The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: JCP's New Stylus Brand Isn't As Good As Joe Fresh


Stylus brand clothing at JCPenney

More changes are quietly happening over at JCPenney, where the Joe Fresh women's brand is making its exit (after a March 2013 launch) and the store's in-house JCP brand has been relaunched under the name Stylus. I'm sad to see Joe Fresh leave (you'll still be able to find men's and boy's apparel), and my first impressions of Stylus tell me it won't be a suitable replacement. The styles seem to be aimed at a more mature demographic, which can be either good or bad depending on what you're looking for. Think J.Crew meets St. John's Bay. Overall the styles are pretty preppy, like button-down shirts, twill shorts and crewneck cardigans. Those with a discerning eye will be able to find select gems in this collection and make them chic (like Kimberly from Penny Pincher Fashion - she has an amazing eye for styling!). Highlights for me include the printed cotton shirts and this eyelet bomber. Take a peek at my in-store photos after the jump and let me know if you're intrigued...or left wanting more.

Here's My Milly for Kohl's Review Complete with In-Store Photos and Dressing Room Selfies


Milly for Kohl's

Yesterday I managed to time my son's sometimes-nap with a little shopping trip to Kohl's, where I scoped out the new Milly for DesigNation collection. While my store didn't have a huge selection, I was able to try on a few dresses and assess the quality and sizing. Here's what you need to know: Fit is true to size (similar to Kohl's ELLE brand). The fabrics feel soft and substantial. I had trouble with some zippers but no deal breakers with quality or fit. Be careful to note that some pieces which look like Milly are in fact part of the ELLE collection (like the lemon dress and the matching crop-top skirt sets you'll see featured below). The similarities are...awkward. But if you find yourself preferring some of the ELLE pieces, no harm in that!

Target's Summer Prep Decor Collection Will Make You Forget All Your Lilly Pulitzer Woes - See 25+ In-Store Photos


Summer Prep Decor Collection at Target

Typically after scoping out a big designer collab launch, I wander around Target and find plenty of other items to waster...er...spend my money on instead. Oftentimes I'll find clothing and even housewares that's reminiscent of the designer collab, but at lower pricepoints. This was definitely the case yesterday when I spotted the Summer Prep Decor Collection in a palette of hot pink, navy white and gold, with a nautical beachy theme, it reminded me of Lilly Pulitzer - and may even be cuter! Highlights include a lobster throw pillow, sea urchin sculpture and gold coral figurine. Totally Instagram worthy! Everything's priced from $9.99-$99.99 and is an additional 10% off online with code VIP. Browse 25+ in-store pics after the jump!

Lilly Pulitzer for Target Review + Haul Pics: One Shopper's Experience with the Colorful and Chaotic Launch

Lilly Pulitzer for Target review + haul pics

I missed my alarm for the Lilly Pulitzer for Target launch and didn't make the 8 a.m. rush...but my savvy sister, Chantal, did! Here, she recounts for us her heroic tale of shopping this highly-anticipated launch. —BB

Hi ladies! It's Chantal here, Budget Babe's sister, guest blogging for you all tonight to share my experience with the Lilly Pulitzer for Target launch. It all began late last night when I attempted to score some of the merchandise online, and at that point Target.com crashed. So, left with only the store option, I decided I was going to Black Friday this sale and be there when the doors opened.

13 Organic Beauty Brands We Found at T.J. Maxx (And You Might Too!)

13 Organic Beauty Brands We Spotted at TJ Maxx (and you might too!)

Have you noticed that T.J.Maxx has been adding more and more organic beauty brands to the mix? I've definitely noticed this trend at my stores and I couldn't be happier. Organic beauty products can often cost more than their non-organic counterparts and their effectiveness can be hit or miss (think natural deodorant). Luckily when I find a brand I'm curious to try - or already know and love - and it's a few dollars less at T.J.Maxx than elsewhere, I'm happy to scoop it up! On this trip I picked up Avalon Organics Tea Tree Mint Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner (my husband loves this stuff, too) and EO spray deodorant (in my extensive experience with natural deodorants, the sprays work best. I love the scent of this one and you can reapply as often as you need, which is actually really nice and refreshing in the summer!)