The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Watch This: H&M Makes Paris Fashion Week Debut


Yesterday I rubbed shoulders with Ashley Olsen, Chloe Moretz and Emma Roberts at the H&M Fall Runway Show in Paris - virtually, that is. From the comfort of my computer, I was able to watch the action via livestream - did you catch it, too? For the fast-fashion giant's first-ever catwalk show during Paris Fashion Week, models roamed through a specially created space within the grounds of the Musée Rodin. To be honest, they looked lost - but it was fun nonetheless.

Trends I liked included knee high boots with chunky mini sweaterdresses, high-low hems and beading on sheer skirts and dresses, and the mostly black and white color palette punctuated by a bit of blush pink. I'm sure it cost a small fortune to present this show, and H&M can certainly afford it. Watch the show for yourself using the player above, then look for these clothes to hit around 200 stores worldwide (i.e. not my store), and online (no word yet if this will include US shoppers), from September 5, 2013.

DIY Jute Rug Mini Makeover




Here's a quick little DIY project I wanted to share because it's so easy and yet it makes a huge impact! I had been living with my jute rug from IKEA for a number of years and just got tired of the pea green ribbon border. I went with green during an earthy, natural tones decorating period, but my mood has shifted to graphic prints and lots of black and white lately - so I was ready for a change. At first I thought about buying a new rug, but I love the texture and functionality of my jute rug, and it was still in good shape. Then it dawned on me - why not just paint the border? And so I did! It only took a few hours on the weekend and cost next to nothing, about $6 worth of fabric paint from Jo-Ann's (I used mobile coupons which you can easily access from their free iPhone app).

Keep reading for my step by step tutorial.

Christian Siriano Launches Affordable Fashion Collection with HSN


Striking by Christian Siriano for HSN

Christian Siriano has teamed up with HSN to create Striking by Christian Siriano, an apparel collection consisting of "modern, chic silhouettes with a timeless feel for everyday glamour." Like his Spring 2013 runway collection, Striking is soft and romantic with a touch of Siriano "power" in each piece, and features a color palette inspired by the ballet. Prices range from $49.90 for a chiffon ruffle tank to $149.90 for a strapless ponte dress. This isn't the Project Runway alumn's first foray into affordable fashion: Previously Siriano teamed up with Spiegel and the designer has an ongoing partnership with Payless ShoeSource.

"Striking" doesn't speak to me personally but I love Christian Siriano and I could watch him talk about his collection all day - to understand what I'm talking about, head to HSN.com and click on any item in the collection and you can watch the corresponding HSN video - it's addicting!

Ask BB: J.Crew Collection Cafe Capri Pant Look for Less


J.Crew Collection Cafe Capri pants come in a wide variety of artsy prints

Where can I find a less expensive version of J.Crew Collection Café Capris? The patterns are awesome but almost $230 is a bit steep for my budget. —Dana B.

{Shown above from left: J.Crew Collection Café Capri pants in Liberty floral print ($250), hummingbird floral ($225), bazaar print ($545) and painter's floral ($495).}


J.Crew's eye-catching cafe capris are part of a print-pant craze, and there are options at every price point. My first suggestion, for style and price, is from the just-launched Joe Fresh line at JCPenney:




{Joe Fresh tapered leg pants ($39), slim-fit sateen pants in green print or dark blue ($29 each)}

60 Second Beauty: güd Red Ruby Groovy Shampoo and Body Lotion




A lot of beauty products come across my desk, but never reach the blog because it's nearly impossible to thoroughly review each and every one. At the same time, I want to alert you to new products that I think you might love - so allow me to introduce "60 Second Beauty" - quick beauty reviews based on my 60-second experience with a product, that you can read in under a minute. Then, you be the judge!

First up, I received one complimentary bottle each of güd's new Red Ruby Groovy shampoo and body lotion and gave them each a whirl.

What they say: "With the lush scent like Red Ruby Groovy, güd's new hair and body care essentials combine natural formulas with indulgent experiences, so you can have it all. Red Ruby Groovy lavishes skin and hair with the lively scent of grapefruit and wild thyme. Discover that wild thyme isn't just an ingredient, it's a promise."

What I thought: I love that güd products are from Burt's Bees, a company known for its "greener" approach to beauty. Granted, Burt's Bees is now owned by Clorox, so it's probably impossible for them to uphold the high standards once set by their founder. Do what you will with that information.

Both güd products contain no parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals. They are not tested on animals and the containers are made with 25% post-consumer plastics. Also, they're made in the USA, which is a plus.

I've used the lotion (Natural Body Lotion – 8oz for $6.99) a few times on my hands and the smell is just overwhelming. But I am super sensitive to smells! My girlfriend looooved the scent and thought I was nuts for complaining. Everyone is different. It's a very pleasant, crisp, clean, citrusy, invigorating scent but just too strong for my tastes. Also, the lotion is a bit on the watery side so you really only need the tiniest amount and it doesn't absorb super fast. I didn't like how it felt on my fingertips (slippery) and it seemed to come off when I washed my hands.

Now the shampoo (Natural Nourishing Shampoo – 12oz for $6.99), on the other hand, had me swooning! It's pretty much the same scent as the lotion - grapefruit and thyme - but for some reason, I loved it in the shower. It was really like "washing your hair in a sunny rain" as the company suggests. It's gentle, got a good lather, and left my hair soft and clean but not squeaky clean. I will definitely be buying this on my own and can't wait to try the body wash. It's so refreshing and smells natural, not chemically at all. However, one of the ingredients is "fragrance" and that could mean a lot of things, so I'm not sure if the fragrance is naturally derived or some chemical cocktail.

Have you tried any güd products? Let me know what you think!

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