The Budget Babe

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!

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

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

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

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.

So-called fugly shoes have a long history steeped in tradition, from Birkenstocks and Doc Martens, to Uggs and Crocs. (I have personally owned and worn three of the aforementioned four styles. And I still stand by my Ugg boots because they're hella warm.)

By now we've all noticed one of the latest trends in fug-footwear, namely, garishly striped, spotted and otherwise bespattered rainboots, or Wellies as they are affectionately called, named after the original Scottish export, the Hunter Wellington rubber boot.

Fine, I thought. Fun boots for a rainy day. I even considered buying a cheap pair from Target to add some cheer to dreary, gray days when I must still brave the elements and walk my dog.

But now it seems the Hunter boot is poised to become the next official, expensive fugly shoe: Shopbop.com has 6 styles in a range of colors, all retailing for over $100 (I should mention they have normal colors like your basic black, brown and navy, too). They're trying to make Hunters cool. My question to you is, are they succeeding? Are you craving a pair of clunky silver rainboots with a can't-miss Hunter label emblazoned on the front as if to say, "I know these are ugly...but they were expensive!"?

Only time will tell...I'm pretty impressionable, especially when Shopbop tells me something is chic. But IF I cave, I'll get something like these "Zetta" navy rainboots from Target.com, just $24.99.

Wild Wellies: Fug or fab?

We have a winner! Congratulations to... #70 Kristy, who writes "Favorite Bird? Probably a screech owl... I've only seen one once, I was traveling and laying on the rooftop of my hotel with a hot Austrian boy one night watching the stars... romantic and peaceful, right? It was, until a screech owl came soaring over us again and again... although it interrupted the moment (and was quite frightening at first), that bird was so huge and fantastic, that we didn't seem to mind."

Special thanks to our winner, the fabulous Miss Misa, and to all 127 people who entered! Keep checking back for more great giveaways.



Please note: This contest is now closed.

Whooo doesn't love owls - especially when they're in the form of jewelry? Today's Budget Babe giveaway prize is this gorgeous, vintage-look Emerald Green Owl Ring from Miss Misa jewelry. The ring features a swavorski crystal brow and adjustable ring band with a delicate flower and leaf etching. Retail value: $35

Misa, the lovely creator of Miss Misa jewelry, uses vintage and retro charms, chains and semi-precious stones to create one-of-a-kind priceless jewelry. She also features other items from talented artists around the world, so be sure to check out her shop. Use code "owl" at checkout to get 20% off your purchase!

To enter our giveaway, tell us what your favorite bird is in the comments section below.

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 Thursday September 25 to be eligible to win. One lucky winner will be chosen at random, and will be announced on Friday September 26.

Special thanks to Misa for making this giveaway possible. Good luck everyone!