The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Rogan for Target Review




The Rogan for Target GO International collection hit stores yesterday, and yours truly was there to check it out. First, the bad news: I'm feeling a little under the weather, so that may account for the fact that nothing really impressed me, and nothing really looked flattering on me, hence I'm only posting the two outfits above. The selection at my nearest Target was also super slim, so I'll probably go back in a week or so when they get more stuff.

Now for the good news: Rogan's collection is sure to please cool chicks looking for a piece of green fashion action at dirt cheap prices. There are lightweight tees, tanks and tops; swimsuits and cover-ups; plus casual dresses, skirts and jumpsuits (didn't have my size...boo). The color palette is pleasingly neutral, punched up with a few brights. I gravitated towards the teal relaxed-fit linen and cotton blend tee (above left, $19.99), and a few understated animal prints, like the zebra print skirt (above left, $34.99) and leopard print racerback tank (above right, $16.99).

Now back to the bad news (sorry!): The tee was a bit scratchy. The zebra print skirt was a tad too short. And nothing else fit me properly, namely, the denim pencil skirt (above right, $34.99), a one-piece zebra print bathing suit (cute, but too short in the torso) and a skimpy cotton halter dress (if you order one online, size up).

The mood of the collection was somewhat cold and joyless. The stark styles seemed to be a reprimand for society's excessive consumerism, rather than a celebration of the green movement. I'm not sure this was Gregory's intent. He's probably just trying to delineate the new wave of eco-friendly fashion from the old, treehugging hippie garb by stressing cool silhouettes and edgy, urban details...but what do I know. OK, I'll get off my soap box now.

What does everyone think of the Rogan for Target collection so far? Thoughts, please!


Look for Less: Trina Turk Navy Shorts




I feel like Spring's nautical trend has been eclipsed by all the rest (global, urban safari, bright colors, artsy prints, etc.) - but it's out there, and it's one of the easiest to wear. Take, for instance, these Trina Turk "Pim" shorts (left): A sailor-style button front secures cuffed twill shorts, flatteringly fitted with a V-shaped inset waist. You could wear them with a striped bandeau top to continue the seafarer theme, or mix trends and pair it with a bold print halter top (shown here: Trina Turk 'Astrid' Blouse, but budget versions abound, too.) In short, both land and sea offer limitless inspiration for our Spring wardrobes.

>> Left: Trina Turk 'Pim' Shorts at Nordstrom.com, $178.00
>> Right: Double Button Cuff Short at Forever21.com, $17.80

Look for Less: DVF Love Knot Thong Sandal




If you're fond of that elite-chic mid-winter vacation vibe that's the hallmark of resort wear, then Diane von Furstenberg's Love Knot Sandal is for you: Thin gold straps link to a statement-making love knot on a discreet wedge to create the perfect shoe to pair with those maxi dresses and caftans you might wear in the islands.

If, on the other hand, you'd simply like to bring a bit of the beach to your own backyard, then you'll love Aerosole's Soul Mate Thong. Comfortable styling, a chic metallic hue, and a wallet-friendly price makes this sandal your passport for summer fun wherever you are.

>> Left: DVF Love Knot Thong Sandal at Cusp.com, $265.00
>> Right: Aerosoles "Soul Mate" Thong at Macys.com, $69.00

Look for Less: Turquoise Beaded Hoops




The Rachel Leigh turquoise beaded hoops on the left have just the right amount of glam to punch up any outfit, but at $88.00 they're a tad steep for costume jewelry. After a quick search, I found a similar looking pair of hoops at Forever 21. They look light and airy and I think I actually prefer the fish hook hanger to the Rachel Leigh posts. You could also splurge on the designer earrings for Mom (Mother's Day is May 11th!) and get the fun cheap-o pair for yourself. (You'd do that for your mom, wouldn't you...?!)

Left: Rachel Leigh bead hoops at Shopbop.com, $88
Right: Beaded Hoop Earrings at Forever 21.com, $4.80