The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Throwback Thursday: Kristin Cavallari's Utility Vest and Ankle Booties

Kristin Cavallari's utility olive military vest outfit idea
This look from last summer shows Kristin Cavallari working a utility vest with a beige top, distressed jeans and lace-up ankle booties from her collab with Chinese Laundry.

Alison Brie Shows Us How to Dress for Work in the Summer

Alison Brie from Mad Men looks chic for summer in a black and white print pencil skirt.
Alison Brie showed off her summer style in NYC as she was seen leaving an apartment building in a black sleeveless top, black and white patterned skirt, and purple suede pumps.

When temperatures soar, I think this is the perfect outfit formula for the office.

Also, I just realized that every celebrity look this week has featured a black and white color palette! First, we had Sarah Hyland in a gingham dress and moto jacket, then Kylie Jenner in striped pants and white sneakers, and now 'Mad Men' star Alison Brie in a print pencil skirt and sleeveless black top.

Black and white is always a good choice, and while I usually associate it with the fall and winter seasons, it's just as easy to wear in the summer. You can always add a pop of color like Alison has done here with her shoes, or mix things up with a colorful top or bag.

To get this look for less, I recommend spending a bit more than usual for some pieces I found at Ann Taylor - they're all on sale, making these worthwhile purchases you'll wear next season, too!

MORE: See how Reese Witherspoon styles her print pencil skirt for summer.

Alison Brie from Mad Men looks chic for summer in a black and white print pencil skirt.

Shop the Look for Less:


SKIRT: Ann Taylor Pencil Skirt
TOP: Ann Taylor Cotton Sateen Shell
SHOES: Cole Haan 'Eliza' Pump (half off!)
BAG: Zara Chain Bag
EARRINGS: Tory Burch Logo Studs




Alison Brie Photo Credit: Teach / Moryc Welt / BACKGRID



Links of the Day:

For a limited time, all full-price dresses are just $75 at Ann Taylor. Use code DRESS75. This is where I found a dress for my last summer wedding, so pretty and flattering. They're my new go-to when I need something nice!

College Fashion rounds up some fun Fourth of July finds. Yes, it's almost here!

Alessandra Ambrosio Keeps it Casual in Cargo Pants

Alessandra Ambrosio's airport style is casual and cool, with a black tee, olive cargos and denim jacket.
Supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio was seen looking casual in a denim jacket and green cargo pants as she departed from LAX in Los Angeles.

Anytime I can pretend that I can somewhat approximate a model's off-duty look, I am a happy girl. I can totally pull together a black tee, denim jacket and olive cargos from my closet to recreate this look! All I'm missing are the cap-toe espadrille flats, the perfect summer travel slip-on shoe (TSA approved!) and I found a pair under $20 at ASOS.com you'll love.

Snag all the pieces to recreate Alessandra's look below, including one super amazing dupe for her covetable Chloe bag.

MORE: Alessandra Ambrosio's Casual Summer Uniform Look for Less

Alessandra Ambrosio's airport style is casual and cool, with a black tee, olive cargos and denim jacket.

Shop the Look for Less:


PANTS: LOFT Tie-Waist Cargo Pants (extra 40% off no code needed)
Ava & Viv Plus-Size Utility Pants
TOP: LOFT Vintage Soft Tee
JACKET: H&M Denim Jacket
SUNGLASSES: A.J. Morgan Round Sunglasses
BAG: Goodnight Macaroon Suede and Leather Bag (Chloe dupe under $70!) OR try this Sole Society 'Jolene' Crossbody Bag (I bought this bag and like it a lot)
NECKLACE: Sugarfix by Baublebar Layered Necklace




Alessandra Ambrosio Photo Credit: HGVC / BACKGRID



Links of the Day:

I'm hosting a fun summer giveaway with Goodpop over on my Instagram page! My kids and I love their organic freezer pops. The coconut milk creamcicle pops are amazing, too, as are the cold brew coffee flavor (for us grownups).

Two nights ago, I did a little damage shopping Who What Wear clearance on target.com! I bought this patchwork utility jacket , this ruffle tank in white (just $5.38), this moto jacket in yellow (just $13.48), this wrap skirt, and this bomber jacket in the daisy floral (just $11.98). I also got this Knox Rose floral print blouse for $8. My entire order came in under $100 with free shipping and 5% off with my RedCard.



How to Wear the Summer Whites Trend

Gwyneth Paltrow wears a white sleeveless button shirt and wide leg crop pants plus white Birkenstock sandals.
Nothing says summer like head-to-toe white. Here, Gwyneth Paltrow was spotted leaving a children's play wearing a flutter-sleeve top with wide-leg crop pants and Birkenstock sandals, all in monochromatic white.

Her Goyard bag in blue provided just a hint of color to her laid-back summer ensemble.

This is how to do summer whites right: Crisp, clean separates in effortless fabrics, and a chic ponytail to finish it off.

I'm jazzed that you can recreate this entire look with pieces from the Who What Wear for Target collection! Splurge on the sandals (under $100) and tote bag to elevate your look, and you'll be channeling those white-on-white vibes all summer long.

MORE: Steal Gwyneth Paltrow's Style Trick to Making Anything Look Cool

Gwyneth Paltrow wears a white sleeveless button shirt and wide leg crop pants plus white Birkenstock sandals.

Shop the Look for Less:


TOP: Banana Republic Flutter Sleeve Shirt OR get this sleeveless ruffle top, just $5.38 on clearance! I can't even you guys.
PANTS: Who What Wear High Waist Cargo Jean (just $17.48!) also in plus-size (just $11.08!)
Also love this gauze crop pant (under $30)
SHOES: Birkenstock 'Arizona' Sandals (exact match) OR save with these $23 lookalikes
EARRINGS: Old Navy Bow Stud Earrings
BRACELET: Old Navy Stretch Bracelet
BAG: Tory Burch Gemini Link Bag (Goyard look for less)




Gwyneth Paltrow Photo Credit: SPOT / BACKGRID



Links of the Day:

For a limited time, save 30% off the Stuart Weitzman 'Highland' over the knee boots at Nordstrom. Everyone will be wearing these in the fall!

Take 15% off all Father's Day Gifts at Minted.com with code JUSTFORDAD.

Macy's just kicked off their Great Shoe and Sandal Sale! Save up to 40% off top styles through 6/18.

This Who What Wear bag is a great look for less for the sold-out-everywhere Clare V. straw circle bag.