The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Great Places to Shop: Zara Old Orchard


During a recent trip to Chicago, I toured the gorgeous new Zara store at the Old Orchard shopping center just outside Chicago. Not like, an "official" tour, hence the lack of interior photos, but I went there with my mom and sister and we all agreed it is truly a pleasurable place to shop. Zara is spacious, clean and highly organized. Track lighting illuminates neatly arranged garments, shoes and handbags just like an upscale boutique--Prada comes to mind.

(Mostly) Budget Fashion Link Round-Up

Start your weekend with these must-reads from around the fashion blogosphere and beyond...

College Candy shows you how to rock this season's sweaterdresses.

Real Style Real People recreates Gwyneth Paltrow's mommy-chic look for less.

The Cut reports that ADAM designer Adam Lippes will create a capsule collection for Mango.

ASOS has a new shoppable online magazine. Interesting...

The Budget Fashionista talks with the irreverent bloggers behind Go Fug Yourself.

Follow future first lady Michelle Obama's every fashion move at Mrs. O.

Black Friday Sale at Queen Bee




Get 40% off all full price merchandise at Queen Bee
icon (www.queenbeegirls.com), a chic boutique that stocks designer brands like Ella Moss, Milly, Diane von Furstenberg and many, many more. Enter code blackfriday08 at checkout. Sale runs through December 1st, so get shoppin' now for the best selection! More BB picks after the jump...

[Featured above: Lauren Conrad Gemma Wrap
icon Was $150, Now $90 with code blackfriday08]


Look for Less: Miss Me Sequined Hoodie


I go back and forth with these sequined hoodies—seems like they're everywhere these days—but with the holidays coming up, I'm beginning to think they're a great way to dress up without all the fuss. And since we found a budget-version of Miss Me's sequined hoodie, you can indulge without all the guilt. In terms of styling, you could play up the urban vibe and wear yours with kicks, or go dressier with dark jeans and heels. Luxe, laid-back and best of all, cheap! Find out where to cop yours after the jump.

Keep Your Holiday Shopping in Check


Today is Black Friday, which marks the official launch of the holiday shopping season. But with the "r" word looming over us, many of us will be reining in our spending to make ends meet. Before you hit the mall or get click-happy with your mouse, consider these tips to help you keep your holiday shopping in check: