I've been searching for a military-style blazer. Rihanna and Beyonce are fond of this style and I absolutely love the look. Any help on finding styles that are not too thick and can be worn during the summer would be greatly appreciated—on a budget of course! [Here's] an idea of what I mean. —Debola

From the Sergeant Pepper jackets seen on the Balmain runway, to the band-inspired vest from 3.1 Phillip Lim, sharply tailored jackets, blazers and vest with an updated military feel are a popular trend for Spring/Summer 2009. I love the decorative button detailing that make many of these pieces stand out, as well as the structured, regimented look that the military jacket can bring to any outfit.

If you can get past the cheesy product shot, this jacket from Newport-News provides one of the best ways to rock this look on a budget. For more great affordable options, browse my hand-picked selections in the widget below.

Tracy Feith for Target by The Budget Babe on Polyvore.com

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Today marks the official launch of the Tracy Feith for Target collection at most Target stores nationwide and online at Target.com. Feith's Bohemian-inspired spring collection of women's apparel will be available through June 20, 2009. The pure white sundresses look so summery and sublime, but those bold florals are wildly intoxicating, too, despite being utterly impractical for my everyday needs. Which pieces are you eager to scoop up?

Here's more from the Target pressroom about the collection:

The right undergarments lay a solid foundation for sexy summer styles.

Summertime means lots of light colors, light fabrics and skin-baring styles, which means you need an entirely different set of underwear for warm-weather fashion than you do for fall and winter. Of course the most cost effective thing to do is always buy quality camis, bras, and panties in a color that matches your skintone which you can wear year round, worry-free. But if you're like me and you love colorful undergarments, just pick up some affordable flesh-tone items at places like Target that you can wear all summer long.

Here's a quick breakdown of what you'll need:

• 
  Flesh-tone bras: Not white, not ivory, not black but flesh-tone bras are a requirement for tank tops, semi-sheer blouses and revealing dresses. Your bra should not be visible. We all slack off from time to time, especially with tank tops (who wants to wear a strapless bra all the time), so at least if your bra-strap slips, it'll "match" your skin.


• 
  Flesh-tone bikini underwear: Whether you're wearing a white dress, skirt, slacks or shorts, you will absolutely need to have flesh-tone panties underneath. Again, the objective is to make sure your panties are invisible. Bikinis have a lower rise, so they won't creep up past your waistline, especially with low-rise jeans.


• 
  Flesh-tone thongs: Seamless bikinis are appropriate for most situations but definitely stock up on flesh-tone thongs for those occasions when you'll be wearing a clingy dress or white trousers. Can't have that panty line showing, ladies!


• 
  Flesh-tone slip: Bet you haven't worn one of these babies in ages! The last time I went looking for one, I couldn't even find a single slip at the mall—thought they had gone extinct—but they are really a necessity. Why? Today's cheap-chic skirts are often unlined and made from cheap fabrics that turn transparent when so much as a light is turned on. A slip will ensure you're not showing the whole world your lady parts and that your skirts drape nicely and don't bunch up (another unfortunate reality with cheaper fabrics). The good news: You can get a simple short slip at Target for under $10 (I saw them on my last visit) that will even fit under minis.


• 
  Breast Petals: When you're going braless, these are essential for keeping people focused on your beautiful face, if you know what I mean.


• 
  Backless Strapless Bra: As the name suggests, these bras defy gravity for those times you are wearing a backless, strapless dress. They're not the most comfortable things in the world but they do work.


• 
  An assortment of white, black and flesh-tone camis, tank tops and tube tops: Look for cotton/spandex blends that breathe and stretch, seamless if possible. You'll be reaching for these all summer long. Plunging sundress? Wear it over a white tank. White blouse? Wear it over a flesh-tone cami. Sheer blouse? Style it over a black tube top. You get the picture.

Photo credit: LuckyMag.com

My inbox has been inundated with requests from ladies who are desperately seeking help in finding the perfect dress to wear to upcoming graduations, weddings and other special occasions. So after scouring the web, I put together this short list of 3 online stores that currently carry a great selection of affordable dresses that are chic, sophisticated and appropriate for all the events on your social calendar. Enjoy!

The Natural Cocktail Dress in Cream, $34

Lulus.com: Fun, feminine and flirty dresses that are always on-trend. Last time I checked they had 348 styles to choose from, with dozens priced under $50. I also love this strapless painted iris dress ($38) with an exposed zipper, pair it with a cropped jacket or cardigan for a graduation ceremony.

Cut and Sew Dress, $47.99

ModCloth.com: With their expansive selection of retro, indie and vintage dresses, ModCloth shoppers won't get caught wearing the same dress as any other girl at their event. If you can splurge, this Pralines & Creme dress is close to perfection ($130).

Grey Tuxedo Dress, $78

ShabbyApple.com: Shabby Apple delivers sexy dresses with modest cuts and figure-flattery in mind. Think Jackie O. and Katherine Hepburn, on a budget. They also have pretty dresses for moms-to-be, including this Bow Baby black maternity dress ($72).

Casual Outfit Ideas for Moms on the Go: Day at the Zoo by The Budget Babe featuring Forever21 Clothing

Fashion isn't a priority at the zoo (although you must admit the leopard has an incredibly stylish coat), but feeling comfortable and confident is always a good thing. Here are some simple pieces which can help you achieve precisely that: Start with your favorite straight legs jeans in a dark wash. Add a striped cotton tee in dark colors with a high neckline. Things get messy at the zoo, and you'll be bending over a lot to pick up teensy tots so they can see the giraffes. Then add your one investment: Quality shoes, in this case, a brilliant red pair of stylish yet sensible mocs by MICHAEL Michael Kors. At $98, they're not cheap but you'll be on your feet a lot and these will match any neutral outfit so the cost per wear will make it all worthwhile. My favorite part of this look has to be the colorful and durable madras tote from L.L. Bean that will easily fit your Siggs, sesame sticks and other essentials—and it's just $19. Finishing touches include yellow sunglasses and a cute belt, both from Old Navy.

Like the look? Click the image above for details on all the items shown.