The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Launch of Topshop.com USA




First, some bad news: Topshop, the popular British high street fashion chain, has delayed the opening of their New York City store until late November. Boo.

Now, the good news: Topshop.com has recently launched a dedicated US site, which means all prices will be in dollars and all measurements will be US-friendly. For a limited time, you can also bypass the ghastly $15 flat rate shipping fee and get free shipping with code USFREEPOSTAGETS01. Still not satisfied? They'll throw in a Kate Moss Charity tee free with your purchase. Plus, you can enter for your chance to win a $750 shopping spree.

All of this, at Topshop.com USA. The prices aren't cheap by any means but Topshop has cornered the cool corner of the market and you simply won't find the duds they've got anywhere else. Some good values we spotted: A pocket-cardi in purple for $30, a Burberry-esque belted funnel neck coat for $170, and these gray leather slouch boots for $145.

Click here to get shoppin' ... and if you do buy something, please share details in the comments (cuz I'm holding out for the NY store!)

Exclusive Interview with The Budget Fashionista

The Budget Fashionista celebrates 5 years
The scene at The Budget Fashionista's 5th Anniversary party in NY: Kathryn poses with BB on the pink carpet; my fashion-savvy friend Stacy strikes a pose; How to Look Good Naked's Carson Kressley and BB; TBF's peeps worked the party wearing "Frugal is the new black" tees. Love it!

On Monday night, I had the honor of meeting my fashion blogging idol, Kathryn Finney aka The Budget Fashionista, who celebrated the 5th anniversary of her amazing blog with a bash at the Housing Works Thrift Store in Chelsea. It was what Oprah might call a "full circle" moment because I've read Kathryn's book, and have been reading her blog for YEARS, and have long admired her dedication, intelligence and well-deserved success. Needless to say, I was giddy when I spotted her, looking fabulous in a head-turning feathered hat and dramatic black jacket, but she instantly put me at ease with her genuine, gracious demeanor. I asked Kathryn about the key trends we budget babes should be looking out for this fall. Here, Kathryn shares 5 ways to update your wardrobe without spending a small fortune:

Plaid: This fall favorite is back in a big way, Kathryn says, which is great news for gals on a budget: Hit up your local thrift store where plaid is always in stock.
Gray: A great alternative to black, gray is a "kinder, gentler neutral," says Kathryn.
Purple: Perfect for just about any complexion, purple is a popular, wearable hue for fall.
Shoe boots: Shoeties, booties, whatever you want to call them - Kathryn says the "shoe boot" is the "it" shoe for fall. Find budget-friendly takes at Target and Payless.
Wide-leg pants: A pair of great fitting, full-leg trousers does wonders for the backside and helps lengthen the legs.

Congrats to The Budget Fashionista crew for five fabulous, frugal years...and here's to many, many more!

>> Read Kathryn's blog at www.thebudgetfashionista.com

Mossimo for Target Fall 2008 Collection


Front-Zip Sweater Jacket in Black $34.99, Oval-Frame Sunglasses in Black $16.99, Leather Slouchy Boots in Black $34.99


In a recent poll conducted here at The Budget Babe, 40% of readers said Mossimo was their favorite brand at Target. Isaac Mizrahi came in close second with 34% of the votes, followed by Xhiliration with 15%, and Merona with 9%. So for all you Mossimo fans, it's time to check out the Mossimo for Target Fall 2008 collection and get some styling ideas before you shop the racks (or shop online). Key trends include a zip-up collared sweater dress (I could live in looks like this all season long), a chic leather moto jacket (I can't wait to see this in person!), wide-leg trousers (great for the office) and cozy grandfather cardigans. Jump to view the entire collection...and share your thoughts in the comments, especially if you've already seen some of the items in person!

First Look: Jonathan Saunders for Target




Target has shared preview pics of their upcoming Jonathan Saunders collection, which hits stores October 5. If you're in NYC, you can also score these items at any of Target's four Bullseye Bodega pop-up shops that will be opening around the city next week. Inspired by the works of artists as diverse as Gustav Klimt, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko, pieces in the Jonathan Saunders collection range from $14.99 to $59.99 and will be in stores through November 1. Art prints are big for fall, and it looks like ombre is sticking around, too. I'm a huge sucker for Art with a capital "A" so naturally, Saunders has me swooning. Although I also think he could have pushed the envelope just a tad farther. What do you think so far?






Look for Less: Contrast Trim Blazer




Blazers are perfect wardrobe staples year-round, but they're especially helpful for transitioning into fall. This contrast trim blazer by Sanctuary (left) - inspired no doubt by last season's Balenciaga runways - exudes style, yet it's basic enough to go with most anything in your closet. At $189, it's not entirely unreasonable for something you'll wear time and time again. The AE blazer on the right, however, costs a more manageable $59.50 and looks oh-so-similar. What's more, both options will be right in step with this Fall's "country life" trend, whether you hail from the hood or the highlands.

Left: Sanctuary Mademoiselle Blazer at RevolveClothing.com, $189
Right: Contrast Trim 2-Button Blazer at AE.com, $59.50