Thanks to reader fashion court, I was able to get my first look at the Jean Paul Gaultier for Target Designer Collaboration lookbook courtesy of Refinery29. While the disjointed, outdated styling is a turn-off, when you start to look at the individual pieces, there is a lot of potential. (This scan from the pages of Elle magazine makes it look much more promising.) Highlights for me include a beige trench ($59.99), brown leather bomber (worn by an absolutely stunning model, btw. Look at those thighs!), and a yellow Marilyn Monroesque sundress. Prices range from $17.99 for swimsuit separates to $199 (ouch) for leather jackets. Mark your calendar for March 7th when Jean Paul Gaultier for Tarjay hits. Keep reading for all the looks!

eShakti.com carries a wide range of affordable, customizable dresses and separates as well as fabulous accessories for day or night.

Hey Budget Babe! I'm going to my boyfriend's Fraternity's Charter dinner at the end of the month and I'm not sure what to wear! He is supposed to wear a suit which I guess means I should wear a dress. Problem is I'm a tall (5'11"), plus size (14), college student. Can you help me put together an outfit that isn't going to break the bank and is long enough to not expose my behind?

I just discovered the perfect place for you to score a gorgeous dress for just such an occasion! So excited. Ok, are you ready? It's called eShakti, a fabulous online boutique that carries a complete range of sizes from size 0 to size 26W on every style.

Moreover, they offer custom sizes and custom styling as well: you like a style, but want the sleeve, neckline or length to be different? You got it! eShakti enables you to easily custom-style your garment right during the ordering process. eShakti also offers fast, 3 business-day shipping, even for custom garments.

And the prices are stunningly reasonable, meaning you will find evening wear for well under $100. I love love love the styles, too, very unique, on-trend and stylish. I stumbled upon eShakti while browsing Fabulous Fun Finds, so I have not had a chance to order anything from them yet, but judging by the customer reviews on their site, I'd say they have a loyal following of happy shoppers.

Another cool tidbit: Shakti in Sanskrit means power. Hence by eShakti they mean "The Power of the Net." Love that.

Below are just a few options for evening, browse eShakti.com for dozens more. Don't forget to hit the overstock section for deep discounts!



Beaded maxi dress, $79.95


Gold chevron print dress, $59.95


Sequined wide sash wrap top, $59.95

In case you missed it: The Budget Babe is donating $1 for every comment received at "Fashion Helps Haiti" (up to $100) to the American Red Cross for Haitian Relief. Please take a moment to show your support. Thanks!

This Pleasure Doing Business 7 Band Skirt in beige, as seen on Rihanna and countless other celebrities, retails for $99 at Singer22.com.


Get the look for less with Topshop's Panel Bodycon Skirt, available in nude or lilac for $40. Click any image to purchase.

In case you missed it: The Budget Babe is donating $1 for every comment received at "Fashion Helps Haiti" (up to $100) to the American Red Cross for Haitian Relief. Please take a moment to show your support. Thanks!

LA-based t-shirt line Kid Dangerous designed the "HELP HAITI" tee, with all proceeds going to the One Dome At A Time Emergency Fund.

In the wake of Haiti's tragic earthquake, The Budget Babe is donating $1 for every comment received below (up to $100) to the American Red Cross for Haitian Relief. Hey, I'm not Oprah but I wanted to do my small part.

If you're looking for ways to help, text "Haiti" to 90999 to automatically donate $10 to American Red Cross Relief or go to RedCross.org. Alternatively, you can text "YELE" to 501501 to donate $5 via Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti organization.

For more on the fashion designers and retailers who are supporting relief efforts in Haiti, check out this great article on The Recessionista by my friend Mary Hall.

If you're looking for a "Help Haiti" badge that you can add to your blog, visit Budgetnista.org.

UPDATE January 17, 2010: Thanks to YOU we reached our goal of 100 comments!! As promised, I made my pledge of $100 on behalf of The Budget Babe and its readers to the American Red Cross. Here's "proof" (screenshot of my receipt - click to enlarge):



Thanks again to everyone who posted a comment. Together we can make a difference as cliche as that sounds. You guys ROCK.

xoxo,
BB

This Stella McCartney leopard print Leora tee (which I featured here) is sold out but originally cost $175.


Now Forever 21 is selling this Prowling Leopard Tunic for $14.80. I'm tempted to use the word knock-off here, they look so similar! Anyhow if you want it, click the image to purchase. Refer back to this post for styling ideas.