The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Cute Coats Under $100: BB Dakota



Darlita Jacket, $78, shopmapel.com


I've already received a number of requests for cute, affordable coats—and the hunt is on! Or maybe, the search is over: Just feast your eyes on the elegant yet totally cool coat above by BB Dakota. It's functional, stylish and the price (for a coat, people) isn't that bad either. Thanks to the lovely Broke & Beautiful for turning me on to shopmapel.com, the fashionable boutique where you can purchase said coat for $78. Not a fan of the blue or need something other than a trench? Browse the BB Dakota offerings below. It's hard to pick just one, they are all so cute! And all under $100.


Inspired By: Givenchy Lace Up Booties



Givenchy at ShopStyle


These open-toe lace up booties by Givenchy epitomize the edgy, aggressive overtone in Fall footwear, and cost a staggering $1,195 at Shopbop.com.


While there may be better knock-offs out there, I think these Frenchie Lace Up Booties at Forever 21 are a good way to get this look for less at just $26.80. The zipper closure makes these easy to slip on and off, while the faux croc pattern adds some nice texture.

Trend Alert: Fringe Vests




The fringe trend is still going strong and now it's showing up on vests, like the one shown here worn by Miley Cyrus. She works this Western-tinged look well, but I'm not sure it's me. Then again, I do own two fringe-embellished bags (shown here and here) so you never know! Here are some affordable ways to get in on this trend (I'm surprised this Juniors Xhiliration Fringe Vest received positive reviews on the site, I thought it looked kinda cheap when I saw it in person):



Work-Chic Wednesdays: What to Wear to an Interview



A well-fitted black suit is a sophisticated, foolproof look for interviews that says you mean business. (Tahari by ASL Pinstripe Pant Suit, Now $139.99 at Macy's)

I am a 22 year old that just graduated from college. I am starting to go on interviews, but I have absolutely no idea what to wear. I want to look professional but chic. Please help me BB and your fashionable readers. —Megan

When I was a college senior, I did the nerdy thing and took some job hunting workshops offered by the Career and Placement Services department at my college. I'm pretty sure all schools offer this, so definitely take advantage of this worthwhile service, if you still can. They'll walk you through mock interviews, spruce up your resume and even share tips on what to wear (and what NOT to wear) to the all-important job interview!

Having said that, I was advised to wear a suit, so months later when I landed an interview for an entry-level position at Oprah.com, I went out and bought a nice black suit with a very subtle tone-on-tone pinstripe, a crisp white button down shirt, and some practical black pumps. I bought the best suit I could afford at the time (Tahari, on sale), pulled my hair back, wore neutral makeup and carried a no-nonsense writing pad/folder thingy with my resume tucked neatly inside.

I felt confident in my suit, and it must have showed because I got the job. Even though my interview look was far dressier than the general office dress code, I think it was the right move. In my opinion, it's always better to overdress for an interview as well as the first couple days on the job, and then to gradually adjust your look to be more casual as you get a better feel for the work environment.

The funny thing is, I never did wear that suit again—I was fortunate enough to stay with the same company for a number of years—but I'm confident that suit had something to do with me getting the job. In my mind, it was worth the investment. And, having subsequently been in the position of the interviewer, I can say with certainty that what you wear and how you present yourself in an interview is critical. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so concern yourself with looking polished, put-together and professional (and don't worry too much about looking chic unless you're applying for a job in a fashion/creative industry). You'll have plenty of opportunities to express your fashion sense after you land the job!

Ok, enough rambling from me. What did YOU wear to the interview that landed you YOUR last job? Be specific!

Beauty Review: Zoya Nail Lacquer



Zoya "Ali" is the perfect neon pink! My piano is collecting dust but I'm so proud of myself for giving up that nasty nail-biting habit (find out how I did that here.) Needs just one coat. $6



Good things come to those who Tweet: Recently, beauty brand Zoya (@zoya_NailPolish) released a code for 3 free bottles of nail polish to all their followers on Twitter and yours truly took advantage of the deal. If you follow me on Twitter (@budgetbabe), you might have seen me retweet the code, which I also blogged about here. I have to admit, I had never heard of Zoya until the Twitter frenzy for that free polish happened, but I'm glad I discovered this brand. Zoya polish glides on smooth and the colors stay bright. Plus, Zoya's long-lasting formulas are free of some of the harsher chemicals often found in polish such as formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and camphor. It's too bad you can only buy Zoya at select salons but of course, you can shop for them online, too.




I expected Zoya "Juicy" to be a darker, bluer shade of purple based on the product shot, but I'm still happy with this yummy grape hue. I'm wearing two coats since it's semi-translucent. $6





I know summer's almost over but I was craving bright nail polish, and it doesn't get much brighter than Zoya's "Pippa" yellow! The product description says it's neon but it's more of a vibrant pastel (ie., mixed with a touch of white). Needs two coats. $6