Angie, author of the youlookfab.com fashion blog, recently wrote a stellar post outlining 10 casual outfit formulas for moms on the go—simple yet stylish fashion formulas that will work wonderfully for any gal on the move. Last week, I tackled formula #1 using budget-friendly items, and today I'm taking on formula #2 using mostly items under $100, with the exception of some of the boots which are worth saving up for or waiting for a sale:

Skinny jeans + long sleeved T + scarf + tall boots

Foolproof Fall Outfit 2C by The Budget Babe featuring Old Navy

Sirenista*

Foolproof Fall Outfit 2B by The Budget Babe featuring Bullhead jeans

Rock-n-Roller

Foolproof Fall Outfit 2A by The Budget Babe featuring Roxy

The Ingenue

* If these fashion personas sound familiar, it's because I've borrowed them from the book, Hollywood Intuition: It's What Separates Fashion Victims from Fashion Victors which I read at Target. Without buying. Shhh!

Are these looks you would wear?

I was just asked by my Senior VP at work if I could make a presentation next week to a client of ours that's a bank CEO. I'm really excited about the opportunity but I don't own anything that even closely resembles a suit—I'm freaking out! Do you have any ideas where I can look this weekend for a cool but not-too-expensive suit? I'm not quite the suit-wearing type so I'm hoping to find a fun suit, if there is such a thing… —Desperately Seeking Suit

Congrats! You've been presented with a big opportunity at work, and your instincts to dress accordingly are correct. Now might be a good time to invest in a classic black or dark gray suit. Since you only have one weekend to shop, I recommend hitting up LOFT aka the store formerly known as Ann Taylor LOFT. They have some of the best suits in modern-classic styles, with feminine cuts that flatter many figures, all at very reasonable prices. You might even be able to find one on sale or ask a friend who shops there if she's received any rewards cards/deals by mail that you can use.

Look for a great fit, something that makes you feel powerful and comfortable when you're trying it on. Be sure to see how it moves when you walk around and move your arms up and down. If you feel awkward, keep looking. Another great store to check (and these are often located near Ann Taylor, at least where I live) is Banana Republic. Other stores that carry affordable, stylish suits include The Limited, Express and Macy's. Look for dark gray or black in a medium-weight fabric that you can wear for at least 3 seasons, if not year round.

Now for the fun part: Add your personal touch with a beautiful blouse, statement necklace or conservative yet colorful (or otherwise embellished) shoes! You can also mix-and-match the blazer with a pencil skirt and tights, or pair the pants with a nice top and vest (if it's less formal). Browse JCrew.com for style inspiration; you can imitate with less expensive wares.

Suits are generally conservative by nature, so opt for a great fit in the best fabric you can afford, get it tailored, then liven it up with your blouse, jewelry and other accessories.

For more advice, check out the reader comments on this post about what to wear to a job interview.

Readers: If you only had one weekend to shop for a suit on a budget, where would you go?

And the Big Buddha Style Star winners are…

#28 Jacqueline
#56 Ariana
#113 Maya

Congrats to our winners! I'll be emailing you shortly with details. A HUGE thank you to everyone who entered. I truly enjoyed reading each and every comment (yup, I read them all), and picking just 3 winners was waaay more difficult than I had anticipated! If I could give everyone a free purse I would because you are all so deserving. Keep checking back as we'll be giving away more Big Buddha handbags in the near future! xoxo, BB




Please note: This giveaway is now closed to further entries, check back tomorrow for the winners!

Big Buddha Handbags is looking for a few good fashionistas to help spread the word about their handbags, and since I happen to have some of the fabulous readers around, the company asked me if I would nominate three "Big Buddha Style Stars" to get a FREE Big Buddha handbag and then snap a photo of themselves rocking said bag. I said bring it on, and now I get to award three of my readers a free bag from a company I already love! In case you're not familiar, Big Buddha makes eco & animal-friendly bags inspired by all the latest designer looks and trends. You've probably seen them featured in Lucky, InStyle, and People StyleWatch as well as all your favorite fashion blogs. I love Big Buddha because we share the same initials (BB) and because they're one of the few wow-factor brands that makes affordable (under $100) bags.

For your chance to win, drop me a comment telling me WHY you should be selected as a Big Buddha Style Star. I'll pick three chicas to receive a Mia Bag by Big Buddha, $85 value. Deadline to apply is October 28.

Just as a reminder, if you are selected to be a Big Buddha Style Star, you must email me a photo that clearly shows you and your bag. These photos will be posted on The Budget Babe Facebook page as well as the Big Buddha Facebook page. Check out the current Style Stars by clicking here!

For this round of bags (oh yes, there will be more!) I'll be choosing Style Stars based on the creativity of your comments and your ability to demonstrate that you can showcase your personal style with these Big Buddha bags. If you already have a fashion blog, definitely share the link! You will also need to be willing to share your email address with Big Buddha (don't worry, they just want feedback about the bags.)

That's it, can't wait to see those comments, ladies!!


Please note: This is not a sponsored post; Big Buddha sent me 3 handbags, all of which I will be personally shipping to 3 Budget Babe readers. That's it! Muah.

I thought I had found the perfect coat when I spotted this Patent Trim Trench Coat at Topshop.com. Then, I saw the price: $460. Yikes! You're halfway to a Burberry at that price...


Get the look for less with this London Stroll Trench Coat by CLuce, available at shopruche.com for $69.99. Much better.

Nothing says fall glamour like this Theory Cheetah-Print Fur Coat, $995 at Neiman Marcus.


If you're looking for a faux-fur alternative that's no less glam, save yourself $800 and pick up this coat from Topshop which costs $190.


Another option is this faux fur leopard coat at Expess, currently $168.