Basic tees get a fashionable jolt with photo-realistic sea creature designs. And isn't that neon green just yummy?

The other day I "discovered" a new-to-me Walmart store in my area which carries—get this—both the Norma Kamali for Walmart collection and To the Max! I was ridiculously excited, in part because when the Kamali collection first launched, I called just about every Walmart within a 25 mile radius of my house and was told by store managers that they didn't carry the line nor would they be carrying it in the future. Well, guess they were wrong! Anyways, if you live near a Walmart that carries these two lines, they are definitely worth checking out. I try to avoid impulse buys (operative word is "try"), so on this visit I just scoped out the new spring stuff, then I picked up a couple pieces from the To the Max line on clearance, including a very artsy ombre sweaterdress, for just $7 a piece. Here are some pics I snapped off the racks to give you a feel for what's in store. Anything catching your eye?

I'm pretty sure I've seen Rumi rocking these jeans on Fashion Toast. If you can pull off the acid-wash/bleached denim look, these jeans cost next to nothing and look just like the couture denim on the runways!

This army-green draped dress is so unbelievably fabulous and designer-looking and cheap! I need it. Pick this up for your summer vacations, ladies! Five stars all the way.

Here's another eye-catching top for days when basic black feels boring. The cranes are so happy-looking, too.

Embody the sexy, utilitarian style of model-turned-designer Erin Wasson with this Acid Wash Blue Grateful Vest from her first clothing collection, Erin Wasson X RVCA. It's $198 at Oak.


Can't drop $200 on a denim vest? Try this bleached denim vest from Forever 21 for $22.80 instead. Pair it with a gray tank and white jeans or wear it over a floral mini-dress—two great looks for summer outdoor fun!

The mannequin displays seem stuck in a time warp (note the bouquet of fake flowers). Kmart needs serious help in this department.

I recently scoped out the clothing department at Kmart, a store I have not visited in years. When I was a kid, shopping at Kmart was not something you advertised, even though most of us and our families sorta had to out of necessity. I think the stigma of shopping for clothes at Kmart has diminished somewhat simply because the store has been overshadowed by competitors such as Walmart and Tar-jay (which Kmart is definitely NOT). I don't see myself going out of my way to buy clothing at Kmart since the nearest store is 30 minutes away, however, I will certainly keep an eye on their online offerings, which have improved significantly in recent months. You just never know where you'll score that next bargain that will have everyone asking, "Where did you buy that?" And the secret will be yours to keep, or share if you're feeling generous. Do you shop for clothing or accessories at Kmart? Why or why not?

This rack held plenty of breezy, basic cotton tops that would be perfect for summer but I couldn't find my size. On the flip side, there was no shortage of sizes M-XL, and almost everything was between 25-40% off.

These coordinated knit-tops and skirts were almost cute but the prints lacked sophistication.

Jessica Kagan Cushman "You're Not the Boss of Me" bangles are a playful reminder of who's in charge of your life. Pick up one of these delightful lucite bracelets for $90 at Max & Chloe.


Inspiration can be yours at any price point: Snag Forever 21's "Love" bangle in either white with black lettering or black with white lettering for $5.80 a piece.

Pick silk/cotton blends like this Love 21 dotted top for breathable summer style that's affordable, too.

Here at The Budget Babe, I often focus on the way things look because the last time I checked, the internet does not yet allow for the sense of "touch" to be explored (or at least, not the way I'd want to explore it as it relates to fashion!) But of course one of the most important aspects of fashion is the way clothing feels against our skin and the way it moves, stretches and breathes when we wear it.

In the winter, I'm drawn to warm wool or cashmere blends for their unique heat-trapping, moisture-wicking properties. And after a few warm days here in New England, including this past Memorial Day, I'm beginning to think silk/cotton blends may just be my favorite type of fabric for warm-weather attire. I have a blouse from H&M that's 70% cotton, 30% silk and it is the lightest, breeziest blouse in my closet right now.

Despite the 3/4 length sleeves, it's cooler than the skimpiest tank top. It's infinitely more sophisticated and dressier than a basic cotton tee (which I also adore but one can't live in t-shirts alone), it washes well (I go for cold water, delicate wash to be on the safe side) and it was excessively affordable at just under $30.

Ladies, my advice to you when shopping for summer tops and blouses:

• Read those tags! Avoid 100% polyester altogether which will make you sweat and just feels icky in hot weather.
  


• Look for silk/cotton blends: I even saw silk/cotton blend tops at Kmart over the weekend! They're out there, even for budget shoppers.
  


• Use your sense of touch: Feel the garment to gauge the softness. Scrunch it (gently) to see how well it resists wrinkles. Another great summer fabric is linen but it wrinkles like mad, so I tend to look for linen/cotton blends which are slightly softer and won't wrinkle as readily as pure linen.
  


• Think silk for day or night: Don't pass up a silk blouse just because you think it's too dressy. This fabric's perfect for work and casual, everyday style too.

Be as selective about how your summer clothing feels as it looks and you'll love each piece that much more. Get started by browsing this small selection of cheap chic silk/cotton blend tops from around the web: