The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Look for Less: Geren Ford Plaid Top



Geren Ford at ShopStyle


Dainty ruffles add a stylish touch to this country-cool Geren Ford Gather Ruffle Neck Top, which sells for $258 at Shopbop.com.



Forever 21 at ShopStyle


If you're merely looking for any ol' sleeveless plaid top with ruffles (ya know, nothing too specific), then Forever 21 might fit the bill. This Marisol Woven Top features a smocked yoke with ruffled trim and retails for just $14.80.

The CUBE at Marshalls: Steadily Improving!

The Budget Babe reviews the CUBE at Marshalls and shares her bargain fashion finds.

Over the past 6 months or so, Marshalls stores have been slowing rolling out "store-within-a-store boutiques" called The CUBE, which are basically glorified juniors departments where all the latest contemporary brands are supposed to be housed. If your nearest Marshalls has a CUBE, you'll recognize it by the bright pink signage and different music track that plays within its bounds.

My past trips to the CUBE have been disappointing (at best), but during a recent trip to a CUBE location in Chicago, I was pleasantly surprised to see a CUBE clearance section and just a better selection of clothing overall. I spotted brands like Free People, Guess, DKNY, Jessica Simpson and Kensie Girl, and a lot less Baby Phat and Rocawear (no offense to anyone who wears those brands but Marshalls should not assume that's all teens wear, ya know?).

I ended up buying a cotton plaid shirt-dress ($14.99), two-in-one tank dress ($14.99), striped hooded tank top ($11.99) and a BB Dakota navy blazer ($16.99). My sister bought a Kanye West sunglass case and Forever 21 jeans (yup, F21 at Marshalls) for $7. And my nephew got the cutest Dr. Seuss board game, but that's not fashion related. Anywho, here are some photos I snapped of my loot as well as other awesome items off the racks.

Have you noticed any improvements at the CUBE locations near you? What would you still like to see happen?

MORE PHOTOS AFTER THE JUMP







BB Dakota piped navy blazer, $16.99. It's made of the softest sweatshirt fabric which makes it a fun casual take on a somewhat austere preppy look.







Soft, thin cotton jersey tank top with a little hood and grommet details along the neckline. Something semi-stylish for hot weather. ($11.99)