The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Win Cool Stuff: In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon

And the winner is… #61 Tahrer Khalil, who wrote "Everytime I smell Chanel's COCO MADEMOISELLE it reminds me of when I was little. That is the one perfume my mom would always wear. Everytime we went out she would put some on. Now everytime I smell it it reminds me of those days. My mom lives in Arizona and I live in Chicago, so when I want to feel her presence I take a sniff of this elegant scent."

Congrats to our winner and thanks to everyone who entered. I loved reading these!



Win Cool Stuff: In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon

Please note: This contest is now closed to further entries.

Enter for your chance to win a beautiful bottle of In Bloom, the first fragrance developed in partnership with Reese Witherspoon exclusively for Avon! In Bloom is a Floral Oriental Woody fragrance that sparkles with a provocative blend of feminine floral notes including Georgia Peach Tea Leaves, Magical Magnolias and Cashmere Woods.

"In developing In Bloom, I found myself drawn to the scents of my childhood in Tennessee," explains Reese Witherspoon. "We had a great big Magnolia tree in the back yard, and it's that beautiful white blossom that inspired the perfume. In Bloom is indicative of where I am in my life today. I'm feeling very strong and independent, and so happy, so full of life. The fragrance truly captures that feeling—it's very sensual, very romantic and alluring."

To enter, tell us which scents remind you of your childhood in the comments section below.

Contest Details:

  • Contest ends Thursday, December 10th at 12 noon EST. Winner will be chosen at random and announced on Friday, December 11th.

  • Open to readers ages 18 and older, living in the continental US

  • One entry per reader

  • Be sure to add info(at)thebudgetbabe.com to your email safe list so you can be notified if you're the winner.


10 Affordable Ways to Update an LBD for Holiday Parties

If you're looking for ways to get dolled up for the holidays while sticking to your budget, here are 10 inexpensive ways to spice up that little black dress you already own, and make it fresh and fun for 2009.

1. Nothing says party time like a shimmering pair of glittery heels. Slip into these Glitter Pumps from Charlotte Russe and all eyes will be on your feet. ($24.99, charlotterusse.com)



2. Regardless of whether or not you love faux fur, donning this fur vest over a little black dress will make you the proverbial life of the party. Everyone will want to pet you! You know what I mean. ($38, threadandcommon.com)



3. Add a big, bold shiny statement necklace to a plain LBD and friends will flock to compliment you like magpies drawn to shiny things. Bling, bling! ($24, threadandcommon.com)



4. A festive sequin shrug adds just a hint of shine to a plain LBD. Get more mileage out of strapless styles with the added coverage afforded by a shrug, too. ($29.80, forever21.com)



5. A cropped jewel-neck cardigan in a soft winter-white will liven up last year's LBD while keeping you warm. (sale $49.50, express.com)



6. Give your favorite LBD a facelift with an eye-catching, figure flattering belt. This unique gold cheetah belt is definitely a showstopper. ($11, lulus.com)



7. Not for the faint of heart, the Deena & Ozzy Spotted Cocktail Hat promises to dazzle onlookers with it's unapologetic sartorial insouciance. Too much? Try an embellished headband instead. ($34, urbanoutfitters.com)



8. Dress up your gams with these lace tights by Betsey Johnson. Patterned tights are a sexy, simple recipe for instant holiday glam on a budget. ($20, nordstrom.com)



9. Show up to a party wearing these edgy fingerless gloves, and I guarantee you'll get noticed. The fact that you're wearing the same LBD to every fete won't matter whatsoever. ($39, bebe.com)



10. Transform everything from simple frocks to a t-shirt and jeans this holiday season with a standout sequin jacket, like this one from BB Dakota. Looking fabulous couldn't be easier. ($83, boutiquetoyou.com)