The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Look for Less: Members Only Jacket



Members Only at ShopStyle


Need a lightweight jacket for spring? Believe it or not, the requisite '80s fashion statement known as the Members Only jacket has made a comeback. Characterized by an elasticized waistband, elasticized wrists, a zip-up front and some snap closures at the collar, the Members Only jacket is a bad flashback for some, but a hip, vintage must-have for others. You could check eBay or the bowels of your closet for an original (I highly discourage you from paying $145 for the nylon jacket shown here from Kitson.com)...



Wet Seal at ShopStyle


...or you could pay $12.99 for this Member's Only Jacket from Wet Seal (yep, that's what they called it)...



Forever 21 at ShopStyle


...or you could scoop up this essential Color Zip-Up Jacket from Forever 21 for just $16.50. Choose from 6 fab colors, or buy one of each for less than the cost of the brand-name jacket. Which is, like, totally rad.

What Are Your Top 10 Beauty Products?

Real Style Real People recently did a fun post about the top 10 best-selling beauty products according to Glamour magazine, and then asked her readers to share theirs. It got me thinking about my own list, which is constantly evolving—I like to try new things and mix it up! I've also been trending towards organic, all-natural products for things like shampoo, body wash, and lotion (working my way up to makeup on that front).

Here's my current Top 10 List, share yours in the comments:

1. Nature's Gate Tea Tree Calming Shampoo and Conditioner: Hydrating, all-natural formulas have even made my hairdresser take note. This is my favorite fragrance from the Nature's Path line, the other ones smell a tad too hippie. I get this in the "natural/organic" aisle of my local grocery store.

2. L'Occitane en Provence Honey & Lemon Foaming Jelly: I received a bottle of this as a gift, and while it has a really pungent odor, I love the color, consistency and even the fragrance. Makes me feel French.

3. Kiss My Face Olive/Aloe Natural Moisturizer (fragrance-free variety): Yes, I switched from Clinique a couple weeks ago and my skin has never looked better. (There was nothing wrong with my Clinique lotion, I was just bored and ready for a change.) I usually apply two light coats of Kiss My Face's rich formula, which takes a few seconds to be absorbed, but is in no way greasy or heavy. Love the fact that it's virtually fragrance free, and comes in a big bottle with a convenient pump dispenser.

4. Alba Sea Algae Enzyme Facial Scrub: With a fresh scent reminiscent of a high-end spa, this fine-grit facial scrub is gentle enough for every day use. You can really work this onto your skin to remove dead skin without drying it out, which is what I love about this stuff. I buy mine at Target on sale, and it's also available at Whole Foods (I think).

5. Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Bronzer, Blush & Eye Shadow in Waikiki Strip/Peachy Glow Bronzer: I have a feeling this isn't the healthiest product for my skin (which tends to get red if I rub my face after applying--oops!) but it gives my pale complexion a seriously gorgeous glow. When I use this one up, I'm going to try the Physicians Formula organic bronzer next.

Dress by Number: Shenae Grimes in Harem Pants


No matter what you think about harem pants, you've got to admit: Shenae Grimes looks really cute in them! Here, she's paired the controversial, voluminous pants with a Lauren Moshi tank (those hand-drawn designer T-shirts all the celebs wear), a black leather convertible tote and nude patent pumps. Steal her Arabian-Nights-meets-safari-chic look with affordable finds from Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, Newport-News and more. (Find all my picks plus the "real deal" items using the widget below.)

[1] Leather-Look Tote, Newport-News, $39
[2] Elephant Tank, Forever 21, $11.80
[3] Natural History Necklace, Urban Outfitters, $38
[4] Silence & Noise Harem Pants, Urban Outfitters, $38
[5] Bracelet, Target.com, $8.99
[6] Madden Girl Nude Patent Pumps, Zappos.com, $49.90