The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Love It or Leave It: Isaac Mizrahi for Target Pleated Garden Dress



Isaac Mizrahi for Target Pleated Garden Dress features discreet pockets and a perfect price. $39.99 at Target.com and in stores.

Okay, ladies. We're torn over this dress by Isaac. Is it an adorable, floral 50's throwback? Or does it evoke the unsavory curtain frocks that Maria (played by the lovely Julie Andrews) made for the von Trapp girls in The Sound of Music? You gotta admit, she was being pretty resourceful, but we try to avoid draping ourselves in upholstery.
What do you think—love it or leave it?

Summer 2007 Fashion Trend: Bold Prints

Bold prints play up the season's vintage, deco, mod, floral, geometric, and folk aesthetics. Playfully positioned on feminine babydolls, easy swing tops, short dresses, empire waist and trapeze frocks, they're proof that fashion's fun side is here to stay. Wear this trend if you're feeling daring and a tad cheeky.


Nicole® by Nicole Miller babydoll top with V-neck, $44.00, JCPenney.com. You run the risk of looking preggers in certain babydolls, but this top has a flattering v-neck and back tie to help achieve a slimming effect.


Juniors' Mossimo Supply Co. Geo Printed Tube Dress reminds one of stained glass, $19.99, Target.com


A swingy Floral Kimono Dress from Lux in a gorgeous print, Now $19.99 at Urbanoutfitters.com


We absolutely adore this Diamond Deco Shift Dress because it's so fierce yet utterly effortless. Regularly $138.00, now $68.99, ArdenB.com


Sleeveless silk tunic with rectangle pattern has great details: front keyhole with faceted button closure and color block trim. Regularly $88.00, Now $43.99, ArdenB.com


We're also in love with this short-length woven cotton dress with metallic screen graphic print. Simple, modern, stunning. $22.80, Forever21.com

Stylish 8-Hour Shoes for Summer

Summer is for strutting your stuff outdoors. We love to embrace the warm, sunny weather and get our daily dose of vitamin D with leisurely strolls through the park, long walks during our lunch break and of course, plenty of shopping (window or otherwise). But none of these simple pleasures could be enjoyed without cute, comfortable shoes. Here are some sassy shoes for under $70 that you can wear all day long, pain-free—no joke!

















Row One: Aerosoles from Aerosoles.com
Row Two: Indigos by Clark from Endless.com
Row Three: Nanette Lepore for Keds from Piperlime.com

Chicago Area Sale Alert: The Garment Room Summer Clearance


The Garment Room in Chicago is a vintage lover's dream-come-true. Founded in 2003 by our friend Tiffany Nicole, the company takes a modern approach to vintage fashion by carefully selecting and mending timeless pieces of clothing and giving them a fresh, new life. Featured labels include Dior, Halston, Diane Von Furstenberg, Pucci, Chanel and more.

If you're in Chicago this weekend, be sure to check out their sale with reduced prices up to 50% off. Plus, load up on goodies on the newly stocked clearance rack. Take your pick of summer dresses, tops, sunglasses and more. All pieces are only $25!...click the image for more details, or visit www.thegarmentroom.com.

Great Women of Style: Remembering Lady Bird Johnson

Lady Bird Johnson, the first lady who championed beautification, passed away at 94. Born Claudia Alta Taylor in Texas on Dec. 22, 1912, Lady Bird received her nickname as a child from a nurse who thought she was as "purty as a lady bird.”

Lady Bird was a pioneer in defining the modern role of the first lady. Though she wasn't known for wearing designer clothing as did her predecessor (Jacqueline Kennedy), Lady Bird nonetheless epitomized style and grace. We think her commitment to conservation, her husband and her country make her an inspiration and role model for us all.