The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

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!

BB Reviews Alice Temperley for Target

The Alice Temperley for Target collection is a sheer and utter delight. Replete with ruffles, buttons and polka dots, this line is absolutely fun, fun, FUN!

As promised, here's our take on the goods...
alice temperley for target
The royal blue cropped jacket on the left was the first thing we spotted on the rack on account of its bright, cheerful color (also comes in a nice cream color). Made from 80% polyester and 20% wool, it's surprisingly comfortable and soft to the touch. Gorgeous black/blue polka-dot lining, too. But our boyfriend would laugh hysterically if he saw us wearing this, so best left for Mary Poppins (and at $44.99, it's definitely doable on a nanny's salary).

The black sweater vest on the right is 100% cotton, which we like. At $22.99, you get what you pay for with this one. It's rather...fragile, but cute nonetheless.

alice temperley for target
Didn't think we'd dig the skirtall on the left, but it fit like a glove and was super cute to boot. Pair with footless tights and heels ($29.99; 100% polyester).

The pink top on the right also put a smile on our face because a) it's pink and b) it's pink. Ooh, and it was nice and long, just the way we like it. A steal at $14.99 (95% cotton, 5% spandex).

alice temperley for target
In theory, the ruffled blouse on the left is perfect: It's feminine, sophisticated, dramatic. We loved it, but would never, ever wear it. Make sense? It's 100% polyester, but definitely doesn't look like it. Cost: A measly $29.99.

The black pants on the right were tough to get into, but once we zipped, buttoned and fastened our way into them, we didn't want to take them off: Comfortable, elegant, and of course, versatile. ($39.99; 100% polyester)

alice temperley for target
The crepe dress on the left was probably our favorite item simply because it's most closely aligned with our own personal style: Easy fit, great movement to the fabric, girly but with an edge. Simultaneously modern and retro. Loved the fabric covered buttons down the front, and the silhouette created by the tie around the waist. We'd wear it with leggings. ($29.99, 100% rayon).

The polka-dot blouse on the right was charming, but not our style. Too "tea and crumpets." Though made from 100% polyester, the quality was still impressive for $29.99.

alice temperley for target
The love fest continued with the cropped pants on the left. Bronze buttons featuring the Temperley design were a nice touch. Makes us feel like they paid attention to detail and put some thought into it (Touching, isn't it?) For $34.99, you can afford to experiment and try this jean-alternative without any risk.

We're definitely going to buy the navy/purplish knit top on the right because we thrive on making understatements. It has just a smidgen of detail, which is enough to make it fashiony. Just $16.99.

alice temperley for target
The sleeves on the cotton shirtdress on the left were too short for us. But we comforted ourselves with the fact that we do not like to iron. Yet the buttons are to die for, and come on, $29.99 for something this fashion forward? Go for it.

The off-white cotton shirt on the right (which also comes in black) fit well and looked sharp, but again, too fussy. And too "swashbuckler." But can't argue with the $24.99 pricetag.

In conclusion: Our only complaint is that they didn't make clothes like this (and at these prices) when we were in junior high, because for the most part, the collection is too young for us. But hey, it's GO, and that's perfectly alright. We had a ball just trying this stuff on!

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.

How Much Should You Spend on Clothes?

How much should a woman spend on clothes, shoes, handbags and other fashion paraphernalia? Here's one way to break it down according to personal finance expert Jean Chatzky, a regular money contributor to the Today Show and The Oprah Show.

budget piechart

Clothing falls into the "Other Living Expenses" category, along with Entertainment, Vacations and Eating Out.

Depending on the day—and our mood—we both thank and blame Chatzky for reinforcing our budget-minded mentality, what with her constant incantations of "boring is better" and "make your money work for you" and "save don't spend." But ultimately, she's taught us so much, and we think her pie chart is a valuable tool for managing your money wisely. (Mmmmm...pie)

So how much do you budget for clothing? (You do have a budget, right?)

Old Navy's New Denim Styles

Old Navy just came out with three new denim styles—The Diva, the Flirt and the Sweetheart.

Old Navy New Denim Styles
Hearing Madeleine Peyroux croon "Blue Alert" in the background of the TV commercial (There's perfume burning in the air / Bits of beauty everywhere / You're such a flirt) was enough to get us in the store to check them out.

Sadly, the jeans didn't deliver the same thrills as Ms. Peyroux and her sultry voice: One was too loose in the tush, the other was too loose at the small of the back, and the third was just too loose everywhere. We really wanted to love these jeans because they're only $25, and cuz the names are so very cute, but they just didn't fit.

However, we'd still recommend trying them on for yourself because no two women are shaped the same. The quality was decent and the dark washes were pleasant, and the Old Navy we went to had plenty of jeans in our size in stock. So give it a go—and good luck!