The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Your Spring Essentials Checklist

I'm a big believer in creating checklists for everything, including my wardrobe! Making a list of what you want to add to your closet at the start of each season can save you time and money, so here's a running list of the things I'm looking for this spring. Share what's on your list in the comments!

1. Short sleeve cardigans in neutral hues, plus one bright color like yellow or blue. I'll be swapping out my long-sleeve heavy knit boyfriend cardigans for lightweight short sleeve cardis as the weather warms up.
2. Lightweight scarves. Bright colors and ethnic-inspired prints are all still big contenders for me.
3. Classic trench. Alternatively, a chic anorak is a stylish option if you want something less conventional. I still have a great anorak that I picked up at H&M last season, so my search for the perfect trench continues!
4. A boyfriend blazer in beige, tan or pale gray. You probably picked up a black blazer for fall/winter, which will still get great mileage through the summer (think air conditioned offices, cool evenings, etc.) But for day, a lightweight cotton or linen blazer will be my go-to layering piece for spring/summer.
5. Vintage inspired shades. I'm thinking of getting some tortoise shell frames a la Cate Blanchett.
6. Relaxed hobo or another less structured handbag in a light tan, white (if you can keep it clean!) or brown. Metallics, brights, patterns are all great options, too!
7. Relaxed-fit shorts. I'm not a huge shorts person but I'll probably pick up at least one pair of relaxed fit shorts.
8. One solid tulip skirt in a nice neutral color that I can wear for casual or dressier occasions.
9. A denim skirt and/or denim jacket. The key for me here will be finding very current cuts and fades of denim.
10. A printed top. Perhaps I'll try a floral, abstract or wallpaper print that are so ubiquitous these days.
11. A maxi dress. I have a nice solid black maxi from last summer, now I need to be brave and add some color or a print!
12. Denim. Skinny, distressed, boyfriend—all still great options! I'll be bringing out my boot cuts to wear with wedges, and colored jeans to wear with simple white tees and sandals.
13. Stylish sneaks. I am due for a new pair of sneakers that I can wear while walking and running with my doggie. But they have to be cute!
14. Layering tees and tanks. I'm looking for long lengths, super soft cotton, and some nice crisp whites that will match everything.
15. One statement necklace. Got this already on Gilt.com, can't wait to wear it!
16. Jumper. I'm determined to get a jumper, possibly the Alexander McQueen for Target number. We shall see!
17. Shoes: There are so many great styles to choose from this season, so we'll leave this for another post!

Ok, your turn! What's on your spring shopping list?

Guess Which Burnout Tee Costs Less

Burnout tees

Celebs like Rachel Bilson, Lindsay Lohan and Lauren Conrad love their burnout tees, a go-to basic that's hot for spring. I love a soft, comfy tee as much as the next girl, but I won't spend more than $20 to get one. (And usually, it's more like $10 on sale.) But some designer versions of the burn out tee trend can cost as much as $375 (I kid you not). Can you guess which of the tees above carries that hefty pricetag, and which tee costs less? Answer after the jump...

First Look: Tracy Feith for Target

Tracy Feith for Target

Surfer-cum-designer Tracy Feith has designed the next Go International collection for Target, featuring vintage-inspired dresses, tops, skirts, jackets, bikinis and, yes, a romper. I like a lot of the elements in this collection, from the folksy embroidery, to the retro '60s prints, to the mod-throwback-vibe going on. Many of spring's top trends are covered in this collection, too, including ruffles, florals and summery whites. I've got my eye on that faux leather jacket (model Allie from The City wears it so well) and just about all of the dresses. What's your take?

UPDATE: The Tracy Feith for Target collection will launch on Target.com/go and at most Target stores nationwide on May 17, 2009 and will be available through June 20, 2009.

Keep reading to see all 17 looks.

March Must-Haves: Norma Kamali for Walmart


Norma Kamali for Walmart

Walmart has FINALLY added some new items to their perpetually out-of-stock Norma Kamali collection, and I want it all! Ok, not really but there are some amazing-looking pieces. See that all-in-one jersey top (above center)? It can be worn 6 different ways! And if you've been to American Apparel, Urban, or Free People recently, then you know that convertible pieces are hot commodities these days. And that amazing canvas bag? Available in either black/tan or white/tan, this versatile bag would be great for school, work or play (a budget alternative to the Longchamp Le Pliage, perhaps?).

Assuming the quality of these latest Norma Kamali additions is comparable to what was released in the fall (and I see no reason why it wouldn't be), budget fashion shoppers are in for a real treat. Click the thumbnail images below to shop for any of the items featured.



Ask BB: The Best Business Pants on a Budget



New York & Co. at ShopStyle


I recently lost a substantial amount of weight (35 lbs) and went from a size 12 to a 6. So you can imagine, my old clothes are tad too big. … I need to buy new pants for the office. I literally have one pair of black pants that actually look normal on me, and I just want to be able to get the same (or very similar) style, cut and price for all colors (like grays, blacks, pin-stripes etc.) so I can be sure of how they will fit all at once. Places like TJ’s and Marshall’s are hit and miss with these kinds of things and I REFUSE to pay $60 for a pair of black or gray slacks at places like Express, Limited or NY&Co. I worked very hard for this weight loss, so I want to be able to wear a size that is true to my body, instead of forcing my old clothes to fit by awkward alterations and belts, but I never realized how expensive it could actually be! Help!! —Swimming in Old Office Slacks.

First off, congratulations on your weight loss: You set a goal, and you reached it! This accomplishment is certainly worth celebrating, but I understand how expensive it can be to build a new wardrobe basically from scratch. Fortunately, I think there are many places where you can shop for affordable, office-appropriate pants.