Good news for Chicago shoppers...

From WWD.com: "Loehmann's will open its first downtown Chicago store at 151 North State Street next month, adding to the discount retail presence on the street, which currently houses Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx and Filene's Basement. Located between the Chicago Theatre and Macy's on State Street, the newly constructed 27,000-square-foot bilevel Loehmann's will possess one of the more upscale interiors of the 61-store chain, with marble floors and private fitting rooms. It will sit below the Joffrey Ballet's new headquarters and across from ABC Channel 7's new studios. ..."

FYI, Loehmann's is a discounter of designer fashions. Think of it as a dressier, more mature version of TJ Maxx.

The opening of Loehmann's is part of an ongoing transformation of State street...which has been bittersweet: In 2006, Marshall Field's, an iconic department store and city landmark, was replaced by New-York based Macy's. (We won't shop there on principle, but the building is still worth visiting for it's stunning Tiffany glass dome.) Then, the nearby Louis Sullivan-designed building that had housed Carson Pirie Scott for over a century saw it's tenant take flight.

On the plus side, the area south of Washington has really seen a surge in new businesses including affordable clothing retailers and restaurants. In addition to the stores listed above, budget babes can also shop at Chicago-based Akira, and Sears, plus Urban Outfitters, Old Navy, H&M, and a trilevel Forever 21 (to name a few).

Let's hope Loehmann's gives shoppers in Chitown something to cheer about.

Down-filled, fur-lined, quilted or knitted, puffy vests are so warm and snuggly that you can't help but love them. Layered over a fitted sweater, puffy vests stand in as substitutes for jackets. Worn beneath a lightweight coat, they provide extra warmth and mileage as temperatures drop. If you're worried they'll add extra visual bulk, pick a more streamlined version in a dark color. With so many styles to choose from these days, there's sure to be a perfect poofy for your wardrobe. Here are six budget-friendly suggestions...



[1] Bitten SJP Navy Puffer, under $20
[2] Gap Camo Hooded Vest, $34.99
[3] Old Navy Frost Free Vest in Oxygen, $39.50
[4] Delia's Fairisle Sweater Vest, $54.50
[5] Forever 21 Safari Vest, $37.80
[6] Forever 21 Plaid Wool Vest, $29.80

The wait is over: Twelve by Twelve, the new "luxe" line from Forever 21, launched September 25th in select stores and online.

What we've seen so far looks promising: Twelvebytwelve.com uses sexy branding. Clothes are categorized by snazzy names like "Dandy Dolls, "Mystical Forest," and "Modern Art." Each has it's own subtle flavor. Polyester is still prevalent but natural fibers can also be found. The overall color palette is more sophisticated and subdued than it's sister brand. Prices top off at $89 for outerwear.

Until we can get our paws on the real deal, we'll just have to go by what we see online. Here are some standout items from the debut collection...




[1] Downtown Double-knit Jacket, cotton, $69
[2] Cottswald Cocoon Sweatercoat, wool, $48
[3] Oxford Shirtdress, silk, $36
[4] Nostalgic Minidress, silk, $39

If you've never shopped at LuLu's Fashion Lounge, here's your chance to look super cute for super cheap!

Budget Babe readers get 15% OFF EVERYTHING at
www.lulusfashionlounge.com now through October 19, 2007. Just type in budgetbabe at checkout to receive your exclusive discount!

Happy Shopping!

xoxo

The Alice Temperley for Target collection is a sheer and utter delight. Replete with ruffles, buttons and polka dots, this line is absolutely fun, fun, FUN!

As promised, here's our take on the goods...

The royal blue cropped jacket on the left was the first thing we spotted on the rack on account of its bright, cheerful color (also comes in a nice cream color). Made from 80% polyester and 20% wool, it's surprisingly comfortable and soft to the touch. Gorgeous black/blue polka-dot lining, too. But our boyfriend would laugh hysterically if he saw us wearing this, so best left for Mary Poppins (and at $44.99, it's definitely doable on a nanny's salary).

The black sweater vest on the right is 100% cotton, which we like. At $22.99, you get what you pay for with this one. It's rather...fragile, but cute nonetheless.


Didn't think we'd dig the skirtall on the left, but it fit like a glove and was super cute to boot. Pair with footless tights and heels ($29.99; 100% polyester).

The pink top on the right also put a smile on our face because a) it's pink and b) it's pink. Ooh, and it was nice and long, just the way we like it. A steal at $14.99 (95% cotton, 5% spandex).


In theory, the ruffled blouse on the left is perfect: It's feminine, sophisticated, dramatic. We loved it, but would never, ever wear it. Make sense? It's 100% polyester, but definitely doesn't look like it. Cost: A measly $29.99.

The black pants on the right were tough to get into, but once we zipped, buttoned and fastened our way into them, we didn't want to take them off: Comfortable, elegant, and of course, versatile. ($39.99; 100% polyester)


The crepe dress on the left was probably our favorite item simply because it's most closely aligned with our own personal style: Easy fit, great movement to the fabric, girly but with an edge. Simultaneously modern and retro. Loved the fabric covered buttons down the front, and the silhouette created by the tie around the waist. We'd wear it with leggings. ($29.99, 100% rayon).

The polka-dot blouse on the right was charming, but not our style. Too "tea and crumpets." Though made from 100% polyester, the quality was still impressive for $29.99.


The love fest continued with the cropped pants on the left. Bronze buttons featuring the Temperley design were a nice touch. Makes us feel like they paid attention to detail and put some thought into it (Touching, isn't it?) For $34.99, you can afford to experiment and try this jean-alternative without any risk.

We're definitely going to buy the navy/purplish knit top on the right because we thrive on making understatements. It has just a smidgen of detail, which is enough to make it fashiony. Just $16.99.


The sleeves on the cotton shirtdress on the left were too short for us. But we comforted ourselves with the fact that we do not like to iron. Yet the buttons are to die for, and come on, $29.99 for something this fashion forward? Go for it.

The off-white cotton shirt on the right (which also comes in black) fit well and looked sharp, but again, too fussy. And too "swashbuckler." But can't argue with the $24.99 pricetag.

In conclusion: Our only complaint is that they didn't make clothes like this (and at these prices) when we were in junior high, because for the most part, the collection is too young for us. But hey, it's GO, and that's perfectly alright. We had a ball just trying this stuff on!