The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

DREAMPOP by Cynthia R. for JCP Debuts at Fashion Week




Last night, fashion designer Cynthia Rowley showcased her Spring 2013 collection in New York City accompanied by her daughter, Kit Rowley, who was decked out in a chambray shirt and tulle skirt from her mother's new line DREAMPOP by Cynthia R. available exclusively at JCPenney. Kit and her stylish friends Zoe and Ruby, also wearing Dreampop duds, stopped by to see the installation. Aimed at girls ages 7-14, Dreampop features skirts, tops, dresses and denim in fun colors with a bit of edge, and most pieces average just $20. Perfect for back-to-school! Moms, are you loving this?

Backstage Beauty with Deborah Lippmann at Badgley Mischka SS13


Modern Love swatch

Backstage at Badgley Mischka, I caught up with the Deborah Lippmann to discuss the nail looks her team created for the Spring 2013 runway show. Inspired by the 1930's film "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the collection features lots of muted pastels, so the designers opted for a neutral nail to complement the color palette, as well as dewy makeup and slightly disheveled hair. The polish of choice? Modern Love, a dusty mauve creme that Deborah is calling "the new nude." On short, rounded nails, two coats of Modern Love was applied, then finished with a high-shine top coat called Addicted to Speed. "Mauve is the new nude!" reveals Deborah. While I love a good neutral, I'm worried this color won't read "high fashion" when I wear it. What do you think?

Keep reading for more of my backstage photos, and check out the short video I shot of Deborah talking about the inspiration for the nail looks after the jump.


Backstage Beauty with Bumble and Bumble at Honor SS13




There's just something about adding a little shimmer to a simple updo, and James Pecis for Bumble and Bumble pulled it off effortlessly with his take for Honor's Spring 2013 collection. Showing that just a touch of embellishment can add a big dose of style, the Bumble and Bumble teamed tucked rhinestones into double French braids playing off the "human anatomy" theme of the collection. It looks like I'm going to be trying this come spring. Who's with me? —by The Budget Babe Correspondent, Megan Zietz

Pamella Roland Spring 2013




Pamella Roland presented her Spring 2013 collection during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Avery Fisher Hall, where I snapped a few photos of some of my favorite looks amidst the dense crowd. Inspired by Ellsworth Kelly's paintings, the collection featured separates and evening gowns in a mostly black and white color palette punctuated by geometric patterns and hits of cobalt and citron. Ladies who share Pamella Roland's love of the arts will most likely appreciate pieces such as a long-sleeve black and white bead-encrusted gown, while red-carpet starlets might gravitate towards the striking chiffon halter dress with shoulder cut-outs, or the blush empire waist sleeveless gown with peplum detailing. My takeaway: Tuxedo styling will be going strong next Spring, as will peplum and demure cut-outs.

Mara Hoffman Spring 2013




Bringing a taste of the Tropics to the Stage at Lincoln Center, Mara Hoffman wowed us with color, prints and skin-baring pieces from her Spring 2013 collection. With strategically placed cut-outs and electrifying prints throughout her collection, Mara definitely made me want to book the next flight to some exotic locale, where I could kick up my heels (literally) in a hammock and sip fruity drinks. Incorporating live flowers and leafy accents also showcased the designer's out-of-the-box thinking. And neon? Mara let us know it's here to stay (yay!). —by The Budget Babe Correspondent, Megan Zietz