Business Casual for Summer by The Budget Babe featuring Old Navy bags

I've received a couple requests for business casual outfit ideas for summer, so here's one of my favorite formulas: Pair some nice work pants in a light fabric (the ones shown here are Norma Kamali for Walmart) with a white tank, tee or blouse (depending on your preference), and top it with a structured short-sleeve cropped jacket. Easy peasy!

The key piece for this formula is the cropped jacket, which is less fussy than a suit jacket but still polished enough for a work environment. During your commute to and from work, you can take off the jacket and stay cool in hot and humid summer weather. The one shown here is from Ann Taylor Loft ($79).

The trick to giving your look a little fashion edge is a smart color combo (in this case, yellow and navy) and your own fun accessories like chic shoes, a sharp purse and pretty jewelry.

Like the look above? Click it for details on all the products shown.

And the winner is… #76 Adina! She wrote, "[The] Harriet ring is so whimsical and yet beautiful at the same time." Congrats to our winner and thanks to everyone who participated!!




We're giving away this one-of-a-kind "Emily Ring" courtesy of artist Rose Elizabeth who makes statement rings under the name Love Elsy. These beautiful and unique pieces of jewelry make a big fashion statement for a small price, ranging from $10-$30 each.

To enter this contest, visit the Love Elsy website: www.loveelsy.com and tell us which ring is your favorite in the comment section below. Good luck!!

Comments must be posted by 12 noon ET on Monday June 29 to be eligible to win. One lucky winner will be chosen at random, and will be announced on Tuesday June 30. Be sure to use a valid email address and include info(at)thebudgetbabe.com in your address book so we can contact you if you're the winner. Email addresses will not be shared and will only be used to notify you if you're the winner for this giveaway.

A couple readers have asked me whether or not Louboutinbox.com is legit after seeing this website's ads appear on my blog (and elsewhere) via the google ad network. My personal opinion? There's NO WAY these shoes are real. Louboutinbox claims to sell Christian Louboutins for around $200 a pair, but as we all know, Louboutins usually cost 50-70% more than that. I wanted to let everyone know that I personally would not shop at this site, and that I'm in the process of trying to figure out if there's a way to block louboutinbox.com from my google adsense account. Remember: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is! If you'd like to spend $200 on shoes, browse the sale section at shopbop.com (lots of other great shoe designers out there!). And if you want Louboutins, treat yourself to the real deal from one of the following authorized merchants:

Where to Buy Authentic Christian Louboutin Shoes

• 
  Net-a-Porter: You might not find a deal, but you'll always find the latest and greatest styles at this fashion mecca.
  


• 
  theoutnet.com: Net-a-porter's outlet site has blink-and-you-might-miss them deals on Louboutins, like these metallic flats, on sale for $212.
  


• 
  Bluefly.com: Score deals including these Christian Louboutin espadrilles for $192.79 at this designer discount giant.
  


• 
  Barneys.com: Fashionistas swear by Barneys' shoe sales, you just have to be patient (and lucky!) These Christian Louboutin "Simple Pumps" in magenta are on sale now for $269.25.
  


• 
  SaksFifthAvenue.com: Check the sale section often to find deals like these Christian Louboutin Etrier Patent Sandals on sale now for $324.10.
  


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  NeimanMarcus.com: Keep an eye out for sales here, too, like these Patent Ankle-Wrap Espadrilles for $332.

Whilst working on a post about the best bathing suits for every figure, I got sidetracked over at the newly launched shopping website Covet.com, which has a highly addictive "what's-your-style-personality" quiz dealio. (I'm a Sporty Minimalist with Sporty Glam and Sporty Modern influences. Freakish how well they know me!) Which got me thinking: Instead of finding a swimsuit that fits your figure, why not find one that fits your style persona, too? The answer: A round-up of 7 swimsuits that'll match your mood and flatter your tush.


Modern Glam: Norma Kamali's one-shoulder maillot has clean, contemporary lines, but make no mistake—that one shoulder strap screams seaside siren. A fabulous steal for just $20 at Walmart.com.

One of the t-shirts below comes from a designer who has become a favorite among young Hollywood and costs a whopping $88. The other tee shirt doesn't carry a designer label, but the pricetag is sure to make you smile. Can you guess which is which?







Answer after the jump! (or keep scrolling...)