Budget Footwear

It's not difficult to look gorgeous when you're built like Charlize Theron, but humor me: I think she's nailed a look here that we can all learn a little something from. The former supermodel and Oscar-winning actress has a style that's glamorous, sexy and yet - that adjective that seems to epitomize great style in this modern era of ours - effortless. Here, she mixes a number of trends with such finesse that you hardly notice the clothing, but you certainly can't help but notice the woman wearing them. What caught our eye: The soft, flowing chiffon dress juxtaposed with a fitted, tailored blazer. Gold accessories that glow without being gaudy. And on a practical note, that chic blazer is the perfect layer for transitioning from warm days to chilly nights. Plus, add tights and booties to this look and you'll be ready for fall.

Are you inspired by Charlize's style?

[1] Clutch, NYandCompany.com, $16.95
[2] Tiered Ruffle Dress, Expressfashion.com, $49
[3] Sunglasses, Forever21.com, $5.80
[4] Necklace, BananaRepublic.com, $39
[5] Blazer, NYandCompany.com, $41.96
[6] Stone Hinged Bracelet, BananaRepublic.com, $39
[7] Gold Sandals, Ninewest.com, $59.99

Target hits the mark when it comes to serving up fresh bargain fashions that suit just about every woman's style. So which in-house fashion brand at our favorite big box is most "you"?



Featured above: Mossimo Valentina Peep-Toe Booties in Dark Pewter $26.99; Isaac Mizrahi for Target Ariel Patent Oxford Booties in Black $34.99; Merona Elaina T-Strap Pumps in Brown/Cream $24.99; Xhilaration Sharon Peep-Toe Pumps in Red Patent $22.99. The Budget Babe would like them all, thank you!

Katie Holmes has been taking a lot of heat lately for wearing her rolled-leg boyfriend jeans just about everywhere (or did she raid Tom's closet?). Personally, I love the look, and the more people judge and criticize her, the more appealing she becomes. How's that for odd fashion inspiration. Katie's got a good head on her shoulders and if she prefers to dress in a classic, modest manner rather than flashing her goodies around town for the whole world to see, that's her business. So, back to the jeans: This look has always been popular in places like Europe (hmmm...I see you're still grimacing), and it's a refreshing alternative to skinnies, which have reigned supreme for so long - although recently I've started rolling my skinnies, and I love that, too. Katie keeps the rest of her look simple and chooses neutral hues for a laid-back look that still manages to be sophisticated and chic.

So let's hear it, ladies: Do you love Katie's style or does it make you wince?

[1] Fedora, Bananarepublic.com, $59
[2] Sunglasses, Target, $12.99
[3] Black crewneck tee, Nyandcompany.com, Was $14.95 Now $10.46
[4] Studded Belt, $19.80
[5] Boyfriend jeans, Urbanoutfitters.com, $58
[6] Primo Limited Costa Bag, baghaus.com, $50
[7] Jessica Simpson flats, 6pm.com, Was $63 Now $36.45

HAPPY COINCIDENCE The week before my cruise to Bermuda, I bought a ton of fun "cruise-wear" from Forever21.com. Last minute shopping can cause some serious damage to your budget, but that's a topic for another post. Anyways, I needed to find a big, beachy tote that I could carry around the ship during the day, something with ample room for a towel, sunscreen and other necessities, so I decided to get this sequin weave tote bag. The $40 pricetag kinda made me cringe because it's Forever 21, after all, but like I said, it was getting down to the wire and I had to make a decision, stat.

When my tote arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by the unique design, even though it turned out to be bronze and not beige as I assumed from the online pics (yeah, I didn't read the fine print very carefully). Basically, it's like a fully-lined silver sequin bag nestled inside a woven leather-like bronze bag. The overall effect is much less shiny and much more tasteful than it sounds; in fact, the bag is a subtle metallic that glimmers gently in the sunlight. And it was perfect for my vacation.

The happy coincidence was that the night before my cruise, I couldn't resist darting off to Target for more last-minute essentials like those adorable, travel-size toiletries and...new shoes! So necessary. I lucked out and scored an adorable pair of bronze Isaac Mizrahi for Target t-strap sandals for just $7.48 on clearance. I can't tell you how amazing these shoes are. They have leather uppers, comfy 3" inch heel, and look equally fab with jeans or a dress. I had planned on wearing 4" stilettos for all the evening activities on the cruise, but after a little turbulence our first night, I was so glad I had packed my new chunky heels. Besides, you end up doing a lot of walking on those ships, and a lot of stair climbing, and a lot of dancing, so these shoes proved to be a dream. (What, oh what will we do when Isaac leaves us for Liz?)

One thing to note: The t-straps are still $29.99 at Target.com (also come in silver), so you may want to check your local brick-n-mortar for the best deal if you're interested. Above, I put together a simple outfit so you could see how everything looks in real life. What makes me most happy is the bag and shoes aren't too matchy, but when combined, they add a nice touch to just about any casual to semi-dressy look.

>> Sequin Weave Tote Bag at Forever21.com, $39.80
>> Isaac Mizrahi for Target Pat T-Strap Sandals at Target.com, $29.99

Left: Looks from Plenty by Tracy Reese for Keds; Designer Tracy Reese
Fashion designer Tracy Reese is collaborating with Keds to create a new line of fun footwear, Plenty by Tracy Reese for Keds, which will include peep-toe wedge sneakers, skimmers and ballet flats inspired by elements from her Spring 2009 collection. Prices will range from $65 to $80, and the line will be available in March 2009 at keds.com, Tracy Reese boutiques and select department and specialty stores nationwide.

"Keds has a unique feminine aesthetic coupled with fun, whimsical designs," said Reese. "I am thrilled to collaborate with such an iconic brand and excited about fusing the Plenty by Tracy Reese eclectic and wordly designs with casual footwear."

Ms. Reese definitely rocks, but I'm not really a fan of Keds. I'd rather see her do a line for Target. And why is everything "iconic" these days? That word is so played out.

Source

Emmy Rossum, Liv Tyler and Lauren Conrad all love their black ballet flats.
Solid black ballet flats are everywhere, on everyone, and have been for a while now. They're a classic style that matches almost everything and can morph to suit your personal style, from downtown chic to impish gamine and beyond. Yet while this simple black flat seems innocuous enough, I've discovered that many fashionable gals have very bitter feelings towards it.

Personally, it's been a love/hate relationship. For years, I avoided this shoe like the plague. I thought it was too delicate, too flat, too much like a slipper. Then, slowly but surely, the look started to grow on me more and more, until I finally caved, and bought the most adorable, buttery leather black flats from--of all places--the Gap, for $40 (just last week, so they might still be in stores.)

Here's the thing: The right style can make your ankles look graceful, your legs longer and your feet smaller. The wrong style, however, can make your feet look like saucers, and your body look squat and schlumpy. Cheap versions of this shoe can also kill your feet, causing blisters and pain from lack of arch support. My recommendation is to buy the best quality flat you can afford, as they will actually serve their function by providing a stylish slip-on that's comfortable to wear.

Is the black ballet flat an essential part of your wardrobe?

If you were smitten by the KORS Michael Kors "Danger" See-Through wedge featured earlier today, then you'll love the Mossimo "Verdi" Wedge (love that name!) available now at Target.com. Shown above in Gray Patent, the Verdi also comes in Wine Patent, Black Snake, and Metallic Brown Snake. Buy it here for the low, low price of $26.99.