The Budget Babe

Comfy and casual-cool, Splendid's rugby stripe top is $65. The look for less can be yours for $14.80. Can you guess which is which? Click either image below to find out.

I just recently started using an online dating site, and will be going on my first date. We'll be going out for coffee in the afternoon. I'm very nervous and have no clue what to wear to make a great first impression. I'm 23, and I live in Chicago. The weather here has been [warm] and sunny. —Caroline

When going on a first date, you want to be yourself, be comfortable and be approachable. Now is not the time to test drive new styles or trends that you wouldn't normally wear. You also don't want to come across as trying too hard - just be yourself!

Here are three outfit ideas that I think would work well for a first date at a coffee shop in the afternoon - opt for natural makeup and a good luck charm (for example, wear your favorite color, a meaningful pendant or a light spritz of your favorite perfume) for a little added boost of confidence.

Continue reading "Ask BB: What to Wear on a ... »

In case you needed another excuse to shop online, Saks Fifth Avenue is launching a flash sale site, www.saksfashionfix.com. The inaugural sale starts today at 12 noon ET and will feature apparel by Elizabeth & James. Saks FashionFix offers merchandise from one designer for a limited time up to 70% off to its members (membership is free, you just need to register before you can shop). The green E&J military jacket pictured above, for example, is regularly $395 and you can scoop it up for today on sale for $158. This move on the part of Saks clearly speaks to the continued popularity of flash sale sites - and traditional retailers are scrambling to keep up with the likes of Gilt Groupe, or alluring "clubs" like JewelMint. Do you find these sorts of sales irresistible? A big waste of time? Both?

Christina Ricci dressed in skin-tight black leather with bold red accents for a press tour.



Create a similarly show-stopping look with these affordable fashions:

1. Rachel Roy Earrings $38
2. Topshop Faux Leather Dress $100
3. Nine West Bracelet $16 (down from $32)
4. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Certainly Red $7.99
5. Mossimo "Paisley" Pumps $29.99