Recently, we became a proud member of Coutorture, a fashion blogging community that gives fashion lovers news and commentary in one great location. Why did we join? Because we long-admired Coutorture's incredible, high-caliber content as well as their mission and purpose to gain greater visibility for its members and give fashion bloggers a stronger voice in the fashion community.

We also joined in hopes of learning more about making our blog a success, connecting with other style-obsessed writers, and expanding our readership. Most of all, we joined in hope of being able to offer our readers more cool stuff. Happily, Coutorture is helping us in all of these arenas. Note, for example, the awesome weekly giveaway in our right nav, courtesy of Coutorture. It's something we could not have offered our readers without said blissful association - so be sure to take advantage and ENTER!

We are just beginning to explore the possibilities that Coutorture has to offer its members, and by extension, our readers. Thanks to all our fans for your support - and here's to bigger and better things at The Budget Babe.

xox,
The Budget Babe

The vest is making a strong showing this fall as it fits nicely within the menswear-inspired fashion trend. But make no mistake: Rich fabrics like velvet, taffeta, sequins and satin give this look an up-to-date and decidedly feminine attitude. Here are a few budget-friendly vests that caught our eye...

[1] Satin Tuxedo Vest, $17.80 [2] Taffeta Vest, $19.80


[3] Hinkley Pinstripe Vest, $22 [4] Velvet Vest, $17.80


[5] Victorian Velvet Vest, $19.80 [6] Tartan Velvet Vest, $17.80


Vests inspired by the runway...


Left: Ann Demeulemeester Fall 2007 Ready-to-Wear runway; Right: Twelve by Twelve sequin vest, $26


Left: Wool Blend Vest, $19; Right: Rag & Bone Fall 2007 runway

Styling options with vests seem limitless...dress them up or down, for day or night, work or play. What do you think, will you be rocking a vest this winter?

See even more great vests - or waistcoats as they're called in the UK - at Topshop.com.

Dear Budget Babe,
Where can I find cool holiday gifts for my man that won't break the bank?
Sincerely,
Peaches

TBB: Men may not covet the latest shoe or handbag like us girls, but their costly hobbies (think electronics, cars, photography or sports) can often make gift-giving an expensive, not to mention confusing, endeavor. The trick is to be observant (take notes if necessary) and get inside your sig-o's head to understand what would really make him happy. When in doubt, go for anything edible or anything that requires batteries. But if beef jerky is all that comes to mind, heck, that's fine too. Resist the temptation to give him a wardrobe makeover or buy him beauty products. And whatever you do, DON'T buy him a tie.

With that in mind, here are some great places to start shoppin':

ThinkGeek.com: Geeky toys, gadgets and whatchamacallits
NewEgg.com: Computer everything
Target: Video games, electronics, socks, tees, boxers, PJs, candy & gourmet junk food
SierraTradingPost: Apparel and more for the rugged outdoorsman
REI: Camping and hiking gear - we recommend the manly Gerber Gator Combo Axe.
Threadless: Awesome logo tees that are sure to please plus irreverent slogan tees that say things like "Shakespeare hates your emo poems."
Hammacher Schlemmer: Unique and bizarre gadgets & gifts, like the World's Largest Crossword Puzzle.
Peet's Coffee.com: One-stop shop for coffee lovers. We recommend buying him a French press for brewing (buy one for under $30 on Amazon.com).
Calumet Photo: Everything for the avid photographer. Wallet-friendly options include memory cards, a mini tripod, camera or lens case, high-quality photo paper, or an enlargement of one of his fave prints.
Zappos: Laptop bags, camera bags, shoes, leather accessories. We heart everything by Timbuk2.
Lego.com: The Lego Ferrari will appeal to his inner child - and it's a helluva lot cheaper than the real deal.
A Collage a Day blog: Get an original work of art by Randel Plowman for $25. He'll dig it.
American Grassfed Beef: Yummy gourmet natural beef jerky - no preservatives and it's made from lean, grass-fed beef (he won't know it's good for him.)

Need gift ideas for a foodie on your list? Check out our favorite food blog wasabigelatine's holiday gift guide here.

Share your ideas for great gifts for gents in the comments!

Remember our dear fashion friend from the Fall 2007 runways, the Balenciaga piped blazer? Of course you do - we've all loved it since day one - and now Forever 21 has a similar looking blazer that will help you achieve that nouveau preppy look on a dime.

Styling Tips: Order a size up so you can comfortably layer this blazer, adding texture and warmth (Note the red turtleneck with a button-down collared shirt in the pic above). Make the look your own with a vintage scarf, brooch and colorful belt.

Forever 21 Velvet Blazer, $32.80

Streetwear gets a preppy twist on this cropped hoodie with all-over anchor print by Primp (left). For more coverage (and less cash) cast your net for the cute basic hoodie on the right.


Luxe: Primp anchor hoodie, $143 $100.10
Less: Forever 21 Anchor Hoodie, $17.80