The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Sparkly Sequins

This Independence Day, set off your own sartorial fireworks with glitzy sequin-embellished fashions. Have a Happy Fourth of July, everyone!



Bebe at ShopStyle


Sequinned leggings pack more drama than a cocktail dress when paired with a sultry tunic and sky high heels. Or, rock 'em with a white tank and your Converse All-Stars to a family BBQ. Oh yes. (Swirl sequin legging, $59, Bebe.com)



Adam + Eve at ShopStyle


These sequin bermuda shorts are the epitome of laid-back luxury. Equally appropriate for celebrating our nation's birth or grabbing cocktails with your girlfriends. (Sequin bermuda shorts, now $139, shopadam.com)



Spiegel at ShopStyle


A sequinned hoodie is both a dazzling fashion statement and practical cover-up. Let's see those pesky mosquitoes try and get past this protective layer of paillettes! (Silk georgette sequined hoodie, now $180, Spiegel.com)



Forever 21 at ShopStyle


This linen dress gets dressed up with a cheerful display of sequin flowers. Consider it a subtle declaration of your impeccable taste. (Sequin Trim Linen Dress, $29, TwelvebyTwelve.com)



Express at ShopStyle


Grab a cold one and catch up with friends while wearing this deliciously shiny tank top. It's totally casual yet utterly chic. (Racerback sequin tank, $29.50, Express.com)

Ask BB: What to Pack for a Weekend Trip to NYC

I am a 25 yr-old girl from Chicago who is going on her first trip to NYC. Do you have any recommendations for packing for a 3-day weekend this summer? —Michelle

Think of the type of activities you'll be doing, then pack accordingly. Pick versatile pieces that can take you from day to night. You will be doing a lot of walking and stair climbing and subway-riding, and it will no doubt be hot outside and chilly indoors, so pack comfortable-yet-stylish shoes and the requisite cover-up. Of course, natives manage to do all this on a daily basis with finesse, so chic, modern attire is a must if don't want to stand out as a tourist.

Here are some examples of items you may want to pack:

What to pack on a budget for a weekend in NYC

What to pack on a budget for a weekend in NYC

What to pack on a budget for a weekend in NYC

[1] Bow tie tank, Charlotte Russe, $16.99 [2] Rugby striped top, $17.99, Charlotte Russe [3] Striped bow tie top, $19.99, Charlotte Russe [4] Tail spin skirt, $39.99, French Connection [5] True boot jean, $29.95, AE [6] Sound of spring skirt, $39.99, French Connection [7] "Ripple" wedge sandals, $39.99-$59.99, Nine West [8] "Rayne" hooded thong sandals, $54, Report [9] Leather "Freeport" cross-body bag, $99.99, Banana Republic [10] Tote bag, $40, French Connection [11] Topshop blazer, $120 [12] "Delilah" one-shoulder dress, $19.80, Forever 21 [13] "Dania" metallic cuff, $6.80, Forever 21