The Budget Babe

Net-a-porter today launched Coach Classics, an exclusive collection of five handbags originally introduced by Coach in the 1970s. With the current 1970s trend on the runways, Net-a-Porter's Buying Director, Holli Rogers, says this felt like the perfect moment to bring back these iconic styles and introduce them to a new generation of women.

"Coach Classics" include the Madison Satchel, the Stewardess Bag, the Duffle, the Shoulder Purse and the Field Bag in classic Coach hues such as British tan, mahogany, navy, red and black. Prices range from $298 for the Shoulder Purse to $498 for the Field Bag.

While these aren't exactly "budget" handbags, I wanted to highlight them as an example of a time when it's permissible to splurge, especially as a gift or to commemorate a special occasion. When Coach does classic, they truly shine, and these are five gorgeous bags that won't go out of style anytime soon.

Shop it online:
Coach Classics Collection

Click through for bigger pics.

Continue reading "Net-A-Porter Launches ... »

UPDATE: And the winner is… #23 Roxanne! Congrats to our winner and thanks to everyone who entered.

Please note: This giveaway has ended and is now closed to further entries.


This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.



I've teamed up with Walgreens to offer one lucky Budget Babe reader the chance to win a $50 giftcard to shop Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products! I love my name brand-name products and pretty packaging as much as the next girl, but buying store brands is a great way to save money on things where aesthetics really don't matter. For example, I use Walgreens brand hydrocortizone cream (works wonders on bug bites) which costs $6.49 for a 2.0 oz. tube, whereas the name brand cream costs $9.99 for the same amount. Every dollar counts and that $3.50 saved is money I could be using on more important things, like nail polish!



Besides being a great value, your purchase of every Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Product supports bringing preventive wellness services to local communities through the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™, a program that provides free preventive health testes as well as other health and wellness services and education to local communities. With the rising costs of health care, I think this is a great way for Walgreens to do its part and give back. Walgreens will contribute up to $3 million annually to its Walgreens Way to Well Fund™.

Now, on to our contest!

To enter for your chance to win a $50 Walgreens Gift Card:

1. Tell us what's your favorite Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Product in the comments section below (or the product you would most like to try).


2. Follow @budgetbabe on Twitter and send out a Tweet including the hashtag #walgreensbrand and a link back to this post (optional for one additional entry).

Good luck!

Contest ends 12 noon ET on June 22, 2011. Winner will be chosen at random and announced on or before June 23, and has 3 business days to respond otherwise an alternate winner will be selected. Open to U.S. residents. This is a sponsored post. Please read the complete contest rules.

It's never to soon to look ahead to fall in the fashion world, and today I'm happy to share the H&M Fall/Winter 2011 women's collection lookbook. Elegance is the operative word this season as H&M looks to the 70's - a decade with ongoing influence - played out in a distinguished palette of browns, camel, burgundies and cream and silhouettes that include longer lengths and wide trousers paired with blouses and comfortable knits.

Patterns we'll see include tweeds, florals, paisley, and checks in fabrics like flannel, suede, brocade, corduroy, Tencel and other more sustainable materials. Details like fringes, tassels, beadings and embroidery, plus fun accessories like leather gloves and a quirky hat complete the look.

Look to the models for styling cues: Grab a classic coat, tailored trousers, and a silk blouse and you'll be good to go. I absolutely love the pumpkin orange, the cloche hats and chunky knits but I'll be wearing my denim in lieu of wide-leg pants.

Click through to see all the looks.

Continue reading "H&M Autumn/Winter 2011 ... »

Kim Kardashian went out for an evening of festivities in a white open drape blazer, fringe tank, and distressed jeans. Colorful platform pumps and statement making earrings add pop.



[1] ASOS Blazer $78
[2] Forever 21 Earrings $4.80
[3] Free People Tank $88.20
[4] Alloy Jeans $39.90
[5] Nordstrom Woven Clutch $78
[6] Mossimo Viviana Pumps $29.99