The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: Walmart's Spring Fashion Fail




This past weekend I make a quick trip to Walmart to see what was new for spring in the fashion department, and I have to say I was pretty disappointed. There were a few cute things but nothing worth going out of your way to buy. The Miley Cyrus collection continues to be a surprising source of cute, cheap pieces like the pink ruffle cami (shown above), just $12. Pair it with jeans, some heels and a blazer and you have a respectable going-out look. Norma Kamali's line continues to baffle me - what's with the oversized sweatshirts, camo pants and kooky prints? I struggled to find 5 items suitable for sharing: A black trench ($35), black lightweight parka ($35), leopard wrap dress ($20), pinstripe shirtdress ($20) and striped v-neck tee. Norma Kamali for Walmart has really lost its steam and it's a darn shame.

Have you found any budget-fashion gems at Walmart recently?

Make Your Spring Makeup Pop with New Hues from H&M




For spring, H&M is introducing some vivid new colors to their makeup lineup to help you achieve a fresh look without spending a fortune. Nail polish colors include a tropical metallic aqua green, deep bright purple and light yellow. Shimmering lip gloss comes in apricot and bubblegum pink, while eye shadows come in purple, green, turquoise and pink.

I love all the brights but find these colors often look better in the box than on my face. Nail polish is an exception - I could wear H&M's entire range from the lemon yellow to the more subtle shades like mud beige, concrete gray or old rose. Look for H&M makeup at your local store.


Lunch Hour Shopping: Splendid, Ella Moss and More at Gilt




Who doesn't love the simple sophistication of Ella Moss, or the casual luxury of Splendid's supersoft tees? Today's your chance to pick up a piece or two from either of these chic labels at Gilt Groupe, where you'll find stellar deals on easy dresses, tees, cardigans and tank tops to enhance your everyday wardrobe. Click on over to sign up now so you'll be ready to shop at 12 noon ET sharp.

Shown above from left: Splendid top, $29; Ella Moss dress, $49; Ella Moss tank, $29

Ask BB: A Spring Wardrobe Essentials Checklist, Please

Hi, you should make a spring 2011 wardrobe essentials list, I need a guide of what to get this spring! —K

Great question (er, request?)! I need a guide to help me shop for spring, too. In addition to restocking your basic tees and cardigans for layering, here's a list of 10 must haves to add your wardrobe - of course these are just suggestions, edit and seek out styles that suit you!

Your Spring Essentials Checklist: 10 Must Have Pieces