Spring has arrived at my local Old Navy, so I snapped some pics to show how these clothes look in "real life." Bright colors dominate this collection, which includes bubblegum pink and canary yellow trench coats; loose-fitting tops and sundresses in ocean blue and tangerine; layering tees, tanks and cardigans in a rainbow of colors, and full skirts in blue, red and brown.

Accessories are equally bright: I spotted some floral tote/beach bags, flip-flops in every color imaginable, colorful ballet flats and thong sandals, and lightweight scarves in an assortment of solids, stripes and patterns. Swimwear was a strong point for me (sorry my photos are kinda blurry), there was a nice mix of two-piece and one-piece suits in tropical hues, easy jersey cotton maxi dresses, and some cute embroidered kaftan/tunic coverups.

If you're looking for cheap workout wear, Old Navy definitely has you covered with a wide array of inexpensive support tops, yoga pants—even eco-friendly aluminum water bottles. During my trip, I bought a couple items from the last-call clearance section and called it a day. It's 38 degrees out today and I just can't bring myself to buy spring clothes until the weather warms up. But I imagine lots of spring breakers will be stocking up! What do you think of ON's spring offerings so far?

Shop new arrivals at oldnavy.com














Lots more photos after the jump >>

Today's sales at Gilt Groupe include Me&Ro jewelry, Isabella Fiore handbags and Richard Chai. Huge fan of Chai, but can't afford it. Me&Ro makes some lovely pieces and all the celebs wear it, but once again it's out of my price range. Check it out if you're looking for something special and you're ready to splurge! If nothing else, these sales are an education in what's luxe and what's hot right now. All sales start today, Tuesday 2/24 at 12 PM ET. Use this link to join the sales: http://www.gilt.com/invite/budgetbabe

The lovely people over at We Love Colors, an amazing online hosiery boutique, recently sent me a bundle of their brightly hued tights in delicious pastel hues, including pink, lavender, cream, yellow and light green, as well as a pair of rich jewel-toned emerald green.




Not too long ago, I wrote a little post about how to wear colored tights and featured looks from the runway as well as some tres chic fashion bloggers. But this time, the challenge fell to me to incorporate these bold leg coverings into my wardrobe. Let me tell you, it was tricky working around such bright colors, but it was also oddly exhilarating. Colors have a mood-elevating effect and seem to spark the imagination in unexpected ways.

If you think you've got what it takes to rock colored tights—as I know many of you do—then head on over to the brand new We Love Colors "Trends" Blog and share your style with the world. Send them a photo of yourself wearing colored tights in a creative way, and you could be featured on their blog and even might receive a free gift! We love colors, how about you?

Dress: Old Navy, Originally $34.50, I paid $14.99
Cardigan: French Connection via TJ Maxx, Originally $98, I paid $23
Necklaces: Old Navy, Originally $14.50, I paid $0.99 each
Tights: We Love Colors, gift
Shoes: Old Navy, Original price unknown, I paid $6.97 on clearance
Purse: Zara, Original price unknown, I paid $19.99 on sale

Today's sales at Gilt Groupe include CFDA On The Red Carpet: Accessories, CFDA On The Red Carpet: Eveningwear, ADAM, and Hickey menswear. Not sure I will have a need for a red carpet-worthy gown any time soon, but that doesn't mean I can't look, right? All sales start today, Monday 2/23 at 12 PM ET. Use this link to join the sales: http://www.gilt.com/invite/budgetbabe

And the winner is... #26 Danielle, who writes "Cymbeline and Constance are my faves!!! I love these!!!" Congratulations to our lucky winner and special thanks to Feather by Feather for making this great giveaway possible!

Please note: This contest has ended.

Feathers are everywhere these days (everywhere chic, that is), from the Spring 2009 Louis Vuitton runway to the stylish set of Gossip Girl. Enter today's giveaway for your chance to ruffle some sartorial feathers with a beautiful, handmade feathered headband, courtesy of Feather by Feather. For your chance to win one (1) feathered headband of your choice, visit the Feather by Feather Etsy store (www.featherbyfeather.etsy.com), then tell us which headband style is your favorite in the comment section below. (Each one is named after a Shakespearean heroine or villain—how cool is that?!). Good luck everyone!

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 midnight ET on Tuesday February 24 to be eligible to win. One lucky winner will be chosen at random, and will be announced on Wednesday February 25.