The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Do Your Black Friday Shopping Online

If you're thinking about waking up at the crack of dawn to fight crazed crowds for those Black Friday deals, consider this: A ton of stores have already pushed their online Black Friday sales live and ones who haven't are currently offering Thanksgiving Day Sales. For a complete list of retailers who have joined the frenzy, visit Black Friday 2008 (http://bfads.net/) or Black Friday @ GottaDeal (http://www.blackfriday.gottadeal.com/). If you're still determined to brave the sales in-store, you can find all the latest deals listed there as well.

Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!

H&M Taps Matthew Williamson for Next Collab


British designer Matthew Williamson has been named as the latest fashion talent to join forces with H&M. Williamson, who burst onto the London fashion scene in 1997, will launch his first women's wear collection for spring in H&M stores worldwide next April. A-list fans of Williamson's exuberant, boho-chic aesthetic include Sienna Miller, Keira Knightley, Kate Hudson and Gwyneth Paltrow. The question is, will he win our hearts too? I'm not that familiar with his work but I expect we'll see a lot of bright colors and beading. Thoughts?

Look for Less: Theory Colorblock Dress




I keep noticing these amazing colorblock dresses by Theory, and I guess I'm not the only one: Forever 21 has a colorblock dress (above right) that looks a lot like Theory's "Whitika" dress (above left). Depending on the strength of your budget (or your willpower), either dress would make a great addition to your wardrobe. Create a simple yet sexy look for that holiday office party by pairing your colorblock frock with black tights, heels—like these spectator booties from Charlotte Russe ($26.99)—and a chic cover-up—like this knit shrug from Forever 21 ($17.80). Add your favorite accessories and you'll be the best-dressed girl in the room. What do you think?

Luxe on left: Theory "Whitika" Dress, Was $295 Now $88.50
Less on right: Forever 21 Colorblock Dress, $22.80

First Look: Hayden-Harnett for Target




Target has tapped Brooklyn-based accessories brand Hayden-Harnett to do an exclusive line for spring 2009—and we have pictures! This might just be my favorite accessories collab to date. Styles, which include modern-vintage clutches, smart-chic totes and a boldly patterned umbrella, range in price from $19.99 to $44.99. I've got my eye on the "Double Flap Bags" and the "Hobo," which is pleasantly reminiscent of Foley + Corinna's mid-city tote (my favorite bag ever). Can't wait to check these out in person on December 28, when the Hayden-Harnett for Target collection will hit Target stores and Target.com. See the complete collection after the jump.

[Above: Flight Tote in Multicolor $49.99]


Look for Less: Juicy Couture Coat




I know, I know. In yesterday's post, I said Juicy Couture was becoming less and less "cool," and here I am today featuring a Juicy Couture velvet trim coat. A girl can change her mind, can't she? I was browsing the outerwear options over at Shopbop.com and discovered Juicy has some really cute coats. I think that the Juicy garb that's emblazoned with the Juicy logo, or anything that has the word "J-U-I-C-Y" stamped on it in big letters has become passé (and was never in good taste to begin with.) But, I gotta say, they continue to offer plenty of logo-free clothing that is super cute and quite tempting. Just wish it was cheaper...so here we found a Forever 21 coat (above right) that has the same spirit as the ladylike Juicy coat (above left) without the hefty price tag. What do you think?

Luxe on left: Juicy Couture velvet trim coat at Shopbop.com, $478

Less on right: Miranda wool coat at Forever21.com, $54.80