The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Launch of Topshop.com USA




First, some bad news: Topshop, the popular British high street fashion chain, has delayed the opening of their New York City store until late November. Boo.

Now, the good news: Topshop.com has recently launched a dedicated US site, which means all prices will be in dollars and all measurements will be US-friendly. For a limited time, you can also bypass the ghastly $15 flat rate shipping fee and get free shipping with code USFREEPOSTAGETS01. Still not satisfied? They'll throw in a Kate Moss Charity tee free with your purchase. Plus, you can enter for your chance to win a $750 shopping spree.

All of this, at Topshop.com USA. The prices aren't cheap by any means but Topshop has cornered the cool corner of the market and you simply won't find the duds they've got anywhere else. Some good values we spotted: A pocket-cardi in purple for $30, a Burberry-esque belted funnel neck coat for $170, and these gray leather slouch boots for $145.

Click here to get shoppin' ... and if you do buy something, please share details in the comments (cuz I'm holding out for the NY store!)

New York Fashion Week in a Nutshell




New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2009 is winding down, but there's still plenty of time to take in the shows and enjoy the latest crop of fashions. Your front row seat awaits at Coutorture.com, which we think has the best coverage and photos anywhere on or off the web. Browse runway photos, creative photos, and watch exclusive video content you won't find anywhere else. Just a word of warning: It's highly addictive and may inspire bouts of wistful thinking, uncontrollable lusting and excessive daydreaming (so if you've got some place to be or something to do, slowly step away from your computer...) For everyone else, enjoy!

>> New York Fashion Week Coverage at Coutorture

Exclusive Interview with The Budget Fashionista




The scene at The Budget Fashionista's 5th Anniversary party in NY: Kathryn poses with BB on the pink carpet; my fashion-savvy friend Stacy strikes a pose; How to Look Good Naked's Carson Kressley and BB; TBF's peeps worked the party wearing "Frugal is the new black" tees. Love it!

On Monday night, I had the honor of meeting my fashion blogging idol, Kathryn Finney aka The Budget Fashionista, who celebrated the 5th anniversary of her amazing blog with a bash at the Housing Works Thrift Store in Chelsea. It was what Oprah might call a "full circle" moment because I've read Kathryn's book, and have been reading her blog for YEARS, and have long admired her dedication, intelligence and well-deserved success. Needless to say, I was giddy when I spotted her, looking fabulous in a head-turning feathered hat and dramatic black jacket, but she instantly put me at ease with her genuine, gracious demeanor. I asked Kathryn about the key trends we budget babes should be looking out for this fall. Here, Kathryn shares 5 ways to update your wardrobe without spending a small fortune:

Plaid: This fall favorite is back in a big way, Kathryn says, which is great news for gals on a budget: Hit up your local thrift store where plaid is always in stock.
Gray: A great alternative to black, gray is a "kinder, gentler neutral," says Kathryn.
Purple: Perfect for just about any complexion, purple is a popular, wearable hue for fall.
Shoe boots: Shoeties, booties, whatever you want to call them - Kathryn says the "shoe boot" is the "it" shoe for fall. Find budget-friendly takes at Target and Payless.
Wide-leg pants: A pair of great fitting, full-leg trousers does wonders for the backside and helps lengthen the legs.

Congrats to The Budget Fashionista crew for five fabulous, frugal years...and here's to many, many more!

>> Read Kathryn's blog at www.thebudgetfashionista.com

Luxe vs. Less: The Double Buckle Belt


A well-made leather belt elevates the style quotient of just about any look, and it's well-worth the investment since you'll have it for years. If you're looking to add just a few key accessories for fall, the double-buckle belt is a fabulous option and few designers craft one quite like Linea Pelle. Above left, we have the Linea Pelle waist belt with leather covered studs, which costs $300 at CoutureCandy.com. If you're not sure how you feel about this look, or don't have a spare $300 lying around (I know I don't...) - never fear. Plenty of other stores are carrying similar double-buckle styles. The fantastic belt on the right is from New York & Company, also comes in brown, and it's on sale for under $20. Use your double-buckle belt to cinch a dress, jacket or tunic to instantly define your waist...and your look.

Luxe on left: Linea Pelle Leather Studded Belt at CoutureCandy.com, $300
Less on right: City Style Double Buckle Belt at NYandCompany.com, Was $22.95, Now $18.36

Mossimo for Target Fall 2008 Collection


Front-Zip Sweater Jacket in Black $34.99, Oval-Frame Sunglasses in Black $16.99, Leather Slouchy Boots in Black $34.99


In a recent poll conducted here at The Budget Babe, 40% of readers said Mossimo was their favorite brand at Target. Isaac Mizrahi came in close second with 34% of the votes, followed by Xhiliration with 15%, and Merona with 9%. So for all you Mossimo fans, it's time to check out the Mossimo for Target Fall 2008 collection and get some styling ideas before you shop the racks (or shop online). Key trends include a zip-up collared sweater dress (I could live in looks like this all season long), a chic leather moto jacket (I can't wait to see this in person!), wide-leg trousers (great for the office) and cozy grandfather cardigans. Jump to view the entire collection...and share your thoughts in the comments, especially if you've already seen some of the items in person!