The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

ABC's Jane by Design Blogger Challenge: An Introduction




A few days ago, my doorbell rang and I opened the door to discover a ginormous box on my front steps. At first I assumed it was the snowblower my husband recently purchased online, but then I saw a purple sticker with the words "ABC Family." Clearly, this was not the snowblower. Then, a lightbulb went on and misty memories from a few weeks back crept into my mind, reminding me that I had, in fact, applied to participate in a blogger challenge hosted by ABC Family in conjunction with their upcoming show, Jane by Design (premieres Tuesday, January 3 at 9/8c on ABC Family).

Jane by Design is a show about a teenager who is mistaken for an adult and gets hired to work for a a high powered executive in the cutthroat, albeit fabulous, world of fashion.



{The mysterious contents of the chest include a body form, tacky Christmas sweater and pretzels.}


My challenge, as it were, is to imagine that I am interviewing for the open blogging position at Donovan Decker, the hip fashion house where Jane works. Each week, I'll be given a different challenge. If I pass the test and make it through each round, I'll win the grand prize - a mention on the show!

Clearly I can't do this myself, I will need your help and support and words of encouragement. My first challenge is to go shopping with a $50 giftcard and then do a haul video about my finds. A HAUL VIDEO. Eek! Am I terrified? Yes. Excited? Most definitely.

But don't let me have all the stress fun. Head to the Style by Jane Facebook page and share your own haul videos or just give a shout-out (mention BB sent you!)

I did a little shopping today and my plan is to finish up tomorrow, so stay tuned to see what I hauled, ya'll.

H&M Dragon Tattoo Collection by Trish Summerville: Off the Rack


H&M Dragon Tattoo Collection by Trish Summerville

Earlier this month, I had the chance to preview the Dragon Tattoo Collection by Trish Summerville at the H&M showroom in New York City, a collection you'll be able to shop starting December 14th at stores near you. Marked by leather jackets, leather pants, ripped tees, distressed denim and deconstructed hoodies, this special limited-edition collection created by Trish Summerville, costume designer of the movie "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", celebrates the unique style of the film's anti-heroine, Lisbeth Salander. Before you write it off as too edgy, check out how these LA bloggers over at ThinkThruFashion incorporated pieces from the collection into their own wardrobe for cool, totally wearable looks. Love! Browse my photos to see how these garments look on the rack, then head to hm.com/dragon-tattoo to see the lookbook and pricing.

Alex & Chloe for Forever 21




Forever 21 has teamed with Alex & Chloe for a limited-edition jewelry collection, a first for the fast-fashion chain. The 12-piece capsule collection for ladies and gents was influenced by punk and gothic elements, and includes necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets accented with geometric shapes, spikes, pearls and crystals. It's priced from just $4.80 to $15.80 and you can find it in stores and online now. Observed: The model reminds me of Anya from Project Runway, which kinda makes me think I'm not cool enough to pull off these pieces. But I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more designer collabs like this from Forever 21. Browse more lookbook pics after the jump.

Lunch Hour Shopping: Giambattista Valli for Macy's Impulse Clearance




I shouldn't be telling you this as I have yet to shop for myself, but the Giambattista Valli for Macy's Impulse collection is making its final curtain call and is now on clearance. Quantities and sizes are limited, so shop soon as I'm not sure how long these pieces will be around. Designer collabs seem to come and go so quickly these days, it's hard to keep track of what's in stores when. I've seen most pieces from the collection in person and the quality is fabulous for the price. I especially like the strapless maxi dress - it would look amazing topped with a tuxedo blazer for a fancy holiday party. Don't delay, shop what's left of the Giambattista Valli collection ASAP online or check the the clearance racks at your local Macy's store.

Shown above from left: Jersey Dress, $48.74 (down from $99); Animal Print Top, $22.99 (down from $49); Convertible Clutch, $44.99 (down from $69.00)