The Budget Babe finally has a page on Facebook! Wow, took me long enough.

Check it out with this link:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/The-Budget-Babe/31777474944?ref=s

Become a fan (please??) and connect with other bargain-loving fashionistas from around the world. I'll do my best to keep it updated, hopefully it will become a useful hub of frugal fashion fun for all.

Target has teamed up with Tracy Feith to design its 15th Go International collection, reports WWD. Never heard of the guy, apparently he's a former surfer-turned-designer. Yeah, that gives me a lot of confidence in his design abilities. At the same time, since I'm pale (read:transparent) and somewhat averse to salt-water, the sun-kisses surfer girl fantasy has always appealed to me. What better way to get a piece of that beachy dream than with fab vintage-inspired fashions ranging in price from $15 to $45 at my local Target? (Don't say "surf lessons," won't happen!) Look for the collection in stores and online May 15.

[Above: Tracy's inspiration board features "generations of beachgoers, bathing beauties of the Fifties and Hawaiian-style painted flowers."]

We've waited nearly one year to see what Isaac would do post-Target, and now WWD has a first look at Isaac Mizrahi's new Claiborne collection for Spring 2009. I think it's brilliant (even if I wouldn't wear all of these pieces myself). The blue striped maxi dress and black and white square-print dress are my favorites. Looks like at least one of my predictions for 2009 is destined to come true. What do you think? (More pics after the jump.)

Come February, the gap between luxury and affordable fashion will narrow just a teensy weensy bit as Net-a-Porter launches a new outlet site, The Outnet. Natalie Massenet, founder of Net-a-Porter, has been promising "designer goods at heavily reduced prices." If this means we can expect to see Marni boots marked down from $1,200 to $800, well, sadly this won't change our shopping habits. But we're excited to see what they dish up, nonetheless. Sign up for email updates for The Outnet here. [The Cut via Telegraph UK]

Yes, I am aware of my friend Kathryn Finney's predictions for the New Year over at The Budget Fashionista (check out her post at www.thebudgetfashionista.com), but I, too, am playing soothsayer for the day. Here's what I think will go down in the world of fashion in 2009. Happy New Year everyone!!

1. Big shades and oversized handbags will be replaced by...actually, I don't think they're going anywhere. But alternative styles will abound.
   


2. Designer duds will be more discrete, or so I hope.
   


3. Individualism will flourish as more media outlets provide more information and provide a forum for more points of view.
   


4. Shoe styles will become more practical. Yay!
   


5. Uniqlo will open a store in Chicago (hint, hint).
   


6. Dark denim will continue to reign supreme as the preferred jean of choice.
   


7. More ladies will rock leggings for day and night, oh yes!
   


8. The Rodarte sisters will design a line for Target. Please?
   


9. Isaac Mizrahi will restore Liz Claiborne to its former glory.
   


10. Black will be big as fashionistas look to save money on fashion and still look stylish.
    


11. Dry cleaning will be out, green cleaning (and washing stuff at home) will be in.
    


12. Street style will continue to soar.
    


13. Kate Moss will still be super. And modeling.
    


14. Polyester and pleather will be cool as more eco-conscious fashionistas adopt a vegan/vegetarian outlook on life.
    


15. Thrifting and consignment shop sales will continue to climb until the economy stops sinking.
    


16. Demand for plastic surgery will wane, but less invasive procedures will continue to gain momentum.