The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter

Just wanted to wish everyone who is celebrating a very Happy Easter!! Hope it's filled with the joy that comes from spending time with loved ones and eating lots of chocolate. xoBB


On the Go with My HP ENVY x2


HP Envy x2

As much as I enjoy working from home, sometimes I need to get out of the house and go work somewhere that's noisy and bustling with the energy of other people. Since teaming up with HP as a blogger ambassador, I've been toting along my HP ENVY x2, a sleek and ultra-thin tablet/laptop hybrid that's perfect for working on the go. I can easily check emails and draft blog posts in the laptop mode, then switch to the tablet when I need to do research (or free up some table space for lunch - equally important!) On the go or in my home office, the HP ENVY x2 helps me get work done without missing a beat.

My HP ENVY x2 Diaries: The HP x Project Runway Viewing Party


HP x Project Runway Viewing Party with Style Coalition

Last night, I attended The Art of Fashion viewing party of Project Runway presented by HP at the Style Coalition lounge in NYC. As a blogger ambassador for HP, I've been using - and loving - my HP ENVY x2, which was also featured in last night's episode of Project Runway.

The HP ENVY x2 is not just a powerful notebook but rather its great design was created to meet people's technology needs in any situation necessary, utilizing itself not only as a notebook, but also as a tablet. HP and Intel have always been about innovation, and the HP/Intel Challenge provided the designers a way to create their own patterns using the HP Touch Smart Desktop.

Bloggers and guests at last night's party got to get in on the Project Runway action with our own design challenge, which was definitely the highlight of my night! We had to drape a dress inspired by mid-century art, so I created a coral and blush colorblock frock and accessorized with my own necklace. It's harder than it looks! The best design won the latest HP ENVY x2. Scroll down to see the winning look.

You can view all the designs using #HPprojectrunway on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest (here). See all the gorgeous photos from last night on the Style Coalition Facebook page (here).

Thanks to HP and Style Coalition for hosting such a fun, fashionable evening!

Ask BB: YSL Tribute T-Strap Sandal Look for Less

For a year now I have been on a desperate search for a pair of shoes that are close to looking like the coveted YSL tribute t-strap sandal. I am so in love with them, but the $700+ price tag is a bit high for me. Please help!!!!! —Desperately Seeking YSL

YSL Tribute Sandal


The YSL Tribute Sandal ($850 at Nordstrom.com) continues its reign as one of fashion's most coveted shoe styles. Here's the best budget-friendly look-a-like on the market today:


YSL Tribute Sandal Knockoff
"Lianca" by JustFab Sandal in Wine, $49.95 at heels.com


Got another recommendation for Desperately Seeking YSL? Let her know in the comments!

Deal du Jour: Preppy Home Sale at Rue La La


preppy home sale

Thanks to a tweet from alert reader @megsx0x, I learned that Rue La La is hosting a sale today for the preppy decorator: We're talking chevron pillows, Moroccan trellis kitchen towels, monogrammed coasters and scalloped edge sheets. Pink, lime green, navy! Preppy style is having a huge moment right now and these affordable decor items are the perfect way to add some prep to your home - and they feel so right for spring! Get shopping over at Rue La La now to shop these and other steals:

1. Peking Handicraft Set of Three Kitchen Towels, $19.90 (down from $35)
2. Chevron "Zig Zag Candy Pink" Pillow, $19.90 (down from $40)
3. Preppy Plates Set of 50 Monogram Coasters, $39.90 (down from $78)
4. Malabar Bay "Catalina" Shopper $17.90 (down from $25)