The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Backstage Beauty: L.A.M.B. Fall 2010 Hair Looks by Danilo





Backstage at L.A.M.B./Fall 2010, part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, I caught up with master hair stylist Danilo, who talked about the inspiration for the retro-glam hair looks in the show. The key products used to achieve the smooth, waved curls include Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream, Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray and Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray. Faux bangs finished the looks. Love how you can see designer Gwen Stefani's very clear perspective expressed in the hair and makeup. And Danilo was too cool, he was very gracious, easy-going and more than happy to share his secrets with all of us! For more details, check out my coverage at StyleItOnline.com.

Mackage Fall 2010 Runway Show Finale





Last week's Mackage Fall 2010 runway show from designers Elisa Dahan and Eran Elfassy makes one yearn for snow and sub-zero temperatures. This collection presented fashions for both men and women, and included glorious leather jackets, impeccably fitted quilted puffers, sharp wool coats and sumptuous furs (wouldn't wear them but they are stunning to behold) in city-chic hues like black, gray, brown, camel—and more black. In addition to the fabulous outerwear were tailored body-con dresses, edgy exposed zippers and stud detailing, and aggressive accessories like elbow length leather gloves, platform ankle boots and ironic geek-chic glasses on the gents. I wasn't really familiar with Mackage before this show, but now I'm stalking Bluefly in hopes of landing one of their signature down coats which look surprisingly slimming, chic and unbelievably warm.

BCBG Max Azria Fall 2010 Fashion Show Finale Video





I'm a tad behind on fashion week coverage so let's flashback to the BCBG Max Azria Fall 2010 runway show, part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. This collection was all about flowing lines, layering and ladylike draping. A mostly muted palette of grays, blues, and blacks was punctuated by the occasional hit of sporty yellow. Artful sequin embellishments, abstract appliques and colorblocking kept things interesting. Highlights for me included a number of sophisticated fluid dresses cinched at the waist with wide belts, which gave some much-needed structure. While this collection was strong and very wearable, I missed the exuberance that usually comes from a young-minded brand like BCBG. Ultimately, though, this is one show I will never forget because I spotted for the first time Vogue editor Anna Wintour sitting in the second or third row on the opposite side of the runway. Thrilling!

Off the Rack: Herve Leger Knockoff at H&M and More

Here's how the Herve Leger-inspired bandage dress (above left) looks styled on a mannequin...

During a recent trip to H&M, I spotted a Herve Leger inspired bandage dress made out of a sort of stretchy sweater material gloriously displayed in the window, so I ducked in to try it on. It didn't work with my body type but I think it's a great find for under $50 (sorry I can't remember the exact price). Elsewhere in the store I admired all the new early spring arrivals, from perfect trench coats in black, coral or khaki to ironic floral print dresses to lots and lots of nude, taupe, beige and otherwise neutral garments, perfect for brightening up a late-winter wardrobe. My only problem with the neutral trend is that those washed out colors tend to make my skin look sallow. Maybe the right makeup and accessories can fix that, we shall see! More pics after the jump.

Here's how it looks on the rack...


Here's how it looks on me (wasn't really working with my rectangular build, but the construction seemed good)


The print on this floral dress reminded me of a Marc Jacobs dress from last season. Note the fierce gold shoes below.