The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Eco-Friendly Fashion: Green is the New Black Tee

Everything's coming up green these days, and what better way to show you care about the big ball o' dirt that we're spinning through space on than by sporting these eco-friendly tees from JCPenney?

We'd opt for the "Green is the New Black" slogan tee (shown on right) cuz it's the most fashion-minded, of course. Wear with a spiffy blazer, tight jeans and heels. Best part: $1 from each purchase will be contributed to the World Wildlife Fund. Yay for pandas 'n stuff!

On sale for $11.99 thru August 7th.

Shoe Finds: End-of-Summer Lovin'

End-of-summer shoe sales are the best time to get incredible deals on all those shoes you've been holding out for, with prices marked down 50-75% at many retailers. For some of the best deals, go directly to your fave brand's site (as opposed to one-stop shops like Zappos.com). Check out the bargains we scooped up...

Aldo flatsThese black leather wedges have become our wardrobe staple. The low heel and flat sole makes them perfect for walking, and the knotted strap across the toe keeps them snugly in place and prevents the heel from shifting. Perfect with skinny jeans and above-the-knee frocks. We picked these up at an Aldo store for $39.99; save up to 70% off their shoes online.

We purchased these gems for an all-day wedding in September. We needed something that would carry us through the entire day of festivities in comfort, so Aerosoles was our brand of choice. Find styles marked down up to 65% during their summer clearance sale. These strappy leather heels were only $19.99!


Okay, trust us when we say these look way better in real-life. They have an Anthropologie vibe we just love—funky Nana chic. Can't wait to pair them with colored tights in the fall, although since they're real leather, they're quite comfortable barefoot, too, so we can start wearing them now. Also just $19.99 from Aerosoles.com!


Check out our other posts on budget-friendly shoes here. >>

Thank God for Synthetics: Perv-Proof Panties

While we normally advocate natural fibers whenever possible, we're more than willing to make an exception for these made-in-a-lab undergarments: ShotGuard Inner Shorts.

Developed by textile company Cramer Japan, these panties are made from a nylon and polyurethane weave that blocks infrared rays.

Why is this important, you ask? Because not only do creepy pervs with cameras and cameraphones often snap under-skirt photographs of women in public places—many of these scumbags are now modifying their videocam's night-vision mode, allowing them to see right through fabric.

Nasty, but this is the world we live in. (Lindsay, Paris, Britney-take note.)

The infrared-blocking underwear will sell for $17, and matching bras are in the works. We say that's a small price to pay for protecting your petunia.

Now if only they made panties with padlocks...

What to Wear from Summer Into Fall: Chadwick's Shirtdress

We have always loved shirtdresses for their versatility and egalitarian-chic vibe. This shirred ponté knit dress from Chadwicks.com is the perfect item to spruce up your summer wardrobe, then carry you stylishly into fall.

Pair with sexy strappy KORS heels while the weather is still warm; doll up with dark tights and boots as temperatures begin to drop. Not too shabby for a classy frock that's just $39.99.


Get Pumped: Vera Wang for Kohl's Print Campaign Pics

Remember back in June when we first reported Vera Wang was creating a masstige line for Kohl's? (If you missed it, check out the post here.) Guess what: the magazine ad campaign for Simply Vera starts this week, and that means more pics—more glorious, stunning photographs of Ms. Wang's moderately priced designs!

Okay, so we're excited. Really excited. Why the newfound enthusiasm for Simply Vera, you ask? (The line whose original name was "Very Vera" is under fire from textile designer Vera Neumann for trademark infringement according to Page Six.) For one, it's August (we can't believe summer's almost over either), and as the warm season winds down, what else do we have to look forward to besides fall fashion?

For another, the ads are fanciful, fun and really showcase the clothes in a manner we haven't seen before. We love the color palette and we're fond of the leggings (an iffy article of trendy clothing which we have just recently vowed to incorporate into our fall wardrobe, the 80s be damned.)

We've also heard more details about the delightful prices, which range from $128 for a double-breasted black car coat, to high-heeled Mary Jane shoes for $70, to opaque black tights at $12. That's way less than her Lavender line, and remember: Kohl's always has sales.

So mark your calendars—the magic begins on Sept. 9 when the collection hits stores, the "Wizard of Oz"-themed TV ads begin airing and a dedicated website launches via www.kohls.com.

Click on the pics and let us know if you're just as pumped!