Fashion Advice

Never seem to have the right shoes on hand? Then take note: Celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe shares her five must-have pairs of shoes as a guest editor at Piperlime, an online shoe shop from Gap Inc.

Whether you're running to class, running errands or running late for a hot date, owning these five shoes will have you running on all cylinders in style.

We went on a hunt to track down each of Rachel's picks on a budget, and found amazing affordable versions of all of them at Target. Check 'em out after the jump...

[1] Timeless Patent: Xhilaration Skyler Patent Mary Jane Pumps, $19.99
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Andrea Platform Black Patent Pumps, $14.99
[2] Riding Boot: Mossimo Riding Boot, $34.99
[3] A Stunning Red Shoe: Mossimo Red Heidi Satin Bow Heels, $19.99
Mossimo Red Hailey Knotted Strap Heels, $19.99
[4] The Fabulous Flat: Xhilaration Sabina Ornament Ballet Flats, clearance $8.99
[5] A Wild Animal Print: Mossimo Leopard Dierdre Jet Heel Pumps, $24.99

Vests are versatile, figure-flattering (you don't always have to button them), and perfect for layering in any season—and yet, somehow, they still manage to baffle, bewilder and befuddle even the shrewdest of fashionistas. Perhaps this is because wearing a vest conjures up bad memories of vest-trends past (crochet, denim and brocade vests from the 80s and early 90s come to mind). Or maybe it's because wearing a vest can make you look like you're, well, trying too hard. But let's put those fears aside and take a look at the vest of today: It's simple, feminine, and utterly unfussy. Clean cuts and neutral hues make vests blend into your look, rather than steal your spotlight. You can handle that, can't you? Here are a few ways to wear a vest right now:

[1] If you think vests are too stuffy, think again - paired with a breezy short-sleeve blouse and delicate chain necklace, the unbuttoned vest becomes a boho girl's best friend. (That's Mischa in the pic, btw.)
[2] Psyche, the author of Economy of Style, rocks a school-boy chic look made possible by a Banana Republic vest, Gap white shirt and Tommy Hilfiger tie. Brilliant!
[3] The other Hilton looks adorable in a close-fitting vest that's cool and casual over a white tank, with black skinnies and flats. You can wear this look in warmer months or during the winter for a night out.
[4] Katie looks so self-assured and chic with her new cropped 'do that she's convinced us we could wear a vest solo, too. Ok, maybe not, but it's a head-turning twist on the vest nonetheless.
[5] Rock a vest a la Kate if you're feeling like one of the guys but want to prove you're all woman.


More ways to wear a vest from Halle, J. Lo and Fergie

Coutorture members got a peek inside the pages of the new book, Harper's Bazaar Great Style. In one section, Harper's Bazaar senior editor Jenny Flevin highlights the seven major fashion persona categories: The Eclectics, the Classicists, the Ladies, the Minimalists, the Mavericks, the Bohemians, and the Bombshells.

Despite the cliché, overly-generalized nature of these sartorial classifications, you can't help but wonder where you fall within the spectrum. Identifying your style is a critical part of developing your ability to express yourself through fashion. And of course, it's subject to change. Often.

Fortunately, your fashion persona is only limited by your imagination—not your wallet. Whether you lean towards classics or crave the latest trend, you can afford to explore your fashion personality and let your true self shine on any budget (just see our breakdowns below!).

So what's your fashion persona? If you don't quite fit into any of the standard groups, make up your own! Are you an urban trekker? An artsy emo? An athletic natural? Join the discussion in the comments...

>>Click images to view full-size versions<<


The Budget Eclectic hits up thrift stores and online auction sites for one-of-a-kind pieces that exude originality. Fast-fashion retailers like H&M, Forever 21, TopShop and Target always turn up exciting eclectic treasures on a dime.

The Budget Classicist favors timeless styles over trends, shopping for affordable and enduring apparel at stores like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, The Gap, American Eagle Outfitters, Kohl's and Old Navy. Because classics never go out of style, the classicist often has the edge when it comes to saving money and looking great.


The Budget Lady loves to play up her feminine side without being overly flirtatious. Demure and chic, the lady finds her fashions at Anthropologie, Forever 21, H&M, Target, Zara, Macy's, TopShop and Delia's.

The Budget Minimalist worships clean lines and simple silhouettes. Because less is more, the minimalist constructs her wardrobe with pared down shapes, colors and styles. Prices are kept to a minimum as well at stores such as Armani Exchange, Club Monoco, the Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and J. Crew.


Over-the-top, avant garde, and oftentimes outrageous, the Budget Maverick knows how to get people talking—and thinking—about fashion in a whole new way. She scours designer sample sales, boutique close-outs, Shopbop's clearance section and designer outlets like Bluefly.com for those rare gems that have great style and a great pricetag.

Today's Budget Bohemian might snag a couple retro pieces from Mom's closet, but she's also sure to mix in up-to-the-minute free-spirited fashions from Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Target, H&M, Newport-News, Spiegel, and Free People. Boho babes don't care for high prices or designer labels - it's the vibe that matters most.

The Budget Bombshell is all about glamour and sex appeal. She scoops up shiny, pretty things at places like Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Rampage, H&M, Arden B., Bebe, J.C. Penney, and Wet Seal. The bombshell gets the attention she deserves at a price she can afford.

I am a huge advocate of washing clothes at home, either by hand or in the washing machine, even when the tag says "dry clean only." Washing garments at home is better for your clothes, your health, the environment AND your wallet.

