The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Deal du Jour: Stila Winter Sale

Stila cosmetics, a favorite among fashionistas and celebrity makeup artists, is having their Winter Sale (in case you're wondering, it's pronounced STEE-la). Save up to 50% on some of stila's most sought-after and hard-to-find favorites.

Click here to see what all the excitement is about.

To throw more love your way, here are 2 bargain boosters to sweeten the deal:

FREE Shipping on any order of $50+
Just enter the coupon code STILALOVER during checkout.

And better yet...

FREE Shipping and a FREE Belle of the Ball Palette! It's yours for FREE on any order of $75 or more. Just enter the coupon code BELLE during checkout! (This offer is only valid while supplies last)

Featured above: Nail polish duo, $20 $10


Deal du Jour: Bejeweled Clutch

Say what you will: I love rhinestones. And I especially love the ongoing trend to embellish everything from handbags to headbands with these colorful, shiny faux gems. Some might say this clutch (left) was attacked by an overzealous 10-year-old armed with a Bedazzler - but I just say it's young and fun! Especially if paired with a otherwise understated ensemble, this clutch will give people a glimpse of your inner rhinestone cowgirl.

Rhinestone embellished clutch, on sale for $14.98 at Aldo

Tips to Help You Lose Weight

Fashion and the figure go hand in hand. Not because of rail-thin models, starved celebs or any myriad of body-conscious images that permeate the (oftentimes) shallow world of fashion, but because fashion is dependent, nay, inextricably linked to the body, the human form. Yes, fashion is physically as well as visually expressive, from the fit to the movement to the tactile pleasure that it stirs.

This is not to suggest that fashion and one particular type of figure are married in a sartorial alliance, rather, that everyone should happily consider how their unique shape, weight, build and gait informs the clothes they wear.

Which brings us to fashion and fitness. At the start of every New Year, millions of Americans resolve to lose weight in order to feel healthier, boost their energy, live longer and above all, fit into their favorite pair of jeans. If you count yourself among their noble ranks, then read on for some tried-and-true tips on how to lose weight—and keep it off.

How to Wear Leg Warmers

Ever since we saw images of legwarmer-clad models coolly strutting down the Fall 2007 Y-3 runway, we've become determined to try—and tame—this trendy winter accessory.


On the Fall 2007 Y-3 runway, legwarmers add a pop of color and welcome texture when worn with a skirt, dress, or even shorts.

Style.com writer Meenal Mistry calls the latest collaboration between Yohji Yamamoto and Adidas "an approximation of the consciously haphazard way teenagers dress themselves," no doubt in large part because of the casual and functional way that leg warmers were scrunched, bunched and layered throughout - but in our opinion, this is a compliment. Intentional chaos can be a good thing in fashion, especially when it echoes the reality of winter weather (and sometimes, our tastes in fashion). So block out those unsavory memories of '80s aerobics classes past, and consider with an open mind the many fresh, new ways you can rock this look today (click pics for details...)


1. Pair leg warmers with a gray dress and black tights for a sleek, modern look. (Asos.com)


2. Wear legwarmers over leggings or footless tights with flats (never with flip-flops unless you live on an island). (Target.com)


3. Allow leg warmers to peak out anywhere from 2-6 inches beneath boots (or ankle booties). Try it with UGGs, too. (Forever21.com)


4. Slip legwarmers over skinny jeans and pair with booties. (UrbanOutfitters.com)


5. Pull leg warmers over the heel of a pair of killer pumps, with sheer hose. (These are by Alice & Olivia; we found a similar pair at Urban Outfitters.)


5. Take your cues from the dance world and don legwarmers to your next yoga or Pilates class. (American Apparel)

Relief for Dry Winter Skin

Dear Budget Babe,
My hands and cuticles get very dry and icky this time of the year. Can you suggest an inexpensive way to combat the harmful effects of harsh weather? — Chilly in NYC

BB: In many parts of the United States, low humidity coupled with cold winds and hot, dry indoor air can all wreak havoc on skin during the winter. Your first line of defense: Be sure to wear warm gloves every time you venture outside, and go easy on harsh soaps when washing hands.

Next, try a hand cream or lotion that contains oils to help lock in moisture and protect your skin - we recommend Alba Botanica Cocoa Butter Hand & Body Lotion. It features a balance of rich skin softening emollients and essential fatty acids derived from cocoa and shea butters and nutrient-packed oils of kukui, macadamia and flax designed to restore your skin's natural elasticity and softness.

What's more, all Alba products are hypo-allergenic, pH balanced and use 100% vegetarian ingredients, with no synthetic colors and no animal testing. Get a 7 oz. tube for $6.26 at GotBody.com (regular price: $8.95). You can also find the Alba line at Whole Foods stores.

Another thing you may want to consider is getting a humidifier. The budget version: Simply put a bowl or dish full of water on top of a radiator or near a heat source, and it will naturally evaporate and add moisture to the air. If you've got children (or aren't afraid to express your inner child), try this frog-shaped "Crane Adorable One Gallon Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier", just $27.99 at Amazon.com.

Your skin will thank you!