The Budget Babe

Target is teaming up with LA's trendy Intuition boutique (http://www.shopintuition.com) to create the Hollywood Intuition for Target line, due out in July. [via WWD] The Intuition for Target collection will merge celebrity trends with budget fashion for a cheap-chic line of accessories including sunglasses, scarves, handbags, hats, jewelry and small leather goods, priced from $2.99 for a headband to $29.99 for a handbag. I can't imagine Target will have any trouble at all translating Intuition style to the mass market (as far as I'm concerned, it's already there). Are you looking forward to this collab?

More Longchamp...

What do you think of the Longchamp Le Pliage bag? It seems to be a really hot school bag. One day I saw five of them just on one stairway. As I paid more attention, I realized they are everywhere. Do you think this item is really worth the price, and can you recommend some cheaper alternatives for a school bag? Thanks, Daniela

While my school days are behind me, I happen to live in an East Coast college town, and lo and behold, the other day while driving through the center of the city, I spotted a stylish co-ed carrying a black Le Pliage large tote with tan leather trim and long handles. I nearly crashed in my attempt to get a better look at said handbag as the student slipped through a wrought-iron gate and disappeared onto the quads.

Continue reading "Ask BB: Is the Longchamp Le ... »

Last week we posted about the launch of Forever 21's new swimwear collection, and this week our Chicago-based budget-shopping correspondent (aka my sister) headed to the mall to check it out. She snapped a few photos with her cell phone, so the quality of the images isn't great, BUT she reports that the quality of the actual bathing suits is stellar! Lots of fun, feisty prints and amazing prices (most pieces are under $20), she reports.

In addition to the new swim suits, my sis also said she saw what appeared to be a limited-edition Bollywood Collection from Twelve by Twelve (Forever 21's luxe line). No doubt riding on the success of the Academy-award winning film Slumdog Millionaire, the new Bollywood fashion line features casual day dresses in sari-inspired fabrics, and a rich, jewel-tone color palette of brilliant blues, oranges, and reds. While my sister wasn't able to photograph the Bollywood clothing, she took a photo of the clothing tag as evidence (below).



Keep reading to see all the photos...

Continue reading "Off the Rack: F21 Swimwear, ... »

The lovely Mischa Barton looks sweet and sexy in a one-shouldered purple satin frock with a decadent ruffle detail along the neckline. You could pair it with ankle booties a la Barton for a night of party hopping, or wear it with strappy heels for a more formal affair. I love this look, but then again I'm partial to ruffles and anything "one-shoulder" (something about the cut seems to flatter my shoulders). Would you wear this look?