The trouble is finding a nice spot to dry your delicates after your wash them—and that's why we absolutely love the Container store's Pop-Open Sweater Dryer. It's a cheap, space-saving way to quickly and easily drip-dry hand washed items such as sweaters and lingerie. Sized to fit over or inside the bathtub, the pop-open sweater dryer springs open for use and folds flat for storage. The arched shape allows for all-around airflow and faster drying.

At $7.99, this practical contraption makes an ideal gift for all the ladies on your list this holiday season.

Pop-Open Sweater Dryer, $7.99 at The Container Store >>

Related post: The Dirt on Dry Cleaning >>

Earlier today, I tuned in to a fun and informative Q&A Seminar with Michelle Madhok of SheFinds, hosted by Coutorture co-founder Julie Fredrickson. The hot topic: Fashion blogging success strategies! Aww yeah. Here are some of the great tips and expert advice that Michelle and Julie shared with the group, summed up by yours truly, for all to ingest and enjoy:

Strategies For Fashion Blogging Success:

Know yourself, know your audience. What's your niche? Who are you trying to reach? What is the brand you're trying to create and promote? These are probably the toughest questions to answer, but once you do, you'll be well on your way to fashion blogging success.

Network, network, network! Michelle says networking is key to the success of your fashion blog, especially if you want to turn it into a business. Joining a fashion blogging community such as Coutorture is a great place to start, both Julie and Michelle say. Create profiles for your blog on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.com for additional exposure. (Add The Budget Babe as your friend on MySpace now!)

Syndicate your content. By submitting your content to be featured on major high-traffic sites, Michelle says you can increase visibility and gain new readers. While SheFinds syndicates content on major portals like Yahoo and AOL, beginners should check out BlogBurst.

Create and share widgets of your blog. Think of widgets as "portable chunks of the web." Find out more at My Blog Log and WidgetBox.

Share some link-lovin'. Submit your content for linking via sites like Sugarloving, BuzzFeed, and Skirt to help boost traffic.

Notify the people/companies/products that you blog about. For example, if you review a lipstick by Lancome, go to their website and send an e-mail about your product review to Lancome's general info or customer service e-mail address. Or, send an email directly to Lancome's Public Relations peeps: Michelle says Who.RepsWhat.com is an excellent resource for PR rep info.

Deliver your content in a variety of formats. Offer content feeds and/or newsletters via Feedburner and Feedblitz. Other newsletter services include MailerMailer, iContact and Constant Contact.

Promote your giveaways. Submit giveaways that you run on your blog to sweepstake sites (a Google search for "sweepstakes" will point you in the right direction, Michelle says). Coutorture members should notify Julie, as she may be able to help promote your sweeps on Coutorture.com.

Don't be afraid to reach out. Contact other bloggers and fashion industry peeps with your questions and ideas. "People are more accessible than you think," Julie says.

Make the most of your day job. Learn as many skills as possible at your current job that will help you with your blog or your next, new endeavor, says Michelle.

Do a little something every day. You don't have to do everything all at once. Focus on tackling one or two of the strategies mentioned above at a time, and update your site daily with new information.


>> If you'd like to partner with The Budget Babe for a giveaway or cross-promotion, drop me a line at info(at)thebudgetbabe.com.

Dear Budget Babe,
Where can I find cool holiday gifts for my man that won't break the bank?
Sincerely,
Peaches

TBB: Men may not covet the latest shoe or handbag like us girls, but their costly hobbies (think electronics, cars, photography or sports) can often make gift-giving an expensive, not to mention confusing, endeavor. The trick is to be observant (take notes if necessary) and get inside your sig-o's head to understand what would really make him happy. When in doubt, go for anything edible or anything that requires batteries. But if beef jerky is all that comes to mind, heck, that's fine too. Resist the temptation to give him a wardrobe makeover or buy him beauty products. And whatever you do, DON'T buy him a tie.

With that in mind, here are some great places to start shoppin':

ThinkGeek.com: Geeky toys, gadgets and whatchamacallits
NewEgg.com: Computer everything
Target: Video games, electronics, socks, tees, boxers, PJs, candy & gourmet junk food
SierraTradingPost: Apparel and more for the rugged outdoorsman
REI: Camping and hiking gear - we recommend the manly Gerber Gator Combo Axe.
Threadless: Awesome logo tees that are sure to please plus irreverent slogan tees that say things like "Shakespeare hates your emo poems."
Hammacher Schlemmer: Unique and bizarre gadgets & gifts, like the World's Largest Crossword Puzzle.
Peet's Coffee.com: One-stop shop for coffee lovers. We recommend buying him a French press for brewing (buy one for under $30 on Amazon.com).
Calumet Photo: Everything for the avid photographer. Wallet-friendly options include memory cards, a mini tripod, camera or lens case, high-quality photo paper, or an enlargement of one of his fave prints.
Zappos: Laptop bags, camera bags, shoes, leather accessories. We heart everything by Timbuk2.
Lego.com: The Lego Ferrari will appeal to his inner child - and it's a helluva lot cheaper than the real deal.
A Collage a Day blog: Get an original work of art by Randel Plowman for $25. He'll dig it.
American Grassfed Beef: Yummy gourmet natural beef jerky - no preservatives and it's made from lean, grass-fed beef (he won't know it's good for him.)

Need gift ideas for a foodie on your list? Check out our favorite food blog wasabigelatine's holiday gift guide here.

Share your ideas for great gifts for gents in the comments!