The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Banana Republic 'Anna Karenina' Collection


Banana Republic is creating an exclusive limited-edition collection inspired by the film Anna Karenina, out in November starring Keira Knightley and Jude Law. Curated by the film's Costume Designer, Jacqueline Durran, the special holiday collection features modern pieces for men and women, including alluring embellishments, luxe fabrics, and romantic styles reflective of the film's high-society period. The collection features more than 75 pieces, and ranges in price from $29.50 for jewelry to $500.00 for a blazer. I got a mailing the other day from Banana announcing the collection plus coupons good for 25% off your purchase when you use your Visa card on select days, so keep an eye on your mailbox if you want to shop this! I might get the faux fur stole (shown below) for my sister's upcoming winter wedding. LOVE. Look for the line on October 30 in Banana Republic stores and on BananaRepublic.com.

Prabal Gurung for Target




Target's next designer collab will be with designer Prabal Gurung, according to breaking news from Target's blog A Bullseye View. I was two years too early, but let it be known that I did predict this collab back in 2010 (here). Prabal Gurung is also one of the 24 designers participating in this year's Target x Neiman Marcus holiday gift extravaganza collection, launching December. 1st.

The Prabal Gurung for Target collection will feature a limited-edition line of women's ready-to-wear and accessories, including handbags, shoes and jewelry available Feb. 10, 2013 at all Target stores and on Target.com.

Expect "impeccable tailoring and feminine silhouettes— [f]rom refined dresses and blazers to jewelry and sleek shoes in striking prints and palettes." Prices will range from $12.99 to $199.99 for the nearly 80 item collab.

After his collection last spring, the first thing I think of when I hear the name Prabal Gurung is kaleidoscopic florals, so the first look from the Target line (shown above) is seriously exciting. What do you think?!

Target x Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection: The Complete Lookbook


Here's the complete Target x Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection lookbook for your viewing pleasure. Featuring more than 50 unique gift items by 24 CFDA designers, the collection will be available December 1 at all Target and Neiman Marcus stores as well as online at Target.com and NeimanMarcus.com. Prices range from $7.99 to $499 (for the Alice + Olivia bike), with most items under $60. I featured some of my favorite items in the collage above, including fashions by Lela Rose and Tracy Reese, who both did a stellar job representing their brands and giving customers real bang for their buck (only $39.99 for a set of 4 Tracy Reese dessert plates, very reasonable! And they're fab!). Other designers could have been a bit more creative, like Marc Jacobs (love him, but a black scarf? boring), Carolina Herrera (pencils), and Judith Leiber (those $59.99 rhinestone compact mirrors look awfully cheap). Overall, it's a strong collab with something for everyone, including a $1 million donation from Target and Neiman Marcus to the CFDA. Bravo.

Which items are going on your holiday wish list? And do you think this collection will sell out Missoni-style?

Maison Martin Margiela for H&M: 14 Looks


Here's a peek at 14 looks from the upcoming Maison Martin Margiela for H&M collaboration, a 140-piece collection which launches next month. Six additional looks are still under wraps, but I think we can get a good sense of what to expect: Androgyny, asymmetry and oversize silhouettes. Yes, the collection is a bit cerebral but then again, so are many H&M shoppers even if they don't all have deep pockets. Kudos to H&M for not dumbing things down for the budget crowd. Love it or hate it, I think we can all agree on one thing: Those oxblood boots with lucite heels are killer.

First Look: Target x Neiman Marcus Holiday Collab on ABC


ABC News gives us our first look at the colossal Target x Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection, coming December 1, in the glowing report above. In case you forgot, the two fashion powerhouses from seemingly opposite ends of the retail spectrum have tapped 24 CFDA designers to create a collection of affordable yet highly covetable holiday gifts. We're talking 60 items priced mostly under $60 ranging from home decor to apparel by the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler and many more. Watch the vid above for a sneak peek of what to expect, including a $49.99 DVF jewelry box and $79.99 Tracy Reese sequin and silk top.