The Budget Babe

Tuesday, September 30. 2008

Anya Hindmarch for Target Preview

Anya Hindmarch has partnered with Target to launch a limited edition handbag collection priced from around $22. You can preview the affordable and stylish collection now at www.anyahindmarch.com, and purchase the bags there beginning October 8th. It will then be available at most Target stores from October 12 through December 26th.

I'm glad I put off purchasing a new fall handbag because this collection looks hot. I've wanted something from the English designer ever since her "I'm not a plastic bag" reusable shopping totes created a fashion tidal wave, spurring millions of fashionistas to get their own, thereby inadvertently generating even more of an ecological disaster than was caused by the plastic bags she sought to make extinct (I'm totally kidding! But it sure does make you wonder...)

Anya says, "I have always been interested in mixing high end designer pieces with more mass market finds. I think that confident women are comfortable, and even proud, of doing this." Yup, I'm sold. Are you looking forward to this line? P.S. Thanks to alert reader zeus' mom for the tip on this story!

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The Budget Babe

in Designer Looks for Less, Handbags, Target, Trends Fall/Winter 2008 at 05:01 | Comments (6) | Trackbacks (0)

Monday, September 29. 2008

Workwear on a Budget: The Statement Jacket

J. Crew's pricey but oh-so-pretty metallic bouclé houndstooth Clea jacket, $295
In addition to your basic black, gray and navy blazer, one amazing statement jacket in a rich, textured fabric or beautiful color - perhaps something with gorgeous buttons or trim - is the ideal way to stretch your work-wardrobe budget. It's a piece that will help you project a professional, polished and competent image while still maintaining a sense of your own personal style. Spend a little more on a jacket with a great fit and quality fabric, and you can wear it more than once a week and still look smart.

I recall a previous manager of mine who had a fabulous brocade blazer with a faux-fur trim in a rich tan color (it was way more subdued than it sounds, trust me), and even though she wore it all the time, she always looked perfectly chic. And, she could command everyone's attention whenever she walked into a room. (That jacket held the key to her power, I'm convinced of it.) Here, some options to help you dress for success...

Celery Tweed Jacket at Anthropologie.com, $158

MICHAEL Michael Kors Kimono-Sleeve Belted Jacket at Macys.com, $159.50

REQ Tweed Jacket at Sears.com, Was $64 Now $37.99

Diane Von Furstenberg wool 'Basia' zip jacket at Bluefly.com, $279.00

Garland Boucle Jacket at Express.com, $118.00

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The Budget Babe

in Advice / Ask BB, Budget Fashion at 05:29 | Comments (11) | Trackbacks (0)

Sunday, September 28. 2008

Fall Trend: The Plaid Shirt

Above right: Shrunken flannel shirt at Urban Outfitters, $48
The plaid shirt is a must-have for fall, and I think Elle Macpherson does a nice job of showing us exactly how to wear this tartan trend: Layer it over a fitted tee, pair it with a statement-making belt, and turn up the cuffs on those jeans of yours to show off some smashing, high-heeled boots. Elle's oversized black shades and purse lend a touch of glamour for a sort of grunge-meets-uptown chic.

Did I mention EVERY single store known to man has plaid shirts these days? Here are a few of my favorites to help you get started...

[1] Buffalo plaid shirt at Newport-News.com, $14
[2] Embroidered Rose Plaid Shirt at Forever21.com, $24.80
[3] Camden Tartan Shirt at L.L.Bean, $39.50
[4] Angie Belted Plaid Shirt at Macy's, Was $38 Now $26.60
[5] Highland Check shirt at Topshop.com, $55
[6] Kimchi Blue Pintuck Plaid Shirt at UrbanOutfitters.com, $58
[7] Plaid shirt at VictoriasSecret.com, $58
[8] Long sleeve flannel shirt at Land's End, $24.80

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The Budget Babe

in Budget Fashion, Celebrity Style, Trends Fall/Winter 2008 at 05:02 | Comments (6) | Trackbacks (0)

Saturday, September 27. 2008

Fall Trend: The Flat Suede Boot

Steve Madden Suede Slouch boots at VictoriaSecret.com, $109
So maybe I was wrong about wellies. Today, it rained all day long, and I swear every man, woman and child was wearing them. As if to mock me. And the more I saw them, the more I wanted to own my own pair. Hey I said I was impressionable. Anyways, let's talk about the opposite of rubber rain boots: The flat suede boot. I'm always hesitant to buy suede because I've always lived in climates that'll chew up suede and spit it out. But at these prices, how can you go wrong? And they have such a soft, stylish look. I'm going to get myself a pair this season. Here are the options I am considering...

Suede flat boot at CharlotteRusse.com, also available in black, brown or olive, $39.99

Chinese Laundry Women's Turbo Suede Wedge Boot at Amazon.com, also available in chocolate or black $99.95-$129

Mossimo Kamryn Tall Boots at Target.com, also available in brown or gray, $29.99

Sabrina Boot at Delias.com, also available in black, $69.50

Abaete for Payless Mirabelle Studded Boot at Payless.com, $55

Uniform Suede Boot at UrbanOutfitters.com, also available in hunter, cognac and black, $78

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Friday, September 26. 2008

Jonathan Saunders for Target Collection Preview

The full look at Jonathan Saunders for Target is now available, and my excitement level is building as I count down the days until its release on October 5th in stores. Prices range from $14.99–$59.99. I'm a tad dizzy after downloading all 21 looks, so if you have questions about a particular piece, hit me in the comments. And keep reading to see all the looks.
Continue reading "Jonathan Saunders for Target ... »

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