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Do you have any ideas for cute, fashionable bathing suits on a budget?

The newcomer to the swimwear scene that's got everyone talking this season is Forever 21, which now offers attention-grabbing bikinis, monokinis and more at select stores and online. Get a two piece bikini for as little as $22.60 (total!) (continued below)

[1] Wild Zig Zag bikini, $12.80 top + $12.80 bottom at Forever21.com
[2] Triangle top bikini, Now $25 at Newport-News.com
[3] AE Retro Halter One-Piece, $39.50
[4] Nylon Tricot Le Sport Chic Swimsuit, $42 at American Apparel

After I wrote this post about these Xhilaration 'Kayden' Utility Boots from Target, I received a couple questions about how to style this rugged, low boot. Here are three outfit ideas to get you thinking about ways to pair this comfortable yet stylish shoe with things you might already own in your closet. How would you style these boots?

How to Wear Utility Boots: Hippie Chic by The Budget Babe featuring Forever21 necklaces

A tough utility boot is the perfect contrast to a tender, hippie-chic dress. Understated accessories like a convertible leather-look handbag, woven belt and turquoise pendant necklace finish the look.

Macy’s Biggest Savings event just got bigger! From April 29th through May 4th 2009, Macy’s will be sharing their Friends and Family employee discount for 6 incredible days of savings and shopping! With Mother’s Day right around the corner and swimsuit season rapidly approaching, this is a great way to save.

You can access the coupon here or just click the image above.

During my last trip to Target, I was flipping through the clearance racks when I stumbled upon this McQ Alexander McQueen for Target jumpsuit—the very one I had been lusting after since the first lookbook pics were released. Mind you, my Target did not carry the McQ collection, so when I found this lone piece, in my size, I was overjoyed. And, it was on sale! $40 down from $59. I tried it on in the dressing room and thought it was just about the best thing ever. Gleefully, I took my prize to the register, where a Target employee explained that their store had received a very limited quantity of McQ merchandise (I assumed it was an online return. If your store never carried the collection, check the sales racks and you might find something.)

Fast forward to this past Wednesday: I stepped into my jumpsuit and snapped myself in (I was gonna wear it to the Rachel Roy event)...but as I gazed in the mirror, my illusions were dashed. What was I thinking?? This jumpsuit did absolutely nothing to flatter my figure. It puckered when I sat down, and pulled in all the wrong places when I tried to bend over or just move around. How it went from hero to zero in such a short time is a mystery, but then again, it wouldn't be the first time I bought something that looked great in the dressing room and terrible at home. Moral of the story: Don't get caught up in the hype (but you knew that already!)


This story of shopping woe has a silver lining. Those CK pumps I scored at DSW? Still AMAZING. They make my legs look miles long and the platform in front makes them reasonably comfortable. Here's me wearing them with a Forever 21 skirt, Target button-down shirt, Target belt and turquoise necklace. Ah, much better than the jumpsuit, don't you think?

Anyone else have a recent fashion blunder they'd care to share?