During a recent trip to my local Gap, I picked up a pair of Havaianas for Gap flip-flops in blue (click the pic above to shop online) on sale for $8.99, and the zipper-front Vena Cava for Gap dress that I've been wanting ever since the lookbook pics were first released on sale for $37.99. Score. Regarding the Havas, I get it. I finally get it! They really are the comfiest flip-flops I've ever worn. And at this price, you can't go wrong. If you can get to a Gap near you, definitely pop in to check out the summer deals and scope out the new transition-to-fall offerings too.

The Budget Babe's resident product-tester-extraordinaire Kiki Bella (an alias) reviews a tiny button with transformative powers. —BB

by Kiki Bella
Have you ever had a button pop off your jeans? The horror! Or have that weird gap between your pants and your lower back? Or your jeans just not fit quite right around the waist? Then I have got the thing for you. It's called the Instant Button™ for Jeans (not limited to pants, shorts, skirts, etc.) and it is fantastic.

When I was first told to review this item I was like, "A button? Lame. But you're the boss lady…" That was before I tried this amazing product and became a believer.

If you, like me, are wondering how on earth a button can save you money, you have got to see this thing. Instant Button for Jeans adjusts your waistline instantly, is removable and is literally the easiest thing to take on and off (without any sewing know-how or danger of hurting yourself).




All those stretched out waistlines, never-fit-quite-right-jeans, or wait-gained or weight-lost pants (I think this product would just fly off the shelves for pregnant women or new moms) no longer have to be altered, thrown away, donated or sold! Now you can just "alter" your pants in literally five seconds with this easy off and on little button.

It's amazing. My mom wants one, my brother wants one, my therapist wants one (it's that life altering—pun intended).

Get yours online today at www.instantbuttonforjeans.com for $15.00 for two (they come two in box, which is awesome). Sell one to a friend for $20, (they'll fork over the dough once they see what it does). Oh! And they come in different metallic colors to match your pants. Instant fab.

This bright white watch, part of ToyWatch's Plasteramics collection, lends a modern, sporty touch to any summer ensemble. Buy it for $195 at toywatchusa.com.


Want the look for less? Try this Inmotion Sports Watch from New York & Co. instead. It'll set you back a mere $19.95. Thanks to reader Srujana for the tip!

Related Deal: 30% Off EVERYTHING Limited Time Only - Shop Now at nyandcompany.com.

I get a lot of requests for stylish yet affordable outfit ideas for the office, so I'm going to try something new here and feature work-related attire every Wednesday—hence Work-Chic Wednesdays! To kick things off, here are three business-casual looks featuring items under $100 (I may have gone a tad over with a few of the bags but sharp accessories are one place you can splurge on occasionally.) Each outfit would work well for an interview, too, with the exception of outfit #3 (needs a blazer). Click any image for details on any of the items shown.

Work it, ladies.

Business Casual On A Budget: Look 1 by The Budget Babe featuring Forever21

Layer luxe-looking accessories atop a basic, modest dress for a look that's sure to win you the corner office, someday!

Business Casual On A Budget: Look 2 by The Budget Babe featuring Hype bags

Black and white is always a chic choice for the office. Keep the look sophisticated yet exciting by adding a bold red bag. What's more, this entire outfit features plus-size items.

Business Casual On A Budget: Look 3 by The Budget Babe featuring Old Navy

For summer, try a sleeveless top in a casual office setting, just keep the rest of your look neat and polished. Add a blazer or cardigan for important meetings.

[1] As luck would have it, British high-street chain Topshop carries a number of dresses for the 5'7" and over set as part of their Tall Collection. Most options are under $100, like this stunning sapphire-blue number which costs $80 at Topshop.com. There's no added sales tax when you shop online and shipping is a $15 flat rate.


[2] Love 21 is Forever 21's answer to the many budget shoppers looking for more sophisticated, modest clothing with misses sizing as opposed to juniors. Longer hemlines make this collection work for ladies on the tall side, too, as seen here with this floral resort dress, just $22.80 at Forever21.com.


[3] Many stylish ladies blessed with height swear by Banana Republic's tall offerings for dresses, suits and much more. At $132, the gorgeous dress shown here isn't exactly cheap but you can always stalk the sales and shop the outlets. There's no excuse not to buy BR especially when you consider the quality and overall value.


[4] Slowly but surely, JCPenney's American Living Collection has been winning me over (I was apprehensive about the prices at first, but they always come through with their sales + coupons.) Take, for example, this sundress: The cut is classic, the nautical print is unbelievably chic and it's on sale for just $39.99 down from $90. And tall lasses take note: The hemline is longer, meaning you can wear this dress with confidence.


[5] We heart them for their shoes, and lately I'm loving Nine West for their growing selection of very wearable, very adorable and very affordable dresses. The cuts are more modest than a lot of what's out there, which means you're more likely to have luck with this brand if you're on the tall side. Ladies of all sizes will want to wear these dresses to the office, to weddings, baby showers—you name it. Most styles cost less than $100 and you can find them at Macy's, Lord & Taylor and online at NineWest.com.


OK, ladies: What did I miss?