I'd always wanted to try a stylish teething necklace for my kids but was put off by the high price, and I worried about the quality with lower priced versions (was the plastic safe? would the beads come off?).

Hey Budget Babes!! My name is Maddie Kelley and I am so excited to be joining the team as an intern. I am a Wellesley College student currently studying abroad in London. My personal style is simple with a hint of edgy. My fashion is very inspired by my travels and street wear. I'm looking forward to your feedback and I can't wait to share my writing with all of you!

When I get to a new city, I’m always scanning the crowds for what everyone is wearing. I can’t walk by a single person without noticing their shoes, their bag, their jeans...basically every element of their outfit in order to understand what sets the city’s fashion apart from others.

London style is actually quite unique, especially in Soho, the fashion hub of London. Filled with fashion students, designers, and shoppers, the fashion style there is casual but cool and effortless yet sophisticated.

Here are three major trends I've seen while living abroad in London, plus budget-friendly pieces to help you get the look:

Shown above: Charlotte Wiggins at the Topshop Unique show. (Photo Credit: Photoshot, PacificCoastNews)

With just ten days until Easter, I thought it'd be fun to share the latest Easter decor by Threshold which I've spotted on recent Target runs. I didn't get a chance to photograph all the things, but I've linked them up below. It's all so good! The collection has a classic, vintage feel that looks collected over time.



Pick a few store-bought items to blend in with DIY elements...maybe tuck a white rabbit figurine into some fresh flowers or branches from your garden for a centerpiece, or just hang the egg wreath on your front door to welcome friends. Prices ranges from $5 to $25.

Shop Easter Decor at Target

Threshold Easter Egg Topiary, Large, $19.99
Threshold Easter Egg Topiary, Small, $15.99
Threshold Bowtie Bunny Pillow, $24.99
Threshold Striped Throw Pillow, $24.99
Threshold Easter Egg Garland, $9.99
Threshold Tassel Ribbon Banner, $9.99
Threshold Porcelain Bunny Figural Laying, $9.99
Threshold Porcelain Bunny Taper Candle Holder, $4.99
Threshold Porcelain Bunny Figural Standing, $9.99
Threshold Easter Egg Wreath, $19.99
Threshold Porcelain Bunny Wall Mount, $24.99
Threshold Moss Egg Filler, $9.99
Threshold Egg Filler, $9.99

My Recent Buys

Earlier I shared my recent buys at Payless and Sole Society at the end of this post, and today I'll share my recent buys at JCPenney and Target. I've been methodically building my spring wishlist, so these are items I know I've wanted for many weeks, and now I'm pulling the trigger!

JCPenney is offering an extra 30% off your order (you'll see the coupons when you're checking out, make sure you pick the one that offers the greatest discount - it works even if you're not using a JCP card) so I really went for it you guys! I picked up this Worthington lace blouse in blush pink, the a.n.a. peplum hem blouse in navy floral, navy stripe, and black and white stripe (had such a hard time narrowing it down, honestly I kinda want the pink and green florals too!), the Belle + Sky crossfront top in black, Belle + Sky white distressed skinny jeans and the black skinny jeans, this Belle + Sky off-the-shoulder top, this drape front tee, this button-front off-the-shoulder top, and this floral off-the-shoulder top.

It may seem like a lot but I paid only between $11.89 and $20.99 per item, plus I got free shipping! I just hope everything fits.

At target.com, shoes are still buy one get one 50% off, so I picked up the Merona 'Magnolia' sandals in cognac and the Who What Wear 'Carolina' block heel slides in tan. Both look comfortable and versatile with a little style factor going on, too.

I'll keep you posted once everything arrives and share photos via Instagram!