The mannequin displays seem stuck in a time warp (note the bouquet of fake flowers). Kmart needs serious help in this department.

I recently scoped out the clothing department at Kmart, a store I have not visited in years. When I was a kid, shopping at Kmart was not something you advertised, even though most of us and our families sorta had to out of necessity. I think the stigma of shopping for clothes at Kmart has diminished somewhat simply because the store has been overshadowed by competitors such as Walmart and Tar-jay (which Kmart is definitely NOT). I don't see myself going out of my way to buy clothing at Kmart since the nearest store is 30 minutes away, however, I will certainly keep an eye on their online offerings, which have improved significantly in recent months. You just never know where you'll score that next bargain that will have everyone asking, "Where did you buy that?" And the secret will be yours to keep, or share if you're feeling generous. Do you shop for clothing or accessories at Kmart? Why or why not?

This rack held plenty of breezy, basic cotton tops that would be perfect for summer but I couldn't find my size. On the flip side, there was no shortage of sizes M-XL, and almost everything was between 25-40% off.

These coordinated knit-tops and skirts were almost cute but the prints lacked sophistication.

Pick silk/cotton blends like this Love 21 dotted top for breathable summer style that's affordable, too.

Here at The Budget Babe, I often focus on the way things look because the last time I checked, the internet does not yet allow for the sense of "touch" to be explored (or at least, not the way I'd want to explore it as it relates to fashion!) But of course one of the most important aspects of fashion is the way clothing feels against our skin and the way it moves, stretches and breathes when we wear it.

In the winter, I'm drawn to warm wool or cashmere blends for their unique heat-trapping, moisture-wicking properties. And after a few warm days here in New England, including this past Memorial Day, I'm beginning to think silk/cotton blends may just be my favorite type of fabric for warm-weather attire. I have a blouse from H&M that's 70% cotton, 30% silk and it is the lightest, breeziest blouse in my closet right now.

Despite the 3/4 length sleeves, it's cooler than the skimpiest tank top. It's infinitely more sophisticated and dressier than a basic cotton tee (which I also adore but one can't live in t-shirts alone), it washes well (I go for cold water, delicate wash to be on the safe side) and it was excessively affordable at just under $30.

Ladies, my advice to you when shopping for summer tops and blouses:

• Read those tags! Avoid 100% polyester altogether which will make you sweat and just feels icky in hot weather.
  


• Look for silk/cotton blends: I even saw silk/cotton blend tops at Kmart over the weekend! They're out there, even for budget shoppers.
  


• Use your sense of touch: Feel the garment to gauge the softness. Scrunch it (gently) to see how well it resists wrinkles. Another great summer fabric is linen but it wrinkles like mad, so I tend to look for linen/cotton blends which are slightly softer and won't wrinkle as readily as pure linen.
  


• Think silk for day or night: Don't pass up a silk blouse just because you think it's too dressy. This fabric's perfect for work and casual, everyday style too.

Be as selective about how your summer clothing feels as it looks and you'll love each piece that much more. Get started by browsing this small selection of cheap chic silk/cotton blend tops from around the web:

Elaborate folk embroidery adorned everything from shift dresses to peasant blouses in designer Anna Sui's Spring 2009 collection.

With a nod to Anna Sui's Spring 2009 collection, here's a smattering of the many cheap chic fashions featuring pretty folk art-inspired embroidery for spring. It's old-world luxe with a modern twist!


Photo credit: Style.com

D&G's over-the-top nautical themed collection for Spring 2009 included high-waisted sailor shorts worn with fishnet tights and towering platforms.

Inspired by the D&G Spring 2009 ready-to-wear collection, here's a round-up of the best cheap chic sailor shorts from around the web. Anchors away!


Photo credit: Style.com

The Tracy Feith for Target collection hit stores this past Sunday, and yours truly was there to check it out. From adorable ruffled bikinis to south-of-the-border inspired blouses, this collection from designer Tracy Feith was bohemian luxe-for-less at its best! Here are some of the highlights from the collection, let me know if you have specific questions about any of the items and I'll do my best to answer them.




With it's folk art-inspired embroidery and lace detailing, this dress instantly took me back to my early childhood days when Mother forced encouraged me to embrace my ethnic heritage with Polish dance lessons.

[1] Tracy Feith For Target Embroidered Dress - Ebony, $39.99