Target, of course!


Swiss Dot Blouse in Blue, $34.99; Velvet Miniskirt in Black, $29.99; Hat in Black, $14.99; Belted Sweater Dress in Black/White, $49.99; Hat in Black, $14.99; Long-Stitch Sweater in Gray, $44.99; Voile Ruffle-Front Dress in Gray, $29.99; Striped Belt in Black/White, $14.99; Fingerless Gloves in Black, $14.99

What to expect (from Target's pressroom): "The Alice Temperley for Target collection encourages women to be playful with their wardrobe. Expertly incorporating ruffles, polka dots, bows and buttons onto sophisticated silhouettes, Temperley makes an understated feminine statement. The collection ranges in price from $14.99–$139.99, including fall must-haves such as printed dresses, knit tunics, cropped jackets, ruffled blouses, little black dresses and miniskirts."

"Stand-out pieces include a long flower-print V-neck dress, long velvet coat with voluminous sleeves, blue polka-dotted bow blouse and navy military jacket with gold buttons. Accessories include chic knit fingerless gloves and berets in solid black, pink and black, and white stripes. Wide stretch belts in solid black and black & white stripes add a finishing touch to a modern look."

What we say: Bring it on! The classic black and white color palette is super appealing for fall. Some of the pieces appear to lack that crucial wearability factor, but we still get giddy when we see high-fashion looks at affordable prices. (Easily amused? Us?! Naaah...)

Next up: Designer Erin Fetherston

And in the meantime...
Save 30% on Libertine >>
Last chance: Patrick Robinson Clearance >>