The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Free People February Catalog




Free People's February catalog is here, and this month it stars none other than the fiercely beautiful Freja Beha Erichsen. I love her name, it has such a nice ring to it. For the book's concept, Freja takes on each of the brand's imaginary "girl types": Candy, Meadow, Ginger, Lou, and Molly – who is now being introduced to the public for the very first time. The fashion changes with each girl, from Lou's graphic tees and sporty touches, to Candy's polar opposite frilly and flirty dresses. Photographer Joshua Allen captured Freja as she embodies the free-spirited nature of each persona. Accompanying the photographs, Free People put together a behind-the-scenes video set to Mal Blum's track, "New Years Eve," that's pretty cool. For all you Free People fans, I'll try my best to post these lookbooks each month moving forward. Enjoy!

Lea Michele for Candie's Only At Kohl's [PHOTOS]


Lea Michele for Candie's

Glee star Lea Michele is the new face of Candie's, a juniors fashion line sold exclusively at Kohl's. Lea joins the ranks of past Candie's luminaries such as Britney Spears and Vanessa Hudgens. The campaign shows Lea flirting with the camera in girly dresses and sky-high heels, lounging poolside, whipping up a batch of pink cupcakes and playing dress-up. I think she's a perfect fit for the brand and actually manages to class things up a bit. The photos are still provocative but I think Lea keeps things fun and lighthearted. Click through to see all the ad campaign shots as well as some unretouched photos from the shoot. Note how Lea Michele's already skinny thighs were airbrushed to doll-like perfection. Crazy.

Rory Beca for Forever 21 Spring 2012 Collection


Rory Beca returns to Forever 21 with a spring 2012 collection

Rory Beca's collaborations with Forever 21 have been a success, and now the designer has created a resort collection for 2012. Consisting of breezy tops and light-as-air dresses in a colorful palette, this capsule is made for warm nights and sunny days. It's priced from just $13.80 to $24.80 and you can shop it now at forever21.com. Don't delay if you love something - my favorite piece, the colorblock pleated peplum top, is almost sold out.

Allen B. for JCPenney Spring 2012 Lookbook




Next up from JCPenney, here's the Allen B. by Allen Schwartz spring 2012 lookbook. This line is typically a bit flashier, trendier, more celebrity-influenced and filled with exuberant colors and prints. From off-shoulder tops to chiffon maxi dresses, flared jeans and floppy hats, the line captures a jet-set resortwear vibe. With the exception of the outfit above, I can't say this particular lookbook appeals to my personal style but it's always good to have options when you're shopping the racks at JCPenney. Look for these pieces to be released now through April online and/or at jcp.com. Note that the shoes in this lookbook are by Decree and n by Nicole Miller (other JCP brands) not Allen B. What's your take?

Olsenboye Spring 2012 Lookbook




JCPenney has been impressing us more and more each season, and the Olsenboye Spring 2012 lookbook is no exception. From fashion powerhouses Mary-Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen, this affordable collection of apparel and accessories (yes, that includes the leopard wedges!) shows adorable sundresses, breezy tops and cute skirts for spring. Inspired by springtime in Paris, the collection features floral prints, seaside stripes and plenty of ruffles. It's available at JCPenney and/or jcp.com now through March. This line might be for teens but I wouldn't mind owning the shoes and the sailor dress. See anything you like?