The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

5 Under $50: Holographic Accessories


Designers are turning out some eye-catching accessories featuring hologram-like finishes that range from feminine to glamorous to futuristic. Christian Siriano's Spring 2013 collection, Blumarine's Fall 2012 show and Stella McCartney's Resort 2013 presentation or Proenza Schouler's PS11 metallic hologram satchel offer major inspiration. For spring, a strategically placed holographic accessory can look light and bright on any budget. Who can resist a little iridescence? Below, I've rounded up 5 of my favorite pieces under $50 from Payless, Forever 21 and more.

NYFW Diaries: The HP x Style Coalition Lounge


Fashion week is a crazy, hectic, magical time, and if there's one thing I've learned over the years (this is my sixth season covering, can you believe it?!), you need to take time to rest, refuel and recharge all your tech gear! This season, the HP x Style Coalition lounge at The Empire Hotel was my fashion week oasis, offering bloggers a place to unwind, grab a bite to eat, and indulge in fun things like complimentary manis by Covergirl.

As a blogger ambassador for HP, I got to test out the HP ENVY x2, a powerful and ultra-thin hybrid PC with the advantages of two devices in one: Laptop and tablet. The battery life on my HP ENVY x2 was impressive (never actually ran out) but I'd use the opportunity to recharge, check emails and review the most recent runway shows. The HP ENVY x2's vivid 11.6-inch diagonal HD touch display with ultra-wide viewing angels, 400-nit brightness and IPS technology was perfect for seeing all the details from fashion week while the keyboard made communicating via Twitter and email easy.

Bloggers combine their love of fashion and technology every day, and it's encouraging to have the support of companies like HP that understand this important fusion. Thank you HP & Style Coalition for making my fashion week experience that much richer!

{Shown above clockwise from left: Tasty treats courtesy of HP & Style Coalition; HP hosted an intimate Q&A session with designer Carmen Marc Valvo. Yes, he's pointing at my bump!; Bloggers (Megan from TfDiaries and Eileen from Miss Whoever You Are) get to work on the HP ENVY x2; VIP guests of the lounge enjoy complimentary manicures by Covergirl.}


For more, visit follow HPShopping.com, and follow @HP on twitter and Facebook. The HP ENVY x2 is available in the United States and has a starting price of $849.99.

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by HP and Style Coalition.

Cosabella Amore for JCP




Beloved Italian lingerie brand Cosabella has created Cosabella Amore, a new lower-priced offshoot for JCPenney. You're probably familiar with Cosabella's supersoft, seamless lace underthings sold at luxe stores like Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom. But whereas a Cosabella thong costs $20 at one of these fine retailers, a nearly identical thong by Cosabella Amore costs half the price. Ladies, if you can get to a JCP before Valentine's Day, you'll definitely want to check this line out. According to alert BB reader @booshabear, the quality and fit of Cosabella Amore is comparable to the original line. "Omg, gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!" she tweeted. "My Cosabella habit is back in a big time way! Quality exceeds what I thought it would b!" Admittedly, you can often find "real" Cosabella at a discount on sites like Rue La La and Gilt, but with Cosabella Amore for JCP you won't have to wait for a sale.

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