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

Off the Rack: I Heart Ronson by Charlotte Ronson for JCPenney

Left: I Heart Ronson Chiffon Top, Approx. $21 (not available online). Right: I Heart Ronson Ruffle Dress, Original $44.00; Now $29.99

Recently I checked out the new-ish I Heart Ronson by Charlotte Ronson collection at JCPenney, and I thought it was really cute! Everything was 30% off at the time, with sale prices ranging from $9.99 to $29.99. Very affordable. The quality is on par with Target or Old Navy, perhaps a smidgen better, and the designs have a lot of potential. I think this collection has pieces that would be suitable for women of all ages, but if I had a teenage daughter, I'd want her to wear this stuff rather than Fabulosity or Abbey Dawn. Make sense? For more prices and details on what's available online, check out the widget below.



Left: I Heart Ronson Cardigan Sweater, Original $36.00; Now $24.99. Right: I Heart Ronson Shirtdress, Approx. $21 (not available online)


Left: I Heart Ronson Stripe Tee Shirt Dress, Original $36.00; Now $24.99. Right: I Heart Ronson Denim Skinny Jean, Original $44.00; Now $29.99. Denim Vest, Original $36.00; Now $24.99


Left: I Heart Ronson Dress, Original $58.00; Now $39.99. Loved the long skirt, since so many "dresses" these days are more like shirts. Right: What I wore while shopping (snuck that right past ya!)

Off the Rack: Spring Shoes at Target





DEAL UPDATE: Spend $50 in Shoes, get Free Shipping at Target.com

Yesterday I showed you my latest bargains from Target, and today I'm taking you on a tour of Target's shoe department (yay!). Styles range from boho-chic wedges and chunky-heel platforms to moccasins and strappy gladiator flats. Trends included Native American-inspired beading and fringe, ruffles, studs, cut-outs, faux-python and floral prints.

I have too many favorites to list, but I'll probably go back to buy the Windi Heeled Sandal (olive platforms with the woven toe and buckle-ankle strap) and the yellow wedges (need that color in my shoe collection). Have you checked out Target's shoes? Which ones do you like?

[For details and pricing, browse the widget below:]


Over 20 pics after the jump...CLICK on any thumbnail to enlarge!

My Latest Deals from Target




Yesterday I went to Target to buy new blinds for our office, but instead came home with a couple new goodies for my closet. So check it out: This Xhilaration flutter sleeve top was on clearance for $4.98! I'm guessing the frilly cap sleeves were a little over the top for most, but I think they look fab. Here, I've paired my top with Chip & Pepper boot cut jeans from Gilt and a Tags-n-Stones initial pendant necklace. If you're interested, the Xhilaration flutter sleeve top is available online in either black or coral for a mere $8.99.






I also picked up this Mossimo boucle jacket on sale for $14.98, down from $29.99. The quality is really quite nice in person. This jacket is very typical of something I used to wear to the office, paired with dark boot-cut jeans and classic pumps. For a more professional look, one could also layer it over a pretty blouse and wear it with nice slacks or black pencil skirt. The boucle jackets are available online in either burmese red or teal, and while they're not on sale yet at Target.com, $29.99 is still very reasonable.






Finally, the purse I'm holding is also a Target bargain - it's a Limited Edition perforated metallic handbag that I scored for $6.24 down from $24.99 - but I couldn't find it online. I swore I wouldn't cave in to the metallic bag trend but at that price I figured why not. It can also be carried as a clutch - too cute.

Got any Target deals lately?

Ask BB: Multi-Buckle Belts on a Budget

I am seriously searching for a belt like this picture (right). It doesn't have to have as many strands as the picture but at least have 2 strands and doesn't have to be as thick at the back—it could be a thin belt all the way around. Any help would be great. —Y

That belt is hot, I can see why you'd want one! Double the fun of a single strap belt, the latest crop of hot belts have two or more buckles. I personally own this belt by Xhilaration from Target ($16.99), and I love it (see me wearing it here). Below, you'll find my picks for the best multi-buckle belts on a budget from around the web. Hope this helps!