The Budget Babe

The Look for Less: Free People Doubs Fingerless Gloves

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:53:17 -0500

Free People has one of the best glove selections I've seen this season (hey, gloves are a very important accessory!) including these military-inspired Doubs fingerless gloves with button deal. Pick them up in black, red, grey or purple for $28. A great affordable gift idea!

While I love fingerless gloves because they keep hands toasty while typing, sometimes you need a little extra coverage. For those occasions, try these Merona Jersey Glove with Buttons available in black or white for $10.99 at Target.com.

The Look for Less: Christian Louboutin Babel Boots

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:25:34 -0500

In this earlier post, many of you were none too impressed with the Fair Isle sweater look, but you were definitely drooling over Hilary Duff's red-soled boots, namely, her Christian Louboutin Babel boots, $1,465 at Net-a-Porter.com.

Ok. I'm not saying Old Navy even comes close to Louboutin in terms of fabulosity, but these stylish black boots are a reasonable alternative, are they not? They're available in camel or black and cost $50 at OldNavy.com.

And if you're willing to spend a bit more to get this look, here are some more options:

Swirl: Sample Sales by DailyCandy

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:09:46 -0500

Swirl's first sale features flowy blouses and cozy cardigans by designer Alisha Levine, ranging in price from $92 to $165.

From the creators of DailyCandy—one of the most popular free daily e-mail newsletters on where to shop, eat, play and more—comes a new online sample sale site, Swirl. The site is still in beta, but you can shop their very first sale now through Monday, November 23rd. I haven't ordered anything from them yet, but judging solely on appearances, Swirl looks poised to become a sweet new destination for fashionable bargain-hunters. The layout is clean and uncluttered, while the styling is upbeat and chic (even if the prices are kinda steep). I'll be eagerly waiting and watching to see what Swirl can dish up next.

6 Under $60: Fair Isle Sweaters

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:27:00 -0500

Another perennial winter fashion favorite of mine is the Fair Isle sweater, that Nordic-style knit which conjures up images of Aspen lodges and hot toddies sipped on bearskin rugs before crackling fires. Pair yours with leggings, edgy boots and simple silver jewelry (like Hilary Duff) to balance proportions and keep your look modern. Keep reading for 6 super affordable Fair Isle-inspired sweaters under $60. Which would you wear?

Continue reading "6 Under $60: Fair Isle Sweaters"

The Look for Less: Ugg Australia Classic Boot

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:13:32 -0500

If you're looking for the UGG Australia Classic Tall Boot, you can find these cozy, sheepskin boots in a modern grey color for $180 at Madison L.A.

Whether you want an animal-friendly alternative or merely a pair of boots that doesn't cost as much, Aeropostale.com has you covered. Their faux shearling boots are now on sale for $24.99 (down from $59.50). Choose from grey, black, brown or straw. They also have lace-up and short boot styles. At these prices you can get more than one! Free shipping on orders over $100, too.

Dress by Number: Rachel Bilson's Ruffle Front Cardigan

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:29:00 -0500

For the perfect laid-back look that's still unmistakably stylish, take a cue from Rachel Bilson by pairing a ruffle-front cardigan with skinny jeans and studded accents. Perfect for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend (unless you'll be doing a lot of cooking, in which case you might want a cardi with a little less ruffle)!

[1] So tee, sale $8.99 at kohls.com
[2] Olsenboye boots, sale $49.99 at jcpenney.com
[3] a.n.a cable beanie, sale $11.99 at jcpenney.com
[4] Ruffle cardigan, $38 at ardenb.com
[5] Skinny jean, $79 at dkny.com
[6] Studded tassel cross-body purse, $16.99 at charlotterusse.com
[7] Super glossy lip shine, $1 at eyeslipsface.com

Fresh New Takes on Tweed for Fall

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:39:00 -0500

There's something about tweed—a thick woolen fabric which originated in Scotland (thank you Wikipedia)—that makes one think of wintertime.

This cozy fabric with a classic menswear appeal looks chic, not stuffy, when juxtaposed against anything really feminine (think Chanel's iconic tweed jacket worn with pearls).

Stylehive has a round up of some decidedly modern, on-trend tweed fashions and accessories that are calling my name. See their slideshow here, and check out my tweed fashion-finds below for further inspiration!

The Look for Less: Alice + Olivia Sequin Leggings

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:45:38 -0500

Looking for something unique to wear to all your holiday parties? Try these Alice + Olivia Sequin Leggings, $298 at shopbop.com. Paired with a simple top and sharp blazer, this modern combo will provide all the glitz and glam you need to stand out from the crowd.

Of course, this look can be had on a budget (and you won't have to worry about losing sequins as the night wears on). I saw these sequin leggings at my Forever 21 store not too long ago and thought they looked fabulous. Well, fab as far as sequin leggings go! Get yours for just $17.80 forever21.com.

Would you wear this look?

Dress by Number: Shakira in Animal Print

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:27:00 -0500

Start planning your New Year's Eve party look by picking up a leopard print frock and bold accessories like music star Shakira. Too much? Think of adding a single statement-making accessory to an LBD for a party-ready holiday look.

