The Budget Babe

UPDATE: And the winner of our Shabby Apple Dress contest is.......Haze'!! Haze' wrote: "My style icon is Agathe from that stylebytes blog. She does so much by thrift shopping <3"

Congratulations to our winner and a great big thank you to all 218 people who participated.


PLEASE NOTE: This contest has ended.

Every woman looks and feels fabulous in the perfect dress, which makes this week's Budget Babe giveaway something not to be missed!

Tell us who your style icon is in the comment section below and one lucky winner will be chosen at random to receive this classic little black dress - aptly named the Jackie O (shown above) - from the chic dress boutique, Shabby Apple!

Shabby Apple is an online women's dress company that has designed moderately priced dresses for every occasion. You'll find unique, flirty and feminine frocks for day and night - all at prices you can afford.

Be sure to use a valid email address and include info(at)thebudgetbabe.com in your address book so we can contact you if you're the winner. Comments must be posted by 12 noon ET on April 1 to be eligible to win. The winner will be announced on April 2.

P.S. Don't wait for Lady Luck - shop Shabby Apple right now and save! Enter SAMarketingBudgetBabe15off at checkout for 15% off your order. The offer is good until June 2008.

Good luck!

>> Visit Shabby Apple.

Super slim bracelets accented with shiny metal tubes are simple, stackable and effortlessly stylish. While one of the sets above will set you back $110, the other costs less than your morning cup of Joe.

So which is which?

Betseyville's "Cirque de la Betsey" tote is a fabulous blast from the past. Its decorative chain with multi-color charms looks just like the charm necklaces I used to collect as a child (that's them in the top photo - aren't they amazing?!). Quintessential '80s style all the way. If you're feeling nostalgic like me, or want to give this trend a try for the very first time, get the purse for $85.00 at Karmaloop.com.

With all the hype about eye-popping brights, it's easy to forget that natural neutrals represent the other side of the sartorial Spring fashion coin. But make no mistake - there's no blah beige to speak of. Designers like Abaeté, BCBG Max Azria and Temperley London prove that taupe can be testy, off-white can be engaging and khaki can kick. So breathe easy, ye who fear color in your wardrobe, for Spring fashion is replete with sophisticated, sumptuous, eco-conscious neutrals with a viewpoint that is anything but boring - and will certainly stand as the foundation of every ensemble, even while they act as a counterpoint for those delicious hues on the other side of the spectrum.

Image source: Style.com

Here are a few newly available images of Marimekko's 50-piece collection for H&M, which hits stores April 10. The bold patterns and bright colors (including one of our favorite color combos, pink and orange) seem perfectly in-step with Spring fashion. And when you tire of the modestly-priced pieces, you can always turn them into lovely pillowcases for the home. Keep scrolling to see more...


Images courtesy of H&M

Ashlee Simpson is designing a new line of tops for budget-fashion retailer Wet Seal which will hit stores on April 22 to coincide with the launch of the pop star’s third CD, Bittersweet World.

This news (if you can call it that) isn't all that exciting BUT it might be a clue that more "big things" are brewing over at Wet Seal headquarters. We'll be watching and waiting!

Kate Moss shows us how to wear brights for Spring (granted, we won't be toting the same teal Mulberry purse, but that's a minor detail): Just add one vibrant accessory and keep the rest of your look nice 'n' neutral. Carry-over your boots and blazers from winter and pair them with sheer chiffon blouses and light fade jeans. Instantly, you've updated your wardrobe without spending a small fortune. Now that's what I call a bright idea.

[1] Heritage Blazer at Forever21.com, $39.90
[2] Unlisted Spending Spree Boot at Endless.com, $47.96
[3] Kate Moss for Topshop Star Print Shirt, £35.00
[4] CL by Laundry Large Satchel at Target.com, $24.99
[5] BDG 5 Pocket Skinny Grey Jean at Urbn.com, $54.00

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