The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Four Leopard Print Cardigans: Would You Wear One?




The prim and proper cardigan is taken up a notch with a wild animal print, which makes the leopard print cardigan the perfect mix of naughty and nice—or is it? I've seen leopard print cardigans just about everywhere from J.Crew to Target. So far, I haven't taken the bait. My instincts tell me that the inexpensive ones look cheap and the expensive ones are too pricey for something I can't wear very often. What do you think, are leopard print cardigans spot on or do they miss the mark?

[1] Rebecca Taylor Button Down Cardigan, Gilt.com, Was $295.00 Now $118.00
[2] Leopard Cardigan (available in 3 colors), Wet Seal, $22.50
[3] Leopard Cardigan (available in 2 colors), Forever 21, $22.50
[4] City Style V-Neck Cardigan in Leopard, New York & Company, Was $39.95 Now $31.96

What I Wore: Valentine's Day




As tempted as I was to run out and buy a new outfit for Valentine's Day, I decided to do the frugal thing and work with what I already had in my closet—plus a few new trendy accessories. I began with this bright red dress from Forever 21 that I had worn sans tights with strappy teal sandals and a teal sash to a wedding last summer. Then I started winterizing the whole look (we're back to freezing here in the Northeast) with this Norma Kamali for Walmart blazer (cuffs rolled up); new black tights from Target; this new black belt from Target; and these new black shoes, also from (ta-da!) Target. I finished the look with a gold pyramid stud bangle by Kenneth Jay Lane (via Gilt) and this magenta wristlet from the Marc by Marc Jacobs store in Chicago. The outfit went over well with the boyfriend, who treated me to a fantastic dinner last night (we're celebrating V-Day and other things all weekend long). What I can't tell you was what I wore underneath my frock, but let's just say it was as important as the rest of the ensemble.

Have a fab Valentine's Day everyone!

Four Frilly Tops: Would You Wear One?




Like a towering, layered wedding cake, these tiered ruffle tops look good enough to eat. The yummy colors are also delicious and irresistible for spring. Paired with slim black pants and heels, I think any of these tops would be perfect for an evening out. Toss on a fitted cardigan or blazer and you could even get away with one of these fashion confections at work. What do you think, too much frill or just right?

[1] Tiered Silk Blend Top, $27.80 at Forever21.com
[2] Ali Ro Tiered Ruffle Blouse, Was $264 Now $105.60 at Gilt.com
[3] Walter Tiered Chiffon Ruffle Blouse, Was $322.08 Now $108.00 at Gilt.com
[4] Xhilaration Sleeveless Ruffle Top, $17.99 at Target.com

The Best Lingerie on a Budget


Victoria's Secret

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so I think it's only fitting that we discuss the best lingerie on a budget. I've been a loyal Victoria's Secret customer for as long as I can remember, but I feel it's time for me to expand my horizons, so I'm leaving it up to you ladies to clue me in: Where do you shop for sexy, comfy lingerie that doesn't cost a small fortune? I don't think lingerie should have to cost a lot, I mean, it's the woman who wears it that makes it hot. At the same time, it's oh-so-necessary and such a glamorous, girly thing to treat ourselves to that a little splurge here and there is totally permissible in my book. So let's hear it in the comments: From cotton panties to silk négligées, where to you shop for your unmentionables?

P.S. It's no coincidence that the Victoria's Secret winter clearance sale is going on now. Save up to 75% off 2,500 styles.