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.

Today's sales at Gilt include Ali Ro, Sara Berman, Bamford & Sons and Bochic. Here's what Celine, one of our readers, recently said about Bochic jewelry (thanks for reminding us about today's sale!): "I Love Love Love Erickson Beamon. That and Bochic are my two favorite jewelry designers right now! If anyone is interested, Gilt Groupe is having a sale this week on Bochic. P.S. Sandra Bullock wore beautiful Bochic bracelets to the Golden Globes with her Dior dress- just fab!!!"

All sales start today, Wednesday 2/11 at 12 PM ET. Use this link to join the sales: http://www.gilt.com/invite/budgetbabe

Here's a little game to help you get past hump day: One of the six python handbags pictured below costs $6,550, while one costs just $25. Now I know that PVC is a far cry from python (although I think it's a much more humane alternative), and I know it's tough to judge the quality of these handbags from tiny thumbnail-sized images on your computer screen, but humor me and play along—unless you'd rather be working? Thought so. Scroll down and see if you can rank these 6 purses from the most expensive to the least expensive. Answers after the jump.

It's a vest! It's a dress! It's a vest-dress! And, it's on sale now at Shopbop for $119. Still too much? Try Forever 21's vest-dress hybrid (above right) for just $17.99.

Left: Marc by Marc Jacobs Sparkle Sateen Dress, Was $398.00 Now $119.40 at Shopbop.com
Right: Pinstripe Halter Dress, $17.99 at Forever21.com

One of the questions I'm most often asked is where to buy cheap yet chic skinny jeans, so here's a quickie post on some hot spots to shop for these highly sought-after styles.


Pacific Sunwear: PacSun has a very impressive, expansive collection of skinnies online, with prices we can truly appreciate: Their Hermosa Super Skinny line, for example, is just $55 for two pairs, and is available in 18 amazing colors and washes, ranging from white, cantaloupe and snowcone blue to true black, sunworn and rinsed indigo. Practically unbeatable!



American Eagle Outfitters: Recession? What recession? All jeans at AE are now just $29.95, down from $49.50, including a great range of fabulous skinnies. Talk about a stimulus plan for fashionistas! Check out AE for on-trend boyfriend jeans, skinny crops for spring and torn/ripped styles, too.



Old Navy: I continue to hear, and see, good things about Old Navy's denim collection which includes the Diva, Flirt, Sweetheart and Goddess styles. ON's skinnies are not as tight as say, denim leggings, yet they're more tapered than a simple straight leg. The result is a skinny jean that's flattering for most body types, and easy on everyone's wallet.



Forever 21: You didn't think I was going to leave out my most favoritest store ever, did you? Yes, Forever 21 has a fantastic selection of skinny jeans that bring in da noise and da funk. Where else can you get purple stone washed skinnies for $20 or acid-washed skinnies for under $30 (besides Salvation Army)? The colorful skinny jeans above are a fabulous find at just $13.80 a pair.

Where do you shop for cheap skinny jeans?