The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Missoni for Target in Vogue




The August 2011 issue of Vogue magazine offers a delicious sneak peek at the upcoming Missoni for Target collaboration, which hits stores September 13th. I got the chance to scope out the 400+ piece collection at a press preview back in May and let me tell you, it is all that and a bag of chips.

I am dying to reveal more but in the meantime, feast your eyes on Margherita Missoni wearing a Target for Missoni skirt ($40) and sweater ($45), plus a couple items from the line decorating her new home including a rug ($30), bike ($400), trays ($20-$25) and ceramic canisters ($20). Notice how they blend in oh-so-seamlessly. Everything about this collection stays true to Missoni - except for the price. Huge thanks to a dear reader by the name of Phaedra for giving us all the heads up about the Vogue spread!

Click through for more images. Are you looking forward to this collab?

Ask BB: Wedding Guest Etiquette for Cocktail Attire

I am attending a wedding in September. They request "cocktail" attire. I am having a tough time 1) figuring out how "formal" cocktail attire is, and 2) finding something affordable. Her bridesmaids dresses are from The Limited. Any suggestions? —Wendy S.

Cocktail attire for a wedding typically means a chic dress and heels for ladies and tie-optional-suit for gents. A pretty blouse and skirt can work, too, but I find that wearing a dress is so much simpler. Look for something knee length or even slightly shorter. I'd start my search by hitting the sale racks at a store like J. Crew or your favorite department store. You could even try The Limited, they have an amazing selection of dresses under $100 (it goes without saying but just make sure you don't buy the exact same style/color as the bridesmaids!) One of my secret weapons is Talbots Outlet - yes, Talbots will surprise you with classic pieces you can personalize with your favorite jewelry and fun shoes. If you're comfortable shopping online, you'll find dozens more options everywhere from Target.com to ModCloth.com.

A picture is worth a thousand words, so here are some perfect cocktail dress options under $100.

1. With it's clean, graceful lines and rich gemstone hue, J. Crew's "Avedine" dress is quintessential cocktail chic. Pair it with slingback heels, a pretty necklace and a clutch for a pulled together ladylike look. ($69.99, down from $225)


Fashion for A Cause: Olsenboye Pennies from Heaven Coin Purse




JCPenney just launched Pennies from Heaven, an inspiring new philanthropic initiative to support afterschool programs. Olsenboye for JCPenney designers Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen are lending their support to the initiative by releasing a limited edition change purse available exclusively at jcp.com and select stores. Each purse sells for $9.99 and 100 percent of the sale proceeds will be donated to the Pennies from Heaven campaign. Visit jcpenneyafterschool.org for details.

Shop it online:
Olsenboye Limited Edition Pennies from Heaven Coin Purse

H&M Teams with David Beckham to Launch Bodywear Line




Millions of men will now be able to wear David Beckham underwear thanks to a long-term partnership with H&M. The David Beckham Bodywear line will launch just in time for Valentine's Day on February 2nd, 2012, and will be sold in around 1,800 H&M stores in about 40 countries worldwide.

"David Beckham is a true icon both of sport and style," says Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M's Head of Design. "It is incredibly exciting for H&M to be entering into a long-term partnership with him for his David Beckham Bodywear line. It is the start of an amazing adventure for us at H&M. Valentine's Day in 2012 is going to be a very exciting time indeed.”

Very exciting indeed. I'll be shopping this line for my guy, hehe. But what about a Victoria Beckham lingerie line for the ladies?

Photo courtesy of H&M

Beauty Review: Avon Solar Advance Sunscreen Lotion




Summer isn't over yet, and if you're looking for an incredible sunscreen, look no further than Avon Anew Solar Advance. As one of Avon's Blogger Ambassadors, I recently had the opportunity to test out two new products from the brand: Anew Solar Advance Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 45 ($34) and Anew Solar Advance Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 30 ($34).