The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Look for Less: Marc by Marc Jacobs Denim Trim Tunic




Not all knock-offs can be winners, and this sad mustard tunic with jumbo buttons and denim trim from Forever 21 is a sore loser indeed. The MARC tunic works because of the length and the smart juxtaposition of bright and subdued hues, as well as the touch-worthy materials (cotton/rayon/cashmere). The imitation, on the other hand, falls flat in every regard. Maybe next time...

Left: MARC by Marc Jacobs Sweater Dress at NeimanMarcus.com, $338.00
Right: Denim Trim Tunic at Forever21.com, $29.80

Spring Fashion Trend 2008: Pink and Orange




If you're not sickened by brights (and you shouldn't be!) try mixing them two at a time. My personal favorite combination this Spring: pink and orange. Together, they form a sartorial sherbet of Lilly Pulitzer pink and Hermès orange that's sweet and delicious...but won't drip. This joyful, dynamic duo could be seen dancing in floral prints on the Michael Kors runway, canoodling as resort-ready separates at Versace, and electrifying tailored suiting courtesy Jil Sander. Scoop up sweet pink and orange pieces at your fave budget-fashion retailers this Spring, mix and match 'em, and then, perhaps, drink a glass of water.

Image source: Style.com

Deal du Jour: Metallic Stretch Ballet Flats

So the whole "metallic flat trend" may be waning, but we just picked up a pair of these Xhilaration Simone Stretch Ballet Flats in Silver on sale at our local Tar-zhay and dammit, we're going to wear them! Sure, they're synthetic, but they're cute as heck, surprisingly comfortable and look exactly like pricey designer pairs that cost way more. Plus, they come in a wide range of great colors, like pewter, bronze, black and gold. Who knows, depending on how these wear, we might just pick up another pair!

>> Simone Stretch Ballet Flats are available at Target.com for $14.99.