The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

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!

Bella Hadid's Off-the-Shoulder Sweater and Gingham Heels Look for Less

Bella Hadid looks cute and casual in a gray off the shoulder sweater, high waist jeans and gingham platform pumps.
Bella Hadid looked cute and casual in a grey off-the-shoulder sweater with high waisted jeans and gingham ankle strap heels for lunch with friends.

Here she's paired an off-the-moment shoulder baring top with high-waist jeans and the cutest gingham platforms ever (Jeffrey Campbell makes a similar pair you'll swoon over).

These are all the hottest silhouettes right now, and they're easy to find on a budget...shop my picks under $100 below!

MORE: Jourdan Dunn's Off-the-Shoulder Top and Fringe Jeans Look for Less

Bella Hadid looks cute and casual in a gray off the shoulder sweater, high waist jeans and gingham platform pumps.


Bella Hadid Photo Credit: BACKGRID


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.

Recreate Sofia Vergara's Chic Summer Outfit for Under $130 at Old Navy

Sofia Vergara wears a one shoulder coral ruffle top with floral print pants and nude platform sandals.
Sofia Vergara kept things colorful and cute for a day of shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue in a one-shoulder coral ruffled shirt and floral pants.

The 'Modern Family' actress grounded the brightly colored top and print pants with nude platform sandals and a nude leather handbag, which is always a smart styling tip.

While putting together her look for less, I realized that you can basically get everything you need for this look - from Sofia's gold hoop earrings down to her flirty shoes - at Old Navy! This post is in no way sponsored by ON, I just thought it would be fun to show you guys how easy it is to get this look for under $130 total in a one-stop shopping trip! Who's with me?!

MORE: Eva Longoria Shows Off the Perfect Summer Day Night Outfit

Sofia Vergara wears a one shoulder coral ruffle top with floral print pants and nude platform sandals.

Shop the Look for Less:


PANTS: Old Navy Print Pixie Pant (also comes in a red tropical floral print)
TOP: Old Navy One Shoulder Top (just $11, in sizes XS to XXL)
SHOES: Old Navy Nude Patent Sandals (or try a nude ballet flat)
BAG: Old Navy Tote (or go with a chic clutch)
EARRINGS: Old Navy Hoop Earrings
BRACELT: Old Navy Stretch Gold Bracelet




Sofia Vergara Photo Credit: SPOT / BACKGRID



Links of the Day:

I finally placed my first order with SheIn! After about an hour of browsing this behemoth of a fast-fashion store, I bought this gingham top, this casual peplum tee, this boho maxi dress, this embroidered peasant top, and this embroidered tunic. If you spend $99 you get free expedited shipping, so that's why I ordered so many pieces. Returns are free (I paid some $1.99 insurance fee to guarantee free returns, too, not exactly sure what that's about but I wanted to be safe since it's my first time buying from this international site.) I'll post an update once my items arrive.

I'm going to need a bigger closet - how chic are these leopard tassel sandals by Old Navy?!

This 'Totes!' tote is so adorable and just $8! Reminds me of the popular 'Totes, ya'll' bag by Draper James.