The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: What to Wear in a Conservative Office

I'm going to be starting as an intern at a law firm soon and I was wondering if you had any outfit ideas, or clothing pieces to recommend for me. They have a very strict dress code, no open-toed shoes, and no bare legs etc. I'm also really looking for a purse that is big enough to carry files and notebooks, but still looks classic and stylish (preferably black). —Erica K.

Your new best friends for dressing in a strict corporate environment will be Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and J. Crew - outlets, that is! My best advice would be to hit up an outlet mall during a holiday weekend when the discounts are steepest. Hmm, kinda like this July 4th weekend! I know that Premium Outlets will be having extra discounts on top of the usual 25 - 65% everyday prices. Mind you, outlets aren't what they used to be and many stores carry clothes especially made for said outlet stores but you can still find some great deals on the pieces you're going to need for work.

On that note, here are 5 conservative work wardrobe essentials to look out for:

1. The Pantsuit
If you're going to be working in a law office, you'll need a few good suits. I like the sleek modern look of this suit in smoked oyster gray by Ann Taylor ($198 plus 40% off). When picking a suit, look for impeccable fit and a quality fabric that won't wrinkle. All-season wool blends work well year-round.


BB Exclusive: Summer Jewelry Fashion Trends with BaubleBar


Last week I was invited to check out the BaubleBar headquarters in New York City thanks to Grace Atwood, Director of Social Media. Grace and I have known each other through the fashion blogosphere for what seems like years now (she pens Stripes and Sequins), so when Grace started working at BaubleBar, she made sure to fill me in on the latest news from this new jewelry sensation.

Lunch Hour Shopping: Barneys Spring Sale




The Barneys New York Spring Sale is going on now with new markdowns up to 60% off regular prices on clothing, accessories and shoes - glorious shoes! Shop designers like Lanvin, YSL, Diane Von Furstenberg, Thakoon, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, the list goes on and on. Now, I'm not saying you will find bargains but you'll find things like Proenza Schouler lasercut booties for $399, down from $995. Besides, these Barneys sales don't come around that often, so if you've been lusting for a designer fix, now might be your chance to indulge and splurge. Just don't buy something unless you truly love it, even if the discount is steep! Okay, now go...

Shop it online:
Barneys Spring Sale

6 Celebrity Tips for Traveling in Style


Look to jet-setting celebrities for tips on how to stay stylish while you travel. Here, six lessons:

[1] Wear a cute hat: Rachel Bilson's fedora not only looks adorable, but it can conceal a bad hair day, especially if you're traveling uber early or catching the red-eye. Bonus: By wearing it on the plane, your hat won't get crushed or take up space in your luggage.

[2] Carry a cross-body bag: Emma Roberts keeps her hands free with a stylish cross-body bag, making travel essentials like that boarding pass and wallet super easy to access.

[3] Try a dress: There's no reason you can't fly in a dress, like the lovely Giuliana Rancic. Just pick a comfy fabric and toss a scarf or cardigan in your carry-on in case you get cold.

[4] Wear your heaviest items: Florence Welch stays true to her rocker-chick style when she's on the go in a leather jacket and black boots. On a practical note, these are items that weigh a lot and take up a lot of precious space in your suitcase, so wear them on the plane if possible.

[5] Toss on a cozy scarf: Jessica Alba loves to accessorize with scarves, especially when traveling. An oversized scarf will look cute and double as a shawl when you're in the air.

[6] Rock glamorous shades: Stars like Elizabeth Hurley never leave home without their sunnies. It goes without saying that a big pair of glam sunglasses will make you look cool and hide dark circles or the fact that you just don't feel like wearing any makeup. I find it easier to take a nap when I'm wearing sunglasses, too.