A few days ago I paid a visit to the Marshalls Shoe MegaShop to check out the latest spring styles. I'm not going to say I was blown away by the selection on this particular trip, but I was definitely able to scout out some gems under $30 (some as low as $15). My kind of prices for shoes that will get beaten up during the summer months! Brands I love at this price range include Chinese Laundry, Union Bay, Franco Sarto, Nine West, DV by Dolce Vita, MIA and Steve Madden. I've owned all these brands and have found comfortable, trendy styles that are well made (i.e. won't fall apart after one season). Two new brands that I hadn't seen or noticed before at Marshalls include Aerin and Mila Paoli - scroll down to see some cute floral flip-flops from the former and sporty mesh flats by the latter. I also couldn't resist including a pic of some slides by Kate Spade embellished with chunky rhinestones on clearance for $80, as well as a cute beach bag, crochet maxi dress, and two pretty tops that would be perfect for Memorial Day weekend. It's everything you need to kick off the unofficial start of summer in style!

Just in time for planting season, Target has unveiled some of the cutest supplies to decorate and even grow your garden. A chalkboard hanging sign could greet guests for outdoor barbecues, slate stakes identify herbs in style, and mini lanterns could add a warm glow to your picnic table after dark. There are even small starter kits with seeds for flowers or a windowsill herb garden. Whether you have a big backyard, a small apartment balcony or just a sunny window to work with, there's something for everyone this season. Green thumb, not required.

If you pick up something fabulous from the Target dollar spot, I'd love to see your finds! Tag me on Instagram, @budgetbabe #dollarbindiaries.

I'll cut right to the chase: You are going to LOVE this pleated tank dress by Mossimo. The problem will be choosing just one color because all the options - blue marker, peach cheek, pomegranate pink and black - are amazing! The price is, too, just $24.99. The tiered styling reminds me of a Halton Heritage dress all the celebs were wearing a couple seasons ago...it's chic and flattering on many figures. You could dress it up with heels or flat sandals for so many summer occasions.

Yesterday I stopped by Gap in hopes of finding some new slip-ons and was pleasantly surprised to find loads of clothes I'd happily wear this spring and summer. You see, I don't often shop at the Gap because I feel like the quality isn't that much better than Old Navy or Merona at Target, where you can get very similar styles for less. But every so often, I find some gems on the sales racks or online. Gap's leather ballet flats are my go-to - they look like the expensive brands at a fraction of the cost. And yesterday I found exactly what I was looking for - genuine leather slip-on sneakers, for $49.95. (I went with blush, thanks Instagram loves!) Yes, it's pricey for this Budget Babe, but where else can you find leather sneaks for this price? I added this straw fedora (sized large enough to fit my big head) and qualified for a spend $75, save $25 promotion, so all-in-all it wasn't a terrible purchase. I plan on wearing both items for daily walks with my little guy and our dog, plus almost-daily trips to the playground. Other Gap highlights include subtle print shorts, fit & flare 100% cotton dresses, eyelet skirts, denim shirts, rugby striped maxi dresses, slightly distressed denim shorts and printed Tencel joggers.

Take a close look at the photos below...see anything you love?

Sale Scoop: Today at gap.com, buy one item get 20% off, buy 2 items get 30% off, buy 3 items get 40% off with code MORE

There are some days when I go to Target and don't see anything I like (shocking, but true) and then there are days when I fill up my cart with things I simply can't live without. This Mexican-inspired embroidered tote bag?! I need it for the farmer's market! These neon-neutral sandals?! It's the pop of color I've been looking for! A straw fedora?! My hat from last summer is looking kinda shabby, I'll definitely need this, too! And so I wander around, tossing things in my cart and snapping photos of everything I can't carry - like a crazy lady - to share with you guys. Ultimately, I was able to abandon my fully-loaded cart and left with only a Celfie tee and some more slim joggers in black. Credit card catastrophe averted. My apologies to the store employee who had to put everything back on the shelves, but isn't that Target's fault for making so much cute stuff?

Keep reading to browse 40+ photos below...see anything you like?