The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: Spring Favorites at Target

See what's new and cute for spring at Target.


Yesterday you guys sent me on a shopping mission to Target (those are screenshots from my Instagram Story above), and at first I wasn't feelin' it but when I looked closer, I found a lot to love for spring! I tried to reign in my enthusiasm and focused on some key pieces you can add to your existing wardrobe to make everything look fresh again.

First make sure you have all the basics: Soft tees (I recommend getting one striped, one white, one blush pink and one camo print), a great denim jacket, some white denim (not the easiest thing to find but Target has great options in store), and a pretty dress that can take you from day to night. Then add something trendy like an off-the-shoulder top, a pair of tassel earrings (this pair looked great IRL), some studded gladiator sandals, or a cold-shoulder dress to keep things interesting.

Also, right now when you spend $75, save $15 online only at target.com! I've noticed Target has a lot more options online than in store, so definitely take a look if you haven't already. Keep reading to see my dressing room favorites and some notes on sizing and quality. What are you guys loving/buying/wanting at Target this month?

Off the Rack: More Spring Goodness at Old Navy

Old Navy has bright colors and fun prints for spring.
This weekend's shopping adventure happened at Old Navy based on your reader requests via Instagram, and I'm glad "we" went because the store is in full-blown spring mode. And that's why this post is the perfect way to welcome the first day of S-P-R-I-N-G!

I was just at Old Navy a couple of week ago (documented in this post) and they already have all new merchandise out, from colorful camis and cardigans to strappy dresses, off-the-shoulder tops and brand new accessories to love.

I was looking for an Easter dress, and if you are, too, you might like this midi-length cami dress - you'll need to wear a cardigan or jean jacket over it, but the full skirt is really pretty and a nice length for church or something. Also comes in this pretty dark teal blue.

Everyone's favorite dress was a black floral trapeze dress with a little cold-shoulder action (shown above), but it figures that I can't find it on the website! Hopefully they'll add it, but for now here's a cami dress in the same fabric. There are so many dresses to choose from right now, it's worth going to your local store to try some on and see what you like best.

Finish your look with the perfect effortless sandal, like these lace up gladiator sandals in 6 yummy colors (love the taupe) and sueded lace-up ghillie flats in 4 amazing hues (that yellow! that blush pink!)

If you're ready to celebrate the new season with bright colors, floral prints and upbeat styles, Old Navy has you covered. Check out my pics below and let me know what you'll be buying! Almost everything in my store was on sale and it looks like nearly all the new arrivals on oldnavy.com are 40% off with code SPRING so now's the time for that spring refresh!

Off the Rack: Spring Trends I'm Loving at T.J.Maxx

See what's new for spring at T.J.Maxx.
This weekend I stopped by T.J.Maxx to scout of the new spring trends. When my friends at T.J.Maxx found out, they sent me a little giftcard to help with the hunt. What I loved most was the mix of spring brights and soft neutrals, which you can wear separately or mix and match.

In the handbag department there was an entire aisle dedicated to pink, from blush to flamingo. Over in women's clothing, I noticed a ton of spring break essentials like boho coverups and swimsuits. I'm not heading to any beachy resort anytime soon, so I moseyed on down to the misses section (okay, juniors) where I felt more in my element with essential distressed denim, updated basics and mom-iform must-haves like denim jackets.

In footwear, my heart skipped a beat when I spotted some tan patent loafers under $40, and some dusty pink sneakers under $20! Also loving the block heel trend which you can wear with shorts or dresses, and the nude sandal trend for that leg-lengthening effect.

And let's not forget accessories: T.J.Maxx has some super on-trend tassel earrings (seeing these all over Instagram), the latest sunglasses (which are either retro or futuristic) and even athleisure finds like sporty baseball caps in crushed velvet. I'm still building my spring wardrobe checklist so this was just a recon mission...as I hone in on what I really need and want I'll be heading back.

Check out all my photos below (I try not to photograph anything over $40 with the exception of some handbags, I think the scalloped pink one was $79.99) What's catching your eye for spring? Anything specific you want me to hunt down? Let me know in the comments!

Off the Rack: Spring Favorites at LOFT

See what's new at LOFT for spring.


Yesterday I did an informal poll on my Instagram Stories asking fans to choose my next shopping destination and got a ton of requests for LOFT! I feel like it's been ages since my last trip to LOFT so I was excited to go see what was new. For spring, LOFT is definitely all about bold shoulders, bright yellow, and pretty floral prints.

Standout pieces include this meadow dress (ruffles and stripes, what more could you want), this striped bell sleeve top (go bold or go home), and a yellow lily print blouse (which I couldn't find online but you can see a photo of it if you scroll down. There's also this scarf in the same print.)

I know a lot people feel they can't pull off the color yellow but I'm obsessed. Research shows that wearing yellow makes you feel happier, and you can't argue with science! Not convinced? Just check out this lace top and this lace skirt (both now 40% off), or these shorts. So good.

I will admit I'm not an expert LOFT shopper, so I'd love to know your tips and tricks for getting good deals. I loved this utility jacket ($108) and this vine ruffle shirtdress ($89.50 - looks nursing-friendly, regular-bra-friendly, and perfect for Easter/spring celebrations) but I'd have to wait for a sale before I buy.

Overall spring is looking really bright at LOFT. Let me know what you're loving/buying in the comments.

Dollar Bin Diaries: Spring Has Sprung in the Target Dollar Bins

Spring has sprung in the Target dollar bins.
I shared all the adorable Easter goodness at Target in this post, and now I've got more photos of the latest spring-themed dollar bin finds to share with you! It is all so cute, you guys. From the "hello, spring" pillows to the "enjoy the little things" wall art, I think you'll find it hard to resist adding an item or two to your decor.

Other highlights include mini faux succulents that will look convincingly real in all your Instagram shots, some blue and pink ombre vases, plus adorable butterfly banners, wall decals, and string lights you could use for a spring fete (or to decorate a kid's room).

There's also lots of new finds for your outdoors space - you'll see a photo of the copper plant signs below, but there's more in-store. Everything's just $1 to $5, so be mindful of the pricetags because all this cuteness can start to add up if you're not careful...but we're all careful, aren't we!?

Let me know what you're buying/loving at Target lately in the comments!