The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

My Favorite Mother's Day Deals from RetailMeNot.com, Plus A Pinterest Giveaway!

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is almost here (May 12) but it's not too late to get a great deal on a Mother's Day gift, whether it's for your mom, grandmother, sister or friend. Not sure where to start? Head to RetailMeNot.com's Mother's Day deals!

Here are a few of my favorites:
1. Shari's Berries: RetailMeNot Exclusive! Save 20% Off Your Entire Order Of $39 Or More! (Full Dozen Gourmet Dipped Swizzled Strawberries, $29.98)
2. Bath and Body Works: Save $10 Off Your $30 Purchase. Plus, But 3 Get 2 Free on Signature Body Care Products. Offer Valid Through 5/8/2013. (Capri Seaside Citrus Lotion, $11; Rome Honeysuckle Amore Shower Gel, $11, Venice Dolce Berry Fragrance Mist, $14)
3. Skin Store: Get 20% Off Your Entire Purchase & Receive Free Shipping On $49 Or More. Valid through 5/9/13. (Jurlique Rose Love Balm, $6.50)
4. Wine.com: Save 20% Off Wine Gift Sets & Gift Baskets For Mom. Some Exclusions Apply. Expires 5/8/13. (Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Mini Blanc de Blancs 4-Pack, $19.99)
5. Gap: Save 30% on Your Online Order. Plus, receive Free Shipping on $50+. Exclusions apply. See merchant site for details. Expires 5/7/13. (Multi-strap thong sandal, $34.95)

Keep reading for details on RetailMeNot.com's Most Pinteresting Mom Giveaway...

Target Celebrates New Threshold Home Line with a Life-Size Dollhouse in Grand Central

Scenes from The Dollhouse showcase Target's new Threshold home decor collection.

For months now, we've been ogling Target's new affordable home decor line called Threshold - you've seen the ads and you've probably shopped the collection in stores or online, too. Last night, Target officially celebrated the line's launch by constructing a life-size dollhouse in Grand Central's Vanderbilt hall in New York City and inviting members of the press to see the goods in person.

The rooms were decorated with a mix of current and upcoming styles, from the perfectly styled bookshelves in the living to the inviting kitchen and laid-back outdoor spaces. I could seriously move right in - even the paint colors were noteworthy. Celebs in attendance included interior designers Nate Berkus, Sabrina Soto and Design Star winner Danielle Colding. Umberto Beverly Hills and Sonia Kashuk provided free 10-minute hair and makeup touchups for guests.

I think we all agree that Target really hit the mark with Threshold. Instagram user kristinewithak_'s remarks on one of my photos from last night's event seem to sum-up the overwhelmingly positive customer response: "[Threshold] has the best things! I could take home one of everything that they sell at Target."

If you're in NYC, swing by and check out The Dollhouse while it's open to the public - or just browse the collection from the comfort of home at Target.com!

Retail Bootcamp: A Grownup Guide to High Street Fashion


Affordable fashion is often targeted to teens but let's face, women of all ages love a bargain. Besides, grownups have bills to pay and fashion has to take a back seat to other expenses. In this episode of my Style Coalition series "Retail Bootcamp," I share tips to help the post-tween set get the most out of high-street fashion stores (think Forever 21, H&M or Charlotte Russe).

A Grownup Guide to High Street Fashion

Shop off peak hours. When possible, aim to shop during quiet weekday mornings when dressing rooms are organized and lines are short.

Ignore sizing. Don't even look at the tags! Just hold things up to your body to get a sense of whether or not they'll fit, then try them on. Don't get discouraged if something cut for a teen figure doesn't work for you. Just keep looking.

Look for classic clothing and trendy accessories. Blazers, dark denim, and basic camis are always a safe bet. Of course there are exceptions to this rule but it's a good starting point if you're not used to shopping fast fashion. Then, have fun with a bright pump or statement necklace instead. These are inexpensive ways to update your look while still looking polished.

What's your shopping strategy when it comes to fast fashion or the teen department? Do you avoid it or dive right in?

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