The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Pamela Love for Nine West




Nine West has teamed up with jewelry designer and New York native, Pamela Love, for a limited-edition "shoelaboration." (Cute, right?) Previously, the designer has teamed up with Topshop and J.Crew. Translating signature elements from her jewelry, Nine West created an edgy ankle boot with a Bohemian vibe that mixes distressed leather and rustic metalwork.

The Pamela Love boot comes in brick, black and red and is available for pre-order online for $299. It's a gorgeous boot, but this price point seems way too steep for Nine West. What do you think?

Watch the video below to hear more about Pamela's inspiration behind her design, and check out Nine West on Pinterest for more photos.


Kirna Zabete for Target: Off the Rack




On September 9, Target launched its second installment of The Shops at Target, a series of four mini "shops" within the store that showcase original items produced in conjunction with independent boutique owners from around the county. Because it launched during fashion week, I was late to check it out in person but many pieces from the Kirna Zabete fashion line were still in stock in most sizes, as were home decor items from The Curiosity Shoppe and Patch NYC. Overall I thought the fit and construction of the pieces I tried on was really strong, with special attention paid to details like lining sheer garments and adding unique buttons. There were some shortcomings, like the itchy polyester fabric used for a cute polka-dot blouse (shown above) and the narrow cuffs on the shirt dress with blouson sleeves (I couldn't squeeze my wrist through without unbuttoning. Which is fine, I'll live.). I thought one of the strongest pieces in the bunch was a tweed/faux leather shift which looked and felt way more expensive than its $44.99 pricetag. Very Twiggy. Another highlight was a metallic jacquard dress (available in black or burgundy for $49.99) - simple, chic and fit like a glove. For your reference, I'm typically a size XS or S in Target clothing and everything I tried on was a size XS except for the jacquard dress, which was a size 6. Ultimately I didn't buy anything on this trip but I plan on checking back to see if I can score some things on sale. How about you?

Click through for more photos, including snaps of home decor items from Patch NYC and The Curiosity Shoppe, too.

Anna Dello Russo at H&M 'Fashion Shower' Video


In a new video titled "Fashion Shower," Anna Dello Russo shows off pieces from her upcoming accessories collection for H&M while teaching viewers everything they need to know about fashion. One of her fashion lessons, for example, states that "Fah-shun is un-com-for-ta-ble. If you're com-for-ta-ble, you never get the look." I've watched it three times (it's mildly addicting) and the only lesson I learned is that I need to start waking up at 6 a.m. to go swimming (like Anna Dello Russo does) so I can get her legs. The Anna Dello Russo at H&M collection hits stores October 4th, 2012.

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?

Cosmo Launches First-Ever Fashion Collection at JCPenney




Cosmopolitan magazine just launched a new line of handbags, footwear, sleepwear and lingerie at JCPenney stores and online at jcp.com. From flirty bras and panties, to "fashion-editor chic" handbags and head-turning heels and boots, the Cosmopolitan Collection is designed to make a statement - just like the fun and fearless Cosmo reader. "Our first-ever fashion line celebrates the sexy spirit of Cosmo women everywhere," said Joanna Coles in a press release, newly named editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan (who you may know was previously at Marie Claire). Priced from $7 to $95, this totally affordable line has a lot of lace, leopard print and shine - but also some solid options for fall, like the burgundy pumps (above). What do you think?

Disclosure: I was gifted a metallic clutch (shown above) in conjunction with the press release from JCP and Cosmo.