The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: Stars and Stripes in the Target Dollar Bins

Fourth of July dollar bin finds at Target
New red, white and blue goodies have appeared in the dollar bins at Target, perfect for celebrating the upcoming Memorial Day weekend or Independence Day holiday. Pick up striped paper plates or star print napkins plus star shaped ceramic dishes for a perfectly patriotic picnic. Decorate with stars and stripes garlands, drink up with red, white and blue tumblers, and relax on a "Celebrate Like it's 1776" pillow on the Fourth of July. And of course don't forget to show your spirit with accessories in the same palette, like scarves, tote bags and bandanas (which also happen to be summer's hottest trend...I bought one, not sure I'll have the courage to wear it though LOL). Kids will love the festive glow sticks, glow bracelets and glow necklaces - we bought a bulk box last year that was a big hit at the 4th of July BBQ we attended. You can't go wrong! Browse my pics for more inspiration...have you picked up anything yet?

Off the Rack: Who What Wear for Target May Highlights

Who What Wear for Target
I'm increasingly impressed with the Who What Wear for Target collection - each month seems to bring more covetable items that I want to add to my wardrobe. This month, they've introduced sophisticated ways to wear ruffles, cropped flares and summer whites. I used to love shopping Target's Xhilaration line but at some point I woke up and realized, it's just way too young for me (boohoo), and that's why I especially love the Who What Wear line. It's on trend but totally suitable for someone in her thirties and beyond. The colors are sophisticated, and many of the silhouettes are work appropriate, too. I'm crushing on this pleated skirt, this jacket and this ruffle top. This straw hat is a summer staple (and fits my big head) while this apron dress would be perfect for long summer weekends. I just wish I wasn't nursing sometimes so I could wear all these fun items all the time! But, not complaining. I guess my situation saves me money in the long run! More Who What Wear for Target photos below, and on Snapchat...I'm @budgetbabe! :-)

There's A Chloe 'Drew' Dupe in the Newest Who What Wear for Target Collection

Chloe 'Drew' lookalike in the Who What Wear for Target collection
Thanks to a note from alert reader Julianne G., I learned that Who What Wear's latest monthly collection for Target just dropped - and it's really good. Like, return all your Marimekko and buy this instead good. Julianne shopped the buy one get one half off sale that was going on in stores over the weekend and got four pieces from the new line for $80! She recommends the chambray blazer and the flowy midi skirt. I was browsing the line on target.com and noticed a gorgeous new saddle bag that looks inspired by Chloe's famous 'Drew' bag. It comes in blush, black or olive. You can't go wrong. They've also brought back the Claire Vivier inspired striped pouch and foldover clutch. Excellent job, Who What Wear! Loving this line.

SPLURGE: Chloe 'Drew' Bag, $1,850 at net-a-porter.com
STEAL: Who What Wear Tonal Saddle Bag (also in olive or black), $29.99 at target.com

Dressing Room Review: Knox Rose at Target and More Random Goodness

Cold shoulder top by Knox Rose at Target
You don't need to roll out a designer collab like Marimekko to draw me to Target on a random Sunday afternoon. On a recent trip I had a little time to try on some tops by Knox Rose, which can look unimpressive on the rack but really shine when you try them on. Case in point: The cold shoulder top above looked shapeless on the hanger but made me feel sexy (for a change!) when I tried it on. Knox Rose actually has a bunch of on-trend cold shoulder tops and peasant tops that are so in right now and feel right for summer, no matter what your usual style calls for. Just style them with white pants or denim shorts and sandals for easy outfits you can take from day to night with the right accessories. For under $25, these pieces are an inexpensive way to try the boho trend without the spending commitment you might pay at Free People or Anthropologie. Read on for some of my picks, plus some incredible fashion jewelry and my new favorite picnic blanket by Threshold!