The Budget Babe

Fashion designer Anna Sui has been tapped to do a collection for Target as part of its Designer Collaboration series, which will hit 250 select Target stores September 13 and run through October 17. According to The Cut, Anna Sui's collection will be inspired by the four ladies of Gossip Girl: Blair, Serena, Jenny, and Vanessa.

"When I was in Asia last year, all the young girls kept asking me about the different locations in New York City where the characters from ‘Gossip Girl’ live," Sui told WWD. Expect to see materials like metallic jacquard, herringbone, silk, and chiffon with tulle, lace, and sequin detailing crop up in this collection.

I have faith that Anna Sui's collection will outshine Alexander McQueen, who I feel didn't really take budget-shoppers seriously, and who seriously underestimated his American fans. I love Sui's design sensibility so Gossip Girl or not, I think she will work hard to give us ladies the cheap fashion thrills we so deserve. Pleeease let this be good!

Thanks to reader Alison for the tip!

And the winner is... #32 Jenny who wrote, "I would sport the XO brass bracelet. I love the mix of patina on the brass!" Thanks to everyone who participated!


Please note: This contest is now closed, check back tomorrow for the winner!

Twisted Silver is proud to bring jewelry fans their new Button Necklace, which features a collection of vintage-reminiscent buttons clustered like charms in a long, toggle necklace. The Button Necklace will be available on May 12th for $80, but one lucky winning reader of The Budget Babe can have it before anyone else!

To enter, visit www.twisted-silver.com then answer the following question in the comments: What other piece would you wear with the Button necklace?

Good luck everyone!

This particular contest is open to U.S. residents only. Be sure to use a valid email address and add info(at)thebudgetbabe.com to your safe sender list so we can contact you if you're the winner. Email addresses will not be shared and will only be used to notify you if you're the winner for this giveaway. Comments must be posted by 12 noon ET on Friday May 9 to be eligible to win. One lucky winner will be chosen at random, and will be announced on Saturday May 10.

Dexter Paige Flower Sandal, $22.99

The good thing about Payless is that their stores are conveniently located in strip-malls across America, so after a recent trip to the grocery store, I ducked into the neighboring Payless to see if they had anything decent and snapped some pics for that "real life" footage many shoppers appreciate (product pics can be so misleading!). Nothing really blew me away on this visit, but they had a couple cute pairs of sandals like the textural flower thong sandal (above), which comes in 4 colors and has a quirky-chic, designer feel. Check out their newly revamped website for dozens more styles including eco-friendly shoes from zac&zoe, these adorable ribbon-striped heels from Lela Rose, and these potentially fierce gladiator platforms from alice + olivia. Also, Payless.com now offers flat rate ground shipping for $5.95, in case you didn't know.

Have you picked up any new shoes at Payless this season? Anything catch your eye?

(MORE PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP) Continue reading "Off the Rack: Spring Shoes ... »

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I know a number of you are searching for that perfect dress (or three) to wear to all your summer wedding engagements—something appropriate for the occasion (to quote one reader, "non-appropriate equaling cheap material, too casual, or designed for 'clubbing'!"), something affordable (preferably under $100), and above all, something that will make other guests says "Wow!" (without taking attention away from the bride, of course).

It's a tall order, but I'm up to the challenge. To kick things off, here are 6 fabulous options from Nine West. We love them for their shoes and bags, and right now we're loving them for offering flattering party dresses at prices we can live with. Here are just a few that caught my eye:

[1] In The Present, One Shoulder Dress (also available in black), Was $130.00 Now $49.99. Tap into the one-shoulder trend with this tasteful dress in a vivid shade of red.

[2] In The Present, Floral Lace Dress $160.00 NOW $59.99. The wonderful thing about floral lace is that it's perfectly appropriate for special occasions in all four seasons.

[3] Power Girl, Sleeveless Dress With Draping Detail Was $124.00 Now $89.99. This hot halter dress is tempered by elegant draping that's strategically placed.

[4] Power Girl, 3/4 Sleeve Dress Was $124.00 Now $89.99. Show off just the right amount of decolletage with this LBD's spectacular plunging neckline.

[5] Power Girl, Circle Clustered Jacquard Dress Was $134.00 Now $99.99. While it's OK to wear white to a casual daytime wedding, I'd add colorful accessories to brighten up this pretty, fitted shift.

[6] Power Girl, Matte Jersey Dress in Lemongrass, Was $124.00 Now $89.99. This sunny frock can be dressed up for a wedding, or pared down for the office.