At the start of the season, youlookfab.com posted 10 foolproof outfit formulas for girls on the go, and I've been recreating each style recipe using budget-friendly items to help you get these looks for yourself. With formulas #1, #2, and #3 behind us, it's on to #4. Oh, and there's a spin! Each look consists entirely of items from the ever-affordable Target.com.

Jeans + tunic sweater + leather or pleather jacket + ankle boots

Foolproof Fall Outfit 4a by The Budget Babe featuring Converse shoes

Foolproof Fall Outfit 4b by The Budget Babe on Polyvore.com

Foolproof Fall Outfit 4a by The Budget Babe on Polyvore.com

As you can see, you can modify the formula by using longer shirts or blouses and swapping fashion sneaks or other comfy shoes for the ankle boots. The possibilities are endless. For more inspiration, check out Angie's ideas here.

The Fall/Winter 2009 season is well underway, but I've received a number of requests for a wardrobe checklist from readers (and honestly, I needed to put one together for myself anyways), so here goes! Let me know what I missed in the comments.

Your Fall/Winter 2009 Wardrobe Checklist

• Long sleeve layering tees in neutral hues with different necklines, ie. scoopneck, v-neck, turtleneck. These will go under everything from button down plaid shirts to dolman sleeve sweaters to blazers.
  
  
• Cardigans: Look for the latest shapes like open front, cascade (really drapy), cocoon, or boyfriend.
  
  
• Jeans: As long as you have some great dark skinnies and dark bootcuts, you're covered.
  
  
• Jeggings: Denim leggings, great for pairing with short dresses, tunics and tucking into boots.
  
  
• Chunky scarf: Infinity scarves (aka circle or loop scarves) are big this season, as are stripes, subdued animal prints, antique florals, faux fur and paisley.
  
  
• A warm coat you love that fits great: A wool peacoat or trench looks sharp, flatters all figures, and you can wear it to the office then out to dinner afterwards. This season, consider something with military detailing, an interesting collar, or even a ruffle.
  
  
• For going out: A sequin tank; any top with an embellished neckline or ornamentation on the shoulders; a statement necklace. If you have these items, you can wear them a million ways. Pair that sequin top with jeans, heels and a blazer. Ditto with the embellished top—or, tuck that tee into a pencil skirt and toss on some ankle boots. Lace tights are another budget-friendly way to get dolled up: Add these to your fave LBD from last season, and you've got yourself a whole new look.
  
  
• Already in Your Closet: You should already own a fab white blouse, fab pencil skirt, black blazer (velvet, tuxedo style or boyfriend) and black platform pumps to reach for when creating new combos.
  
  
• On Your Feet: One pair of riding boots, one pair of black knee-high "dressy" boots, one pair ankle boots.
  
  
• On Your Nails: Dark polish, like pewter, indigo, green.
  
  
• On Your Shoulder: Saddlebags, big bags, studded bags, faux-croc, faux-snakeskin, chain details—whatever catches your eye!
  
  
• Wild Cards: On-trend pieces to try out this season may include a faux-fur vest, leather pants, sequin leggings, zipper embellished anything, something red, something leopard print. Be brave and pick at least one thing that's outside your comfort zone!

What's on your fall must-have list? What did I miss??

It's time to announce the fabulous winners of our T. J. Maxx Maxxinista Giveaway! Readers were asked to upload a photo of themselves showing off their Maxxinista style, and to leave a comment on this post. There were so many amazing entries that it made picking just 3 winners unbelievably difficult, but the following three ladies truly shined—and they'll each be receiving one $100 T.J. Maxx giftcard!

#1 Marley Pugh
#6.1 Rebeca
#10 Laura

Congratulations, ladies! Special thanks to T.J. Maxx for supplying the prizes and a HUGE thanks to everyone who participated! Keep reading for more details about each winning look…

I was wondering if you could suggest an outfit for me? I'm going to Atlantic City, New Jersey, to celebrate my 25th birthday with some friends and my boyfriend. We're gonna be dancing and gambling all night. I am going crazy trying to find the perfect outfit and shoes to wear. —Courtney

Great question, Happy Birthday in advance! You are going to have a fun night

So when I need a party outfit, I usually head to Forever 21. Do you like their stuff?

If you like to be comfy, you could pair this amazing top:



...with your fave dark-wash jeans and some black boots. Carry a black open-front drapy cardigan that you can toss on when you're cold, then bunch up in a ball and toss in your purse when you don't need it.

If you want something more girly, try this dress:




or this dress:



...wear with dark opaque tights, comfy black boots (like these) and top with a black blazer that you can keep on or take off depending on the situation.


Clutches are fun but you might forget it someplace, so I'd opt for a fun evening bag with a strap so it stays close by. You could always wrap your cardi or blazer kinda over the bag to keep hands free.

Dear readers: What did you wear to celebrate your last birthday?

Never before has a single article of outerwear garnered so much attention as the leather jacket for Fall 2009. I can't back that up with any hard data, but it certainly seems that way. Earlier in the season, I outlined some of the best places to shop for leather jackets on a budget.

Now the fashionable folks at Stylehive.com have taken it to another level with a round-up of some of the most stylish leather jackets under $250. And if that still seems to high, consider that all these jackets are sold at stores with frequent sales and the occasional online coupon. Plus, a real leather jacket is one of those things you can wear forever.

Are you wearing a leather jacket this season? Did you go faux or real?