I recently received an email from a reader who scored a vintage Ralph Lauren navy boyfriend blazer (so jealous!), and she needed some inspiration for ways to wear it that would be appropriate for interning at an art museum this summer. What a fun question! Here's what I came up with... I took the liberty of styling these outfits around a crested blazer but of course, any navy blazer would work equally as well. How would you wear a navy boyfriend blazer?

[1] Pleated cropped-pants with a slouch fit look sharp when paired with a structured crested blazer. A simple yet modern white top and peep-toe ankle boots finish the look.

I'm usually rather critical of the alice + olivia for Payless line, but I think these "Beatrix" Platform Patent Sandals from the spring '09 collection are pretty fun. With their wacky colorblock coloration and manic mod styling, I think these shoes would look smashing with a Twiggy-esque shift and kohl-lined eyes. What do you think? Haute or not?

Shop it: alice + olivia for Payless Beatrix Patent Platform Sandal, $38 at Payless.com

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Creative colorblocking gives the subtle illusion of a corset on these alluring dresses for spring. Would you wear one?

[1] Liberty's Ride dress, French Connection, $188
[2] Sweetheart dress, Twelve by Twelve, $29
[3] Zipper Linen Dress, Charlotte Russe, $24.99
[4] Merona colorblock dress, Target, $39.99

Each Mother's Day here at The Budget Babe, we take a look at the ways our Moms influenced our personal styles—the fashion, beauty and style wisdom imparted to us as children. As I've said, my Mother is the original "budget babe," the most stylish woman I know who always managed to look like a million on an oftentimes very limited budget.

For my Mother, the pillars of great style would have to be grace, intelligence and kindness. The foundation of true beauty, for my Mother, would depend on one's inner beauty. She did, however, stress the importance of physical exercise, a healthy diet and plenty of sleep for beautiful skin, shiny hair, strong nails and a gleaming smile.

Of course, I can't fail to mention her mantra when it came to shopping, an adventure she wholeheartedly enjoys: Never pay full price! I'm a rookie compared to my dear Mom, you should see the deals she gets.

My Mom, who didn't own a pair of jeans until college, always said I was lucky to be able to wear pants. Seemed odd when I was growing up, but maybe that's why I am a jeans-and-tee-shirt kind of gal today. Nothing makes me feel sexier or stronger than a killer pair of jeans. Thanks Mom.

I could go on and on, but I'll stop here and hand it over to you—what lessons did your Mom teach you about style?

Happy Mother's Day!

The Deal: Saturday 5/9 - Sunday 5/10 - Dollhouse, select styles, only $12.95!


Why You Need It: While it's not always practical to spend money on shoes that you might not wear often, at just $12.95 a pair, you can afford to be creative and pick up a unique pair of Dollhouse sandals, wedges, flats or heels during this weekend's sale at 6pm.com. (That's less than what you'd pay most days at Target or Payless!) I think the silver-braid wedges above have the prettiest floral detailing that will have everyone asking, "Where'd you get those shoes?!"

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