Old Navy has something for everyone when it comes to affordable, stylish outwear. Classic trenches, puffers and peacoats will please your sensible side in neutrals like black, beige and white. Or, go for bold, bright colors to boost your mood when the weather takes a turn for the worse. (At these prices, you don't have to worry about growing tired of, say, a flashy fuschia or attention-getting green.) And, you'll have money left over for coordinating scarves, hats, and gloves. Keep reading for more of our favorite picks. Thanks to reader Alexandra for the tip!

[Above: Old Navy Pique Wool-Blend Coat in Beet Sugar, also available in Siberian Blue, Black, Green Envy. $89.50]

[Read our update here.]

Have you ever wondered what it's like to shop at ASOS.com, the UK's so-called "Online Fashion Store"? I know I have! So I finally decided to place my first order and review the goods. Here's how it went:

Halloween is that one day of the year when you can dress as crazy or kooky or spooky or skanky as you want, and it's totally OK. In fact, it's strongly encouraged, and Mandee.com has a whole collection of costumes that fit the bill. Most of them are racy cliches like the sexy maid, the sexy police officer, or the sexy superhero. They're not wildly inventive, but they're still fun and festive attention-grabbers. Best of all, they're on sale for super cheap. Keep reading to see a few of our favorites.

[Above: 4 Piece Supergirl Costume, Was $54.00 Now $40.50]


3 Piece Sexy Bumble Bee, Was $34.00 Now $25.50


3 Piece Geisha Girl, $54.00 Now $40.50


5 Piece Bat Girl Costume, $54.00 Now $40.50


2 Piece Maid, $18.00


4 Piece Sexy Ladybug, Was $42.00 Now $31.50


If you've never worn a wig, you haven't lived. Fun hair pieces let you take on a whole new persona: Cecilia Blond Long Wig, Was $24.00 Now $18.00

Yesterday I was flipping through the November issue of People StyleWatch magazine while waiting in the check-out line at my local grocery store, scouring each page for bargain-savvy tips that I could share with you, my dear readers, when what did my eyes behold? My very own blog, The Budget Babe, staring right back at me in bold, pink letters, smack dab on the pages of People StyleWatch! I gotta say, it was a pretty cool (and very surreal) moment. "I'm buying this, too!" I shouted to my boyfriend and the somewhat startled cashier, as I tossed the magazine onto the conveyor belt. I was grinning from ear-to-ear.

So why was yours truly mentioned in People StyleWatch? Glad you asked: As part of their special StyleWatch issue, the glossy included an article called "15 Ways to Save Big $$$$! Use the Web to stretch your fashion and beauty budgets and you'll be the smartest, most stylish shopper around." My blog got a mention on page 82, under Tip #4: Do a little research: Regularly log onto blogs or sites that troll the Web looking for bargains." Yippee! Other blogs of note included The Budget Fashionista and Cheap Chica (two of my favorite bloggers and really amazing women, too) and the Bargainist.com.

Anywho, it's neat to get recognized, but what really matters to me are my daily readers--both new and old--and your questions, your comments, all that good stuff that keeps me writing and searching for bargains. So (grab your Kleenex), I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you, my incredible readers, for your kindness and support. Seriously. I love sharing my obsession, er, passion for budget fashion with all of you, and I learn so so so much from YOU in the process.

And now for some news you can REALLY use...more fab money-saving tips from StyleWatch (hey, I bought a copy so I might as well pass this info along!)

15 Ways to Save Big $$$$ (Adapted from the November 2008 issue of People StyleWatch magazine)

I am obsessed with boyfriend cardigans, in part because I freeze during the winter, and these extra long sweaters cover my lower back and keep me warm. They're also fashion-y and a more grownup alternative to all the hoodies I wore during my college days. Beyond that, they are sold everywhere which means you can score them at very reasonable prices, and they are incredibly versatile so you'll get plenty of wear out of them. And that makes them a great value.

Whether you like boyfriend cardis for the warmth, or you just love the look, here's some inspiration for how to wear them. Are you a fan? How do you wear yours?




A. Unbuttoned, and belted (Twelve by Twelve)
B. Unbuttoned, over a belted tunic or dress (Mossimo for Target)
C. Buttoned and belted, over leggings, with ankle boots. One of my favorite silhouettes this season. (ASOS)




D. Layered over a dress, this is a great way to winterize summer frocks. (Urban Outfitters)
E. Partially buttoned, with jeans (Simply Vera Vera Wang)
F. Layered over a crisp white blouse, and cinched with a belt, boyfriend cardigans can look polished and perfect for the office. (Marciano)