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

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!

Peeptoe booties are all the rage, as they say, but they leave many fashionistas wondering: Is it a shoe or a boot? Won't your toes get wet when it rains? How do you keep your feet from sweating and your toes from freezing? Well, I don't have all the answers, but I have found a solution to at least one of the aforementioned conundrums: Slip your tootsies into some toeless socks before donning your trendy toeless shoes for comfort and style you can count on! The toeless socks above can be purchased at Nordstrom.com on sale now for just $4.90. One word of advice: Unless you're, say, under 18, do not wear your toeless socks with a skirt or dress - please wear them under a nice pair of wide-leg slacks or bootcut jeans. I realize the shoes shown above are more like peeptoe oxfords, but the socks work well with peeptoe ankle boots, too. Additionally, you can wear your peeptoes barefoot, or with seamless-toe tights. And now, I'm feeling pretty peep-toed out.

How do you wear yours? Are you a fan of the peeptoe?

Above: Nordstrom Lace Top Toeless Socks, $4.90