Dear Budget Babe,
The release of designer Anya Hindmarch's "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" bag has created quite a stir and all the cool kids are carrying them. Unfortunately, they've completely sold out in the states. Can you suggest some stylish alternatives? And is paper really better for the environment than plastic?

TBB: The answer to the "paper or plastic?" dilemma is: Neither. Both gobble up natural resources and cause significant pollution.

So while the message "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" may be somewhat misleading, it's still a reusable bag—and at the end of the day, reusable bags are best.

For the lucky few who scooped one up for $15 at Whole Foods, make sure you actually use it and don't toss it when the next fad comes along. And if you didn't snag one, do not distress (and please, do not buy one off eBay for $200): There are plenty of other affordable and fashionable eco-friendly shopping bags...scroll down for some wholesome options!



















[1] Fiesta Colors String Bags, $10 for one at Ecobags.com
[2] Basura Totes are made from recycled juice packs by a women's co-op in the Philippines. $23.95 at Reusablebags.com.
[3] World Shoppers Bag, $13.99 at Target.com
[4] grOceries Tote, $9.50 at boutique.oprah.com

If sun-kissed is the look for summer skin, then sun-silked is the look for summer hair. The Budget Babe's Beauty expert shares her favorite haircare products for a sexy 'do at a super hot price. —TBB


It's mid-July, and we ladies—and guys—find ourselves in the middle of the season we like to call “how-do-I-manage-my-hair?” (also known as summer). Now, I hate to toot my own horn here (lie), but when it comes to hair I think I’m the perfect budget-beauty-babe guinea pig. With wavy, layered, half-blonde half-black hair (that through the years has been every shade in between) I’m a pretty good test subject for a whole gamut of products—and I have been.

In the not too distant past, a new product hit the shelves that has really taken off—and for good reason. It has unfailingly taken me from winter, to spring, to summer with miraculous results. A perfect balance of what hair needs, with no side effects to color (dark or light!)

And it is with this confidence that I recommend to every budget babe out there that they stock up on the uber deal that is Sunsilk. The line has a product that's perfect for every hair problem and they ::gasp:: work! When I want to tame my waves I go for the Straighten Up, which gives me soft silky hair without any product feel. Then when I want to go back to waves I use either the Anti-Poof, Hydra TLC or De-Frizz. They all work wonders and I’m proud to say I own the collection. At around $4 bucks a pop, who can afford not to?!

Beauty Tip: Going to the beach or swimming pool? Pop a Hydra TLC 24/7 crème into your bag; apply small dollop post-H20, and tada!!! Gorgeous summer sexy hair (smells lovely too!).

Tips for the budget-beef-cake: Guys, take a hint: super crunchy hair is not that appealing, but neither is a frizzy pile! Solution? Anti-Poof 24/7 crème. Just a dollop to wet hair, let air dry, and you have luscious locks! (Tested and approved on the Budget Beauty Babe’s Beefcake)

Keeping you lovely for less...
Kisses,
The Budget Beauty Babe

P.S. The products also come in no-fuss, no-muss containers that are easy open, easy squeeze and definitely please!

Note: We do not conduct our tests on animals, just each other!

Shown above: Sunsilk Hydra TLC product line, $3.99 each at Drugstore.com.

Related Links:
Step-by-step summer skincare
The only lip gloss you'll ever need

As much as we adore Miuccia Prada, she started a rather disturbing trend this spring—the turban.

We moaned and groaned at first because let's face it—the turban is such an easy sartorial target (for one, it looks like a shower cap).

Then we thought, rather than simply bash this questionable headgear, let's see if we can find a case where it works—et voila, you're looking at it!

Paired with an elegant, floor-length black dress, we think this satin jewel-colored turban is the perfect accessory for evening. It's a glamorous throwback to fashion fifty years ago or so. And for some reason, it reminds us of The English Patient. It's sophisticated, chic, and hardly looks like she's hiding a bad hair day.

Perhaps that's the key: the idea that a turban can be tossed on to cover unkempt hair is a bit absurd. The woman who can successfully pull off the turban trend must wear it with resolve and clear intent.

Will you be donning a turban this season? Has fashion gone mad, or is this a fresh alternative to hats?

P.S. If you answered "yes" to the former, get your turban for $28 here. >>

Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale begins Friday, July 20 in stores and online. This is your chance to get Fall merchandise at reduced prices! Prices go back up Monday, August 6.

Meredeth at Noveau Image does a great job of explaining the origins of this renowned shopping event.

Happy shopping!

In August, Marc Jacobs will launch Daisy, a new fragrance for women. Developed by perfumer Alberto Morillas, Daisy will include notes of wild strawberry, violet leaves, red grapefruit, gardenia, violet, jasmine, musk, vanilla and white woods.

We love the novel idea of naming a perfume after a fun, freedom-inspiring flower—the daisy, of course—even though it's not exactly known for having a pleasant scent. The bottle is to die for with whimsical white flowers made of soft plastic adorning the bottle cap.

Anything Marc Jacobs attaches his name to tends to be stellar, so we considered the $55 pricetag to be entirely reasonable. After all, our grandmother's bottle of CHANEL N°5 is, for us, a priceless heirloom. And it still smells as lovely as the day we became its owner.

Then we wondered: Are pricey perfumes worth the cost? Is there a considerable quality difference between the pricier and less expensive brands? How much are you willing to fork over for a precious fragrance?