The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Sweet Nothings

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Fashion is sweeter,
When we share it with you.

Happy Valentine's Day! —XOXO, BB



Lucite Heart Necklace at Forever21.com, $8.80


Bandolino 'Xandy' Wedge Sandal in Red Patent, Orig. $59.00 SALE $39.00


Loungefly Retro Heart Shopper at Asos.com, Orig. $57.03 SALE $22.81


Cut Work Back Top at TopShop.com, £25.00 (48.85 U.S. dollars)


I Heart U Pillowcase Set at UrbanOutfitters.com, $24.00


NYC by Perlina Patent Clutch Handbag at Target.com, Orig. $34.99 SALE $24.49


Philosophy Candy Hearts Lip Gloss Trio at Sephora.com, $25



Pink Satin Bustier at CharlotteRusse.com $29.99 Plus 15% Off

Best Sheer Fashions for Spring

Sheer fabrics are a hot commodity for Spring. Here are a few of our favorite picks for this revealing trend:


Style&co. Poppy-Print Top at Macy's, $49.00
A sophisticated, slightly sheer top in abstract floral print.


Ruffle Blouse By Tara Subkoff, $59.00
Sheer top with a ruffle front and keyhole neckline. Designed exclusively by Tara Subkoff for bebe.


Twelve by Twelve Embroidered Mesh Turtleneck, $20.00
Stylish sheer mesh turtleneck top with floral embroidered designs on sleeves, shoulders, and front.


MANGO Silk sheer blouse (search for BLOUSON BL- ESPIRAL6 ref. 61213448 at Mangoshop.com), $79

Deal du Jour: ELLE Trapeze Dress




What do you get when the largest fashion magazine brand in the world collaborates with a mid-tier department store? The ELLE collection for Kohl's of course. Having launched last Spring in 300 stores and online, the ELLE collection will expand to all Kohl's stores nationwide by Spring 2008.

The ELLE collection consists of trendy wardrobe essentials such as knit and woven tops, denim and twill bottoms, skirts, dresses, shorts and jackets. Styles can be hit or miss, but with most items priced at well under $50, it's definitely worth checking out.

We recently tried on this ELLE Brushstroke Trapeze Dress on sale for just $12, down from $40. Granted, it looks like a godawful mumu in the product photo online - but in person, it's actually really cute.

The neckline is ultra flattering, the puffy sleeves unexpectedly posh, and the fabric, though not silky soft, is made from that magical sheeny fabric that never wrinkles and always drapes just right.

Okay, so maybe our photo doesn't do it justice, but hopefully you get the gist. All this frock needs is a fab belt, hot heels and the right attitude to bring it all together.