The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: Eva Mendes for New York & Company Spring Collection


Eva Mendes for New York & Company

Eva Mendes' first spring collection for New York & Co. has hit stores, and this past week I had a chance to scope it out in person. I was drawn into the store by a pink and white embroidered lace dress ($80) that happened to be from her line, so it's succeeding in the sense that it grabs your attention. Once inside, I eyed a lace skirt ($65) in the same embroidered lace fabric paired with a draped-front blouse ($47), and tea-length floral dress ($80) that were both unique and feminine and sexy in a throwback kind of way. Eva is inspired by vintage fashions and it shows (in a subtle way - longer hemlines, cinched waists and the prints). It's an otherwise modern and fresh collection that you can wear to work, family gatherings like Easter or spring Christenings, date nights - even a spring wedding! (Especially this sexy strapless number , $80.) Just be sure to wait for a sale, and as readers have advised, sign up for email alerts from New York & Co. to get coupons. No need to pay full price at this store.

Shop the Eva Mendes collection online at nyandcompany.com. Free shipping over $50 (no code needed).

Off the Rack: Mid-March Highlights at Forever 21


What's new at Forever 21

If you're able to pop into a Forever 21 this week during your lunch break or after work, you'll find tons of great fashions for spring! From festival-chic to 90s-redux, there's something for everyone. You'll also find swimwear for that spring break getaway, activewear for the gym, and NBA apparel to help you support your favorite team. On this trip, I picked up a lightweight navy cotton sweater, a striped terry pullover and a black faux-leather backpack (similar to one I saw at Zara but less). And actually, that's a shopping strategy I often employ when sifting through the mountains of uber-trendy fashions at Forever 21: I ask myself, "Could I see this (pant, top, skirt, dress) at one of my favorite 'grown-up' stores?" If the answer is yes, I know I'm on the right track!

Let me know if anything catches your eye in these photos I snapped!

Dollar Bin Diaries: Mid-March Highlights at Target


Target goodies in store now

Another trip to Target, more great dollar bin finds! This time, I spotted some leftovers for Easter and St. Patrick's Day (especially fun if you have kids), but for my photos, I focused on the cute stationary and office supplies to freshen up your space for spring - pretty thank you cards in navy, white, coral, and pink; mechanical pencils; mini notebooks; and chevron file folders. I also snapped a few pics of some of the new fashions, including a boxy textured striped top by Merona and some pretty pastels by Mossimo. Finally, there's a striped duffel bag ($34.99) that reminded me of the one by Kate Spade Saturday that I saw at T.J.Maxx. So what did I buy? A mint/white chevron file folder, This Peter Pilotto skirt on clearance and this Threshold apothecary cabinet, also on clearance. All in all a very productive trip, with baby in tow no less!

Off the Rack: T.J. Maxx March Highlights Under $30


T.J. Maxx fashions under $30

Earlier this week I paid a visit to T.J. Maxx to scope out the spring trends for you guys (not for myself, sadly, because it's still polar-vortexing in Connecticut). I saw lots of things to look forward to, from colorful print dresses (daisies are everywhere) to ankle strap flats and shiny statement necklaces. There were also lots of wear now and later pieces like embellished sweatshirts and boots with cut-outs. Kate Spade Saturday appeared to be new on the scene - I spotted some delicate jewelry and a striped canvas tote bag by the designer brand. So what did I buy? A Lamaze book for $0.70, some Munchkin outlet covers, Method hand soap, a gold chevron stripe notebook, a Green Toys submarine and lentil chips. Nothing too exciting but at least I saved a few dollars on things I needed anyways.

Keep reading for more photos of fashion finds I loved under $30 (except for the designer handbags towards the bottom, those are just to tease you).

Off the Rack: Early March Highlights at Target




I'm not sure if the selection of clothes and shoes at Target is really, really good right now, or whether I just have the best shopping buddy in the whole wide world (which I do), but I had a lot of fun at Target this week. Too much fun. For spring, trends like 60s mod and Minimalism translate into plenty of wearable day to night looks with dresses and separates that flatter everyone. My eye was drawn to all the polka dots (on a cute blouse and lightweight anorak), the stripes (like a J.Crew-eque top) and a leopard print shirtdress. And don't even get me started on the shoes! Cap-toe and bow-embellished flats, yes and yes. My shopping buddy was more impressed by the plastic clothes hangers, but I digress. Scroll down for some more in-store highlights. P.S. Peter Pilotto is on clearance in case you wanted to pick up a few more things.