The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale


Victoria's Secret's Semi-Annual Sale is going on now. Time to trade those mismatched sweats you've been sleeping in for a cheerful and snuggly set of thermal long jane pajamas, on sale for $29.99. And you just can't go wrong with Victoria's Secret Pink classic bikinis, now just 5 for $25. Tip: It's a smart idea to routinely go through your undergarment drawer and purge anything that isn't in tip-top shape, so now's a great time to stock up and say, "Out with the old and in with the new!" Plus, if you've been considering getting in step with the popular rain boot - or wellie - trend, cop a pair of these eye-catching Rubber rain boots, on clearance for just $14.99.

Sale details...
Sleepwear: 25%-60% off
Clothing: Up to 50% off
Bras: $12.99 and up
Panties: $3.99 and up
Shoes: Up to 50% off over 250 styles

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Luxe vs. Less: Chic Convertible Handbag

Designer Anna Corinna's collection of handbags are highly covetable and highly convertible - carry as a tote, hand held or with the shoulder strap for equally tony looks. Can't afford the real McCoy? Opt for these inexpensive, designer-inspired options instead...

Luxe: Anna Corinna Gunmetal Mini City Tote, $385 at Max & Chloe
Less: Metal Stud Convertible Bag in Gray, $26.80 at Forever 21



Luxe: Anna Corinna Tobacco City Tote, $420.00 at Max & Chloe
Less: Metal Stud Convertible Bag in Brown, $26.80 at Forever 21

Here's a similar looking purse we picked up at Forever 21 a few weeks ago. While we didn't realize it at the time, it's no doubt inspired by Anna Corinna's Black City Tote.


1) Carried as a tote indoors, it provides the perfect place to stash your gloves, hat and scarf.


2) Fold it over to protect belongings from snow and other inclement winter weather when you're on the go.



3) Lined interior features a zippered pocket; Convenient exterior zippered pocket keeps lip gloss and other essentials close at hand.


New Year's Sales, Bargains and Deals

Kohls: Two-Day New Year's Sale. Prices good Tuesday and Wednesday only.
UrbanOutfitters: Take an additional 25% off what's already on sale. Offer ends Sunday.
Bloomingdale's: The After Christmas Sale. Extra 50% off a great selection of already reduced merchandise in Sales & Values through January 1st.
Neiman Marcus: Take an extra 50% off sale items during their After Christmas Sale. Ends 1/4/08 at 8 AM CT.
E.l.f.: Get a free Candy Shop lip tin in Cherry Bomb with your next purchase of $25 or more now through January 15th. Enter code EGTINBM
ALSO Enjoy a one-year subscription to Working Mother magazine included with your purchase of $20 or more, a $9.99 value.
Target: Last chance to shop GO Designer Erin Fetherston, departing 1/5/08.
Aerosoles: Through 1/1/08, get $20 off any footwear purchase of $100 or more with promo code GFT2X7. Plus, save up to 70% on end-of-season clearance items and get free shipping on every order.
eLuxury.com: Take an additional 30% off all sale items.
Nordstrom: Online winter savings of 33% off or more.
Macy's: After Christmas Sale, save 20-65% off select styles.
Anthropologie: Annual Boxing Day Sale, save on apparel, accessories, shoes and more.
Shopbop: Shop new markdowns in their sale department and designer boutique.
JCPenney: Save 50-70% off during their after Christmas clearance sale.

Plus, don't miss these upcoming Gilt Groupe sales (Aren't a member yet? Get your exclusive Budget Babe reader VIP invite here.):

  • Hollywould footwear on January 8th at 11:00 a.m. EST

  • Earnest Sewn denim on January 9th at 12:00 p.m. EST

  • Natori lingerie on January 10th at 11:00 a.m. EST.


New Year, New You in 2008

At the start of the New Year, it's customary to pause and consider where we've been and where we'd like to go. New Year's resolutions come into play as we set a course for a better and brighter future - and that includes upping the ante when it comes to our personal style, health and beauty. Why not pledge to make this year your most fabulous year to date? Here are a few suggestions to help get you inspired:

  • Reduce your credit card debt. We all know what it feels like to have a hefty credit card balance looming over you - it makes you anxious, upset and less able to enjoy shopping when you know you shouldn't be. So why not tackle it once and for all? Begin by paying more than the minimum payment required each month, on time. Cut up your current cards or hide them so you won't be tempted to use them (just don't cancel your accounts as you'll still need these to build good credit).

  • Quit an ugly habit like nail biting or smoking. We know it's tough and won't happen overnight, but offer these suggestions: Go for manicures to lessen the temptation to bite your nails. Find a support network to help you kick that smoking habit for good. Replace your bad habits with something positive instead.

  • Experiment with new fashions or beauty routines. In addition to the usual style ruts to which we all succumb, many of us feel obligated or pressured to dress a certain way all the time - perhaps it's what others expect of us, or the sole way that we imagine seeing ourselves. Give yourself permission to branch out and be fearless with fashion, even if it means ruffling some feathers and getting questioned by family and friends.

  • Adopt one healthier eating habit and one healthier exercise habit. Rather than set yourself up for failure with some unrealistic fitness goal, why not take just one small step (that will yield big results over time) towards better health? For instance, consider eliminating soda from your diet, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work.

  • Organize your closet. Was there ever a more daunting obstacle? Overcome this Herculean task with the proper storage containers - shelving, shoe bins, padded hangers and the like. Take stock of what you own and then edit, edit, edit!


  • ...and of course, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!