The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Spring's Best Trench Coats and Jackets


Spring's Best Jackets on a Budget

Burberry took some liberties with their iconic trench on the Spring 2009 runways, featuring the classic coat in things like dip-dye fades and floral brocades. Off the runway, you can find an affordable beige trench or go for something a bit more bold—a bright color or even a bold print. Personally, I'm looking for a timeless trench because believe it or not, I've never owned one and I want to get it right—right cut, right fit, right price! Until then, I'll be wearing my H&M anorak from last season. I'm also considering buying the Merona Paddington Coat, which I've tried on in navy in stores. It's not as fitted as the product photo, but it definitely looks much more expensive than $34.99. Here are my favorite jackets and coats from the around the web, let me know what jackets you're wearing (or wanting) in the comments.


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Tulle Puff Sleeve Trench, Was $110 Now $66
Attention Belted Trench at Kmart.com, $59.99
Ruche Funnel Neck Trench, $54.99

Spring's Best Light-Colored Blazers


Spring 2009 Fashion Trends: Light Colored Blazers

Stella McCartney's Spring 2009 collection started my obsession with light colored blazers, but finding one on a budget is proving to be more difficult than I anticipated. If you're looking for a light-colored blazer in a neutral hue such as beige, tan, khaki, light gray, light pink or crisp white—which fashion heads are calling the "new neutrals"—I think your best bet would be to hit a European chain like H&M or Zara, both of which take most of their design cues straight from the runways. The best light-toned blazers I've found online have been at Topshop.com, which is finally opening their first store in NYC next week! I'm sooo excited. Anyways, have a look at my online finds in the widget below. Hopefully I'll have more luck finding black boyfriend blazers on a budget, which I'll feature in an upcoming post.


Not shown in widget: Topshop Linen Blazer, $80 at Topshop.com

First Look: Loomstate for Target


First Look: Loomstate for Target

Left: Owl-Print Tee in Blue $16.99, Denim Skirt in Light Wash $29.99. Right: Zip-Front Jacket in Black $44.99, Pelican-Print Triangle Bikini Top in White/Black $16.99, Pelican-Print Shorts in White/Black $26.99

Target is teaming up with designer Rogan Gregory AGAIN, but this time it's with Loomstate, Gregory's environmentally responsible clothing line that he co-creates with Scott Mackinlay Hahn. The collection features cotton silk shifts, plaid poplin shorts, a pelican-print bikini, and men's clothing, too, in certified-organic cotton and soft-washed finishes. I wasn't too excited about Rogan for Target, but this Loomstate stuff is beginning to grow on me. I like the roll-up sleeve sweaters and denim skirt. If nothing else, you know I'll stalk it on the clearance racks. Hits Target.com April 19th. [via Nylon]

First Look: Loomstate for Target
Dolphin-Print V-Neck Tee in Black $16.99, Plaid Shorts in Gray/Pink $26.99. Right: Roll-Up Sleeve Sweater in Aqua $29.99, Pelican-Print Shorts in White/Black $26.99

First Look: Loomstate for Target
Left: Plaid Dress in Gray/Pink $39.99. Right: T-Shirt Dress in Black/White $29.99, Pelican-Print Triangle Bikini Top in White/Black $16.99

First Look: Loomstate for Target
Left: Roll-Up Sleeve Sweater in White $29.99, Pelican-Print Triangle Bikini Top in White/Black $16.99, Dip-Dye Skirt in Black/Gray $29.99. Right:Tie-Front Plaid Shirt in Blue $27.99, Bunny Tank in Gray/Blue $14.99, Denim Skirt in Light Wash $29.99

First Look: Loomstate for Target
Left: Tie-Back Cotton Dress in Black $39.99. Right: Pieced Tank in Gray/Pink $16.99, Pelican-Print Triangle Bikini Top in White/Black $16.99, Pelican-Print Shorts in White/Black $26.99

Spring's Best Short Sleeve Cardigans and How to Wear Them


There's no shortage of affordable short-sleeve cardigans, one of my spring wardrobe essentials, at stores like Target, Forever 21, Express, and Banana Republic. So today I decided to do something a little different and turn the spotlight on how to wear this versatile layering piece. The simplest way is probably over a short sleeve tee with jeans and cute accessories. You can also toss one over a dress or pair it with a skirt. The possibilities are endless! How will you be wearing yours this spring, and where have you found some good ones on the cheap?

Spring's 10 Best Tulip Skirts from $13 to $69


Spring Fashion 2009 Best Tulip Skirt Trend on a Budget

Yesterday I tracked down the season's best denim jackets, and today I'm presenting some of the best tulip skirts around, ranging in price from just $12.80 to $69. As seen on the runways of Lanvin and Tracy Reese, the tulip skirt is a fresh silhouette that will add new life to your warm weather wardrobe. As the name suggests, a tulip skirt has more fabric around the waistline and a close-fitting hemline, similar to an inverted tulip flower. If you're worried about drawing attention to the hip area, fear not: It's all about finding the right length of tulip skirt and balancing it out with the right top (experimentation is key). Go for a high-waist to create a glorious hourglass silhouette. If you've got straight hips, the tulip skirt is a nice way to add some instant curves (which is what I'm banking on). Personally, I think Banana Republic presents the perfect tulip skirt - I love how they've styled it with a short-sleeve scoopneck sweater, platform sandals and a statement necklace. Think you'll be trying this trend?

To see all 10 skirts, browse the widget below for details: