The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Tracy Reese Fall 2013 Nail Looks by Sally Hansen


Backstage at Tracy Reese, I caught up with celebrity manicurist Tracylee who prepped the nails for the Fall 2013 runway. The inspiration for the collection was New York City with all its harshness and beauty, so Tracylee and Tracy went for an outline manicure that featured an edgy gold polish (Wedding Glitters) complemented by a beautiful teal (New Wave Blue). I was so excited when I saw this look because, well, it's something I know I can do at home! (See my outline moon mani tutorial here.) I also love the 3 new exclusive Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen collection shades, coming out in September ($7.99 each): New Wave Blue (teal), Perfectly Poppy (scarlett) and Malbec (aubergine). Each color is vibrant and statement-making yet very wearable. Sally Hansen and Tracy Reese nail it every season (and this is their fifteenth season together!). Plus, the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure formula is one of my all-time favorites, and the rounded brush is ideal for creating this effortless nail art design. I'm inspired, are you?

Let's get social! Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Vine for my budget take on New York Fashion Week.

Duro Olowu for JCPenney Launch Party




Last night I stopped by the Duro Olowu for JCP launch event at the Stone Rose Lounge in NYC to fête the designer and scope out some of the pieces in real life. While not everything I loved from the lookbook was on display, the pieces I did see gave me a great sense of the quality and what to expect overall. The colors are just as vibrant, fabrications look good, and the home decor items really pop. Guests received an umbrella (one of my favorite items, it's just so fun) and set of 4 notebooks on their way out. Today JCP is hosting a shopping event for press and bloggers so I'm hoping to scoop up the checked pullover and gorgeous solid blue bag (looks like Coach). Shop the collection at JCPenney stores and online at jcp.com this March 1, 2013.

Let's get social! Follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Vine for my budget take on New York Fashion Week.

Shop Prabal Gurung for Target Now, Plus See My Top Picks




The Prabal Gurung for Target collection has launched at Target stores and target.com - have you made any purchases yet? I've seen the collection twice in person (once at the press preview and more recently at the launch party), and all I can say is these pieces will go fast! The prices are right and the styles are so fresh and fun.

Here are a few pieces I'm loving after seeing them in person:


  1. Coral and teal colorblock dress ($39.99): The coral and blue on this dress are both super vivid in person, and the fabric drapes nicely. A great day to night option thanks to the cute cap sleeves.


  2. Lace Up Black Pumps ($39.99): The perfect, strappy cage heel to pair with skirts, dresses or skinny pants. Hard to pick one color!


  3. Button-down blouse in "First Date" print ($26.99): The print is SO Prabal and you want something that's recognizable when shopping these designer collabs! Layer with a white blazer and leggings or tuck into a skirt with heels.


  4. Sleeveless dress in "Meet the Parents" print ($44.99): This dress is so flattering and visually slims the waist. The print is bold and very Prabal but the black and white color palette give it versatility.


  5. Ankle Strap Wedge in Apple ($29.99): These pop color wedges are chic and modern - comfortable too! You'll get so much wear out of these during spring and summer.