The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Win Cool Stuff: Orly Halloween Nail Polish




Well this is a little late for Halloween, but I had to post it! Orly sent me some of the hottest colors from their limited-edition Halloween collection and I'm giving away two bottles each to three lucky readers!

The prize:

  • 1 bottle Orly "Liquid" Vinyl - a super high shine true black polish that goes on smooth in just two coats. Wicked!

  • 1 bottle Orly "R.I.P." - a clear polish with mixed-size pumpkin orange glitter. Fa-boo-lous!



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Shown above: Two coats of Liquid Vinyl topped with two coats of R.I.P.

Ask BB: Help This Mom Out of a Fashion Rut!

I am a 26 year-old SAHM to two little girls (3 & 8 months). My wardrobe consists of yoga pants and ill-fitting t-shirts. I am in a fashion rut! I want to be stylish, but practical, and I'm certainly on a budget. I'm not really sure what my "style" is. I prefer flats versus heels and I'm loving the riding boot trend. Also, I'm not super skinny so I feel like a lot of the trends aren't geared towards my body type (i.e., the skinny jean) even though I love the look of skinny jeans! I would love to have a stylish yet age appropriate look while also being practical. Is this possible?? —Brittany W.

The short answer: Yes, it's possible! The long answer: Finding your personal style is a life-long, ever-evolving process, so go easy on yourself and take baby steps.

Here's how I'd start: What you need is a uniform - just ONE head to toe look that makes you feel stylish and confident. A look you can toss on in a hurry and wear anywhere (okay, almost anywhere). Once you nail that look, you can start mixing things up a bit.

Need inspiration? Rip out pages of looks you like from your favorite magazines, or use Pinterest to create a personal style board. This is probably one of the best ways to figure out what you really like.

Regarding budget: You don't need to spend a lot to look good. But it helps to have a good eye - if you're shopping at Forever 21, for example, look for your more classic, timeless pieces in neutrals or black. Black always looks good, modern and usually more expensive. I'm not saying don't wear color, but it's easier to mix and match when you have a solid foundation of classic neutrals.

Ok, now for some ideas!

Uniform #1: Cardigan, cotton top, dark denim, tall flat boots
This foolproof outfit is perfect for moms on the go. Every piece is comfy and stretchy yet totally stylish. Just don't forget a couple accessories to add personality. Maybe stud earrings that your baby daughter can't tug on, and a sparkly belt to keep your cardigan in place when you're doing dishes or lugging laundry baskets around. And by the way, curvy girls can totally wear skinny jeans.


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.

What I'm Wearing: Chaps Cable-Knit Sweater




Lately the weather is lending itself to light layers and cozy knits, and right now my Chaps cable-knit sweater has become an absolute wardrobe staple. I've been wearing mine with skinny jeans and printed button-downs for a preppy-with-a twist vibe but they'd pair equally well with skirts or layered over dresses for a more feminine feel. The perfect blend of soft and warm, these cotton-blend sweaters are ideal for those with sensitive skin (totally not itchy, which I love). Chaps sent me a cable-knit sweater in emerald green and another in dark plum, two rich colors I'm loving for fall. Now I want one in ivory, black and pink (how cute would it look paired with a leopard pencil skirt and sequin clutch?!) The price on these sweaters is just right, too, only $34.99 at Kohl's (down from $50) which means you can stock up!

Shop my exact sweater and more great Chaps sweater styles at Kohls.com.

{What I'm Wearing: Chaps cable-knit sweater; L.L. Bean button down shirt; Rebecca Minkoff bag c/o T.J. Maxx giftcard; JewelMint bracelets; BaubleBar earrings; Tinseltown via Kohl's polka-dot jeans; Target leopard flats}


Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.