The Budget Babe

Joe Fresh, one of Canada's top fast-fashion brands, will be coming to a JCPenney store near you in April 2013, reports ELLE. As part of it's store-within-a-store concept, JCPenney will roll out Joe Fresh merchandise in nearly 700 stores as well as online at jcp.com. Despite lagging sales and drastic changes in upper management (brand president Michael Francis left after a 9-month stint), it sounds like JCPenney is marching forward with their grand vision of becoming "America's favorite store." And I, for one, remain hopelessly optimistic. I love, love, love Joe Fresh and now I won't have to travel to New York (or Canada) to shop the brand's superstylish duds.

Photo via Women's Wear Daily

As a budget fashion blogger, I would be remiss if I did not remind you about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale which is going on now through August 6th. But the truth is, I just can't bring myself to think about fall fashion just yet. Who knows what kind of boots I'll want to slip on when the leaves start to fall? Or what color coat I'll want to wrap myself in when chilly winds begin to blow? Nonetheless, Nordstrom wants us to plan ahead, and they're offering the best prices of the season on dozens of new fall fashions to encourage us to shop now. The early bird gets the best deal, so don't be like me - head to Nordstrom.com now if you haven't already and get started on your chicest fall wardrobe to date.

{Shown above: My top picks would include... 1) BP Runway Boot, $89.90 (after sale $129.95); 2) bebe Mixed Media Trench Coat, $119.90 (after sale $198); 3) Vince Camuto Parker Satchel, $218 (after sale $328)}

Have you shopped the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale already? What did you buy?

Colorful earrings and strappy pink heels are the perfect punctuation to Blake Lively's bold blue dress, which the actress wore while filming scenes for the final season of Gossip Girl. Here are budget-friendly buys from ASOS, Aldo, BaubleBar and more to help you nab this look:

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