Yesterday I was flipping through the November issue of People StyleWatch magazine while waiting in the check-out line at my local grocery store, scouring each page for bargain-savvy tips that I could share with you, my dear readers, when what did my eyes behold? My very own blog, The Budget Babe, staring right back at me in bold, pink letters, smack dab on the pages of People StyleWatch! I gotta say, it was a pretty cool (and very surreal) moment. "I'm buying this, too!" I shouted to my boyfriend and the somewhat startled cashier, as I tossed the magazine onto the conveyor belt. I was grinning from ear-to-ear.

So why was yours truly mentioned in People StyleWatch? Glad you asked: As part of their special StyleWatch issue, the glossy included an article called "15 Ways to Save Big $$$$! Use the Web to stretch your fashion and beauty budgets and you'll be the smartest, most stylish shopper around." My blog got a mention on page 82, under Tip #4: Do a little research: Regularly log onto blogs or sites that troll the Web looking for bargains." Yippee! Other blogs of note included The Budget Fashionista and Cheap Chica (two of my favorite bloggers and really amazing women, too) and the Bargainist.com.

Anywho, it's neat to get recognized, but what really matters to me are my daily readers--both new and old--and your questions, your comments, all that good stuff that keeps me writing and searching for bargains. So (grab your Kleenex), I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you, my incredible readers, for your kindness and support. Seriously. I love sharing my obsession, er, passion for budget fashion with all of you, and I learn so so so much from YOU in the process.

And now for some news you can REALLY use...more fab money-saving tips from StyleWatch (hey, I bought a copy so I might as well pass this info along!)

15 Ways to Save Big $$$$ (Adapted from the November 2008 issue of People StyleWatch magazine)

Part of my day job requires me to listen to the Dr. Mehmet Oz show on Oprah & Friends radio, and as a result, I learn all sorts of neat science stuff and have even been inspired to make some healthier choices in my everyday life. I now eat things like psyllium husk, agave nectar, hemp milk, and quinoa. It almost makes me want to roll my eyes at myself, but hey, it's good to be good to yourself.

So one of the latest things I learned on the show is that a survey by The Environmental Working Group found that the average woman uses 12 personal care products per day. This is an interesting fact on many levels...

Amazing boots at incredible prices—it's moments like these that make us forget we have a budget! Here are 10 great pairs for less than 50 dollars.

[1. Above: Killer heels and a textured reptile print makes these shoe boots boss. Taurus Patent Boot at Forever21.com, $26.80]

I am obsessed with boyfriend cardigans, in part because I freeze during the winter, and these extra long sweaters cover my lower back and keep me warm. They're also fashion-y and a more grownup alternative to all the hoodies I wore during my college days. Beyond that, they are sold everywhere which means you can score them at very reasonable prices, and they are incredibly versatile so you'll get plenty of wear out of them. And that makes them a great value.

Whether you like boyfriend cardis for the warmth, or you just love the look, here's some inspiration for how to wear them. Are you a fan? How do you wear yours?




A. Unbuttoned, and belted (Twelve by Twelve)
B. Unbuttoned, over a belted tunic or dress (Mossimo for Target)
C. Buttoned and belted, over leggings, with ankle boots. One of my favorite silhouettes this season. (ASOS)




D. Layered over a dress, this is a great way to winterize summer frocks. (Urban Outfitters)
E. Partially buttoned, with jeans (Simply Vera Vera Wang)
F. Layered over a crisp white blouse, and cinched with a belt, boyfriend cardigans can look polished and perfect for the office. (Marciano)

A dolman sleeve is a type of sleeve with a very large armhole and tight cuff, and they are incredibly popular for sweaters, shawls, wraps and jackets this fall. They lend themselves to comfy knits and add Eastern-style drama to what would otherwise just be a snug way to bundle-up. Nothing wrong with bundling yourself in a cocoon of warmth during frigid temperatures, but it's nice not to look like a snowman, if possible, and that's where the dolman sleeve steps in, for us at least. We became converts to this trend last winter and love the modern-hippie-folkloric vibe they sort of give an outfit, and we highly recommend you give it a try.

Finding the right silhouette for your body shape is key. While the dolman is an especially forgiving shape for large upper arms, they can swallow-up ladies with shorter torsos. Avoid turtleneck styles if you're petite, and pick thinner, drapey fabrics over chunky knits for a slimmer look. I usually layer mine over a long-sleeve, tight-fitting tissue tee that's the same hue but a different value than my dolman, ie. charcoal gray with light gray. And pick a narrow, fitted pant for your bottom half. The most current trend I'm loving is pairing your dolman sleeve top with skinny jeans or leggings and fab boots.

Get your dose of dolman sleeves with one of these affordable, fashionable finds...

Above: Dolman Cowl-Neck Sweater, also available in white, grey, black, red or raspberry, Express.com, $69.50



INC International Concepts® Belted Dolman-Sleeve Cardigan Sweater
$89.00


Free People Textured Dolman Cardigan, Tobi.com, $108


Dolman Tunic, Forever21.com, $19.80


Dolman Cardigan by Penélope & Mónica Cruz for MANGO, ref. 73212725 at mangoshop.com, $119


Dolman Sleeve Tunic, also available in brown, ShopBarbara.com, $44