The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Steal her Style: Michelle Obama on the Cover of O Magazine


Michelle Obama on the April 2009 cover of O, The Oprah Magazine

Oprah Winfrey shares the cover of her best-selling magazine O, The Oprah Magazine with another big "O:" First Lady Michelle Obama, who looks radiant in an orange Michael Kors dress and canary yellow Dear Cashmere cardigan. (Oprah's looking pretty stylish herself in a lavender-pink shirt dress by Rachel Roy New York!)

Spiegel at ShopStyle

For a budget-friendly breakdown of America's new style icon, try a short-sleeve cardigan from Twelve by Twelve and a tangerine sheath dress from Spiegel. Finish the look with an unexpected plastic belt, classic pearl stud earrings and neutral slingback pumps. Like what you see? Click the widget above for details!

Where to Shop This Weekend + Online Deals

Wouldn't it be great to have a personal shopping guide on the weekends? Consider this step one. Here's a round-up of where to go and what to look for in stores and online this weekend. Add your tips in the comments!

Target: Lots of goodies at Target right now! Check out the new weekly Target ad before you shop for the best deals.

JCPenney: I finally saw the I Heart Ronson collection in person (pics to come later) and everything was on sale at my local JCPenney. It's adorable, check it out. Most of the American Living collection was also on sale (pics to come later for this, too!).

Kohl's: When isn't there a sale at Kohl's? My local store has all their Simply Vera Vera Wang and ELLE collection fashions on sale. Also, check out the new Dana Buchman collection and let me know what you think. It's not my style, but some of the accessories were very resort chic. Bring those coupons, shop early and use your Kohl's card for extra savings. Shopping online? Save 30-40% Off Selected Simply Vera Vera Wang Apparel, Jewelry, Shoes

Wal-Mart: After you pick up that laundry detergent and box of Special K, swing by the clothing department to see the affordable sundresses and jeans by Taylor Swift. Online: Stylish & Colorful Trench Coats from $28.57 at Walmart.com

Macy's: March Essentials Sale. Save 20-50% + Values at macys.com! Offer Valid 4-Mar-2009 through 8-Mar-2009. Hurry, Sale ends Soon!

Forever 21: Just rolled out their new swim wear collection, get it while it's hot!

Express: Show Your Student ID, Get 20% Off Your Purchase of $50 or More In-Store March 2-15 at Express. Online deal: Express Sale - $9.99 and up, plus take an extra 20% off clearance items

Gilt Groupe: Shop their designer spring break extravaganza, plus ongoing sales from Oscar de la Renta, Devi Kroell, Amrita Singh, Helmut Lang, Just Cavalli and 7 for All Mankind. Phew!

Shoes.com: Save $10 on orders of $50 at shoes.com with code SPRING. Check out the new collection of footwear by pop star Fergie while you're there.

6pm.com: This Weekend only- 3/6-3/8- All White Mt. shoes only $14.95!


Four Silky Shorts: Would You Wear One?


Inspired by Chloé's Spring 2009 runway, I set out to find some relaxed fit shorts in either silk or satin, and discovered the best ones on a budget can currently be found at Express. I can easily see these seductive bottoms transitioning from day to night, but I don't think they're appropriate office attire. Paired with heels and a tuxedo jacket, I think these shorts would be best worn as a cocktail dress alternative. So would I wear them? Absolutely. How about you? (P.S. Most of the shorts shown above are available in different colors, so check them out using the widget below to see all your options.)


Lane Bryant Friends & Family Coupon

Lane Bryant Friends and Family CouponSave 30% on your entire purchase (except SPANX) during the March 7th and 8th Lane Bryant Friends & Family event. Plus, earn $25 Real Women Dollars for every $50 you spend in the store. The coupon also has a promo code that makes it accessible online—and that sale even starts early on the 6th (that's today)!

Use code 000301299 at LaneBryant.com
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In stores: Click on the thumbnail image above to see the larger, printable version of the coupon. Happy saving!

Deal du Jour: Save Up to 80 Percent Off at Yoox.com



Furla medium leather bag, Orig. $194.00 Now $97.00 at Yoox.com


The Deal: Last Call Sale on YOOX.COM, take up to an Extra 80% off! plus free standard shipping on all orders.

Why You Need It: Truth be told, you don't, but I'm curious to hear if there are any Yoox.com fans out there. Personally, I find their selection to be rather overwhelming and their prices to be exorbitant. However, I was perusing their sale section and spotted a few diamonds in the rough, like the versatile Furla leather purse above (still not cheap but compared to a $937 Emilio Pucci sequined dress, it seemed like a steal...)

Give the site a look and let me know what you think!