[1] Leopard knit dress, $60 at newyorkandco.com
[2] Azteca waist belt, $7.80 at forever21.com
[3] Faceted stud metal cuff, $8.80 at forever21.com
[4] Rebel chain necklace, $7.80 at forever21.com
[5] Nine & Co. boot, sale $74.99 at JCPenney.com

Off the Rack: Winter Coats at Target

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:48:00 -0500

Merona Wool Topcoat in Gray Plaid, $59.99

If there's one thing I love as much as boots, it's winter coats. While I won't hesitate to forgo style in lieu of survival, there are ways to look good while staying warm—and having a chic wool coat in your arsenal is one of them. Now to be completely honest, I'm not sure a Target coat will have what it takes to withstand a New England winter, but they sure are looking good this season. So I bought one as a sort of test. My gut says it won't be warm enough (I grew up in Chicago, after all), but we shall see! If you're looking for a second coat that you can wear with certain outfits, then definitely check out the offerings at Target. Here are some highlights, photographed by yours truly so you can compare the product photos with "real life." (Click any image to go to Target.com.) Who's loving Target's coats this year?

Merona Hip Length Wool Jacket in Black/White Houndstooth, also available in Camel/Gray. ($50)

Mossimo Black Wool Hooded Jacket in Dark Blue, $59.99. Also available in black, brown, black/navy and possibly other colors.

Continue reading "Off the Rack: Winter Coats at Target"

Holiday Shopping Tips: Maximize Your Savings Online

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:29:00 -0500

The holiday season is upon us, and this year more shoppers are turning to the internet to get all their holiday shopping needs met. Since I have friends and family in the Midwest and on the East Coast, I will definitely be doing most of my shopping online. It's convenient and there are deals aplenty! Shopping online allows me to hone in on the best gifts at the best prices. At least, that's my strategy this year! Here's how I'll be shopping this holiday season, share your tips in the comments:

Tips for Shopping Online and Staying within Your Budget this Holiday Season

Gift yourself with a game plan. Sounds more fun than "set a budget" right? Before you start shopping, come up with a ballpark figure of what you want to spend. Visualize how happy you'll be in January once you've followed through with your plan!
Start shopping yesterday. Traditionally, the deals get better as the holidays grow closer, but things are different this year: Retailers are carrying less inventory, so you might be better off shopping early for those hot products (toys especially). I'm actually looking forward to getting all my holiday shopping done ahead of time for once!
Never shop without a coupon. Check out sites like RetailMeNot.com, which I've mentioned in the past as one of the best sites to get reliable coupon codes. They've even set up Black Friday and CyberMonday deal pages with countdown clocks to those two huge shopping days.
Try "stacking" coupon codes. Some online stores like Victoria's Secret actually let you enter more than one coupon code to get additional discounts, free shipping or free gifts.
Comparison shop online even if you plan to buy in store. Online price comparison engines like BeatMyPrice.com make it easy to guarantee you are getting the best deal available.
Be sure to scan for sale and return policies to make sure you can get a refund of the difference if the price drops after you have made your purchase. Take advantage of price protection services like PriceProtectr.com to keep track of your purchases so you'll know when you may be able to get a price adjustment.

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? What's your strategy?

Dress by Number: Angelina Jolie's Airport Style

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:26:00 -0500

Get Mrs. Brad Pitt's airport style with an oversized tee, leggings tucked into riding boots and sleek black luggage. I winterized the look by adding a plush coat.

[1] Patent Crocodile Roll-A-Way Duffel, $45 at charlotterusse.com
[2] The Mama Cass oversized top, $42 at alternativeapparel.com
[3] Patent Crocodile Carry On Bag, $35 at charlotterusse.com
[4] Norma Kamali sleeping bag jacket, $35 at walmart.com
[5] Velvet leggings, $29 at lulus.com
[6] Merona Kallista riding boots, $40 at target.com

Beauty Review: Christopher Drummond Beauty

nospam@example.com (Kiki Bella) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:36:00 -0500

With the recent launch of some new products to the Christopher Drummond Beauty makeup collection—an innovative line created by former model and professional makeup artist Christopher Drummond—the company sent me free sample sizes of a few of their products to test and review. This line prides itself on being "100% natural, vegan, made with organic ingredients." I like it because it's great makeup.

The newest product to become a part of the Christopher Drummond line is the (2) Revitalizing Facial Serum ($55), which contains the "breakthrough" organic ingredient DMAE along with carrot extract, meadow foam extract, aloe, sugar cane and vitamins. This product certainly seems to have the ability to do it all! Firm, lift, tighten, hydrate, exfoliate and fight the effects of aging (whew!). Of course, only time will tell if this product can deliver on all its promises, but what I can say with certainty is that it feels great going on, absorbs into the skin nicely and leaves no greasy or sticky feeling in its wake. If I could afford to drop $55 on this stuff, I would, but I can't…so I won't.

Continue reading "Beauty Review: Christopher Drummond Beauty"

The Look for Less: Lucky Brand Spectrum Patchwork Scarf

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:59:00 -0500

Lucky Brand's acrylic Spectrum Patchwork Scarf retails for $69 at Macy's. There's also a matching hat for $35.

This scarf has a similar boho vibe and looks handmade (if you can knit or know someone who does, make this a DIY project!). It's the Mossimo Supply Co. Multicolor Patchwork Scarf and you can get it at Target.com for $16.99.

If you love the look of the scarves above, you'll love this hat, too. It's the Mossimo Multicolor Patchwork Beret, and it can be yours for just $12.99 at Target.com.