The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Look for Less: Ettika Silk Wrap Bracelet



Ettika at ShopStyle


Many designers have turned inexpensive souvenirs that you might have picked up for a few dollars abroad, into fashionable—and expensive—commodities at home. Think Indian bangles or Tibetan prayer beads. This ethnic-inspired (for lack of a better word) Ettika Silk Wrap Bracelet with gold charms, for example, sells for $83 at Max & Chloe...



Urban Outfitters at ShopStyle


...Wanna look like a globetrotter, without dropping a ton of cash? Try this East of the Sun by Samanca Jewelry bracelet, made of a long silk ribbon dotted with gold-tone charms. It's available at Urban Outfitters for $24, and I bet you could probably find these somewhere else even cheaper—any ideas?

Spring's 10 Best Tulip Skirts from $13 to $69


Spring Fashion 2009 Best Tulip Skirt Trend on a Budget

Yesterday I tracked down the season's best denim jackets, and today I'm presenting some of the best tulip skirts around, ranging in price from just $12.80 to $69. As seen on the runways of Lanvin and Tracy Reese, the tulip skirt is a fresh silhouette that will add new life to your warm weather wardrobe. As the name suggests, a tulip skirt has more fabric around the waistline and a close-fitting hemline, similar to an inverted tulip flower. If you're worried about drawing attention to the hip area, fear not: It's all about finding the right length of tulip skirt and balancing it out with the right top (experimentation is key). Go for a high-waist to create a glorious hourglass silhouette. If you've got straight hips, the tulip skirt is a nice way to add some instant curves (which is what I'm banking on). Personally, I think Banana Republic presents the perfect tulip skirt - I love how they've styled it with a short-sleeve scoopneck sweater, platform sandals and a statement necklace. Think you'll be trying this trend?

To see all 10 skirts, browse the widget below for details:

New Collab: Ashley Paige Swimsuits at Target


Ashley Paige Swimsuits Bikini Love for Target

Los Angeles-based swimwear designer Ashley Paige has designed a line of swimsuits for Target called Bikini Love. So far, there are 8 bikini styles to choose from at Target.com, some of which feature Paige's signature crochet style and seventies-inspired prints. Reader Janna, who tipped me off to this latest Target collaboration, saw the swimsuits in person and says they have a "St. Bart's inspired look." Sounds dreamy, although I can't say I'm in the market for a bikini at the moment. Do you have love for Bikini Love?

Related Deal:
Spend $50 in Womens, Get Free Shipping on Select Items at Target.com

Spring's 11 Best Jean Jackets From $19 to $90


A little while back, I outlined my Spring Essentials Checklist for 2009, and ever since, I've been busy tracking down each item, on a budget. Starting today, I'll be presenting my finds, beginning with the ever-essential denim jacket. Wear one with white pants and a tee, a patterned skirt and tank, a tunic and black leggings, or over your favorite dress. Here are 11 of the most versatile yet on-trend jean jackets that I've found, priced from just $19.99 to $89.99. For details, just click any image in the widget below. Enjoy!