The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: Spring Fling at American Apparel





COLORED Denim


In many ways, American Apparel stores look the same every season. Whether it's the middle of summer or the dead of winter, you can always count on AA's neatly displayed racks, rows and stacks of famous basics in a rainbow of colors. But whereas winter stock includes hoodies and long sleeves, spring means lots more tank tops, skirts and dresses. With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it begs mentioning that American Apparel also has a fab selection of sexy unmentionables including supersoft cotton panties, boxers and thongs. If you think about it, many of the crazy clothing items they carry (think silver lame hotshorts and sheer lace leotards) are perfect for spicing things up in the bedroom! And they are affordable to boot. Check it out, you'll thank me later.

More photos after the jump >>

Christina Ricci, Amanda Seyfried, Busy Phillips in QVC






Christina Ricci - Marc Bouwer Embellished Shrug Green, $45.00


Hollywood startlets Christina Ricci, Amanda Seyfried, and Busy Phillips are new fashion fans of Rachel Zoe, Marc Bouwer, and Isaac Mizrahi…for QVC! Great to see celebrities embracing affordable looks that many recessionistas can enjoy.






Amanda Seyfried-ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! Leather Drawstring Bag Grape, $239.50







Busy Phillips- Rachel Zoe Double Faced Belted Cape Black, $88.00



These items will be available during the QVC show on 2/13 at 10pm ET. Which begs the question: How many of you ladies enjoy shopping from the comfort of you home with TV retailers like QVC? I've never ordered anything over the phone, but I have bought "as seen on TV" products at the drugstore. Online shopping is more my thing, but I'm curious to know the advantages of TV shopping. Share in the comments!


Off the Rack: Early Spring Trends at J. Crew





The color CORAL


I stopped into my nearest J.Crew last weekend, lured inside by the stunning window displays, to check out their latest spring offerings. J. Crew isn't exactly what I would call a budget-friendly store, but their timeless takes on fashion trends are always inspiring—and many would argue they are well worth the price. This season is no different: From classic shirts, tees and sweaters remade in light and bright spring hues, to sparkling statement necklaces, colorful scarves and Le Pliage-inspired totes, J. Crew had everything you'd need to put together a smart yet none-too-serious spring wardrobe.

The problem with a classy store like J. Crew is that you always get personal attention from the sales people, so unfortunately I was not able to discreetly snap photos of the beautiful store displays, which demonstrate how to artfully layer individual pieces, how to accessorize—the works. Even if you don't buy anything (I did not), pop into a store near you for ideas! Here, some photos of just a few fun pieces that caught my eye.





RUFFLES and other embellished tees







ABSTRACT FLORALS and short skirts







SHIRT-DRESSES and more ruffles







NEUTRALS like lavender gray







Faded CHAMBRAY shirt







CAMO PRINT

Urban Outfitters Stock Up Sale




The Urban Outfitters Stock Up Sale is going on now over at urbanoutfitters.com with great deals on merchandise storewide.

Select tees are priced at 2 for $24, shoes at 2 for $30, select home items 2 for $24 and much more. Now's a good time to refresh your wardrobe with cool basics you can layer now and wear alone in the spring (which seems especially far away considering it is snowing like crazy right now!)