The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Adventures in Online Shopping: DownEast Basics.com




Remember last month when I blogged about the half-off-clearance sale going on at DownEastBasics.com? Well I took that opportunity to place my first order from the site, which carries a small but chic selection of affordable fashions for women, girls and men. I had worked with DownEast Basics once before to bring you this giveaway, but I had never actually shopped with them myself. Keep reading to see what I bought (anonymously and with my own money), and to find out how I think this site ranks overall!

Black Leather Hype Bag at T.J. Maxx: Should I Get It?





The bag in question...


During my trip to T.J. Maxx yesterday, I fell in love with this black leather bag by Hype, on sale for $99. It was the perfect size, nice lining, lots of pockets, and "fit" just right on my shoulder. Since most Hype bags sell for $200 to $300 or more, I think it's a good deal but I rarely spend over $40 for a bag. The closet comp I found online was this Hype Janice bag in brown leather for $177 at Bluefly.com. So I need a second (or third or fourth) opinion: Should I get it? Does anyone own a Hype bag? Are they worth the price? Help!





Another random photo from my trip: I saw a lot of studded bags at Fashion Week, so this bag by Nicole Lee caught my eye. Not bad for $29.99. It looked like real leather and the studding didn't look cheap. Going to keep my eye on this new-to-me brand.

Liberty of London for Target in People StyleWatch





Photo credit: People StyleWatch, March 2010. Still Lifes by Anthony Verde


In the March 2010 issue, People StyleWatch features highlights from the upcoming Liberty of London for Target collection, which reaches Target stores March 14th. The British brand is bringing its signature floral prints to an affordable fashion collection as well as stationary, bedding and kitchen items. Shown here, we have rubber rain boots ($29.99), an oversize cotton shirt ($24.99), crepe ruffled top ($19.99) and cotton sateen tote ($19.99). Pure eye-candy! But one theory that's been tossed around the blogosphere is that these designer collabs are just there to make the regular collections (Xhilaration, Mossimo, etc.) seem cheap in comparison, thereby encouraging shoppers to make more purchases. I think there's definitely some truth to that. Target lures me in with these collabs each and every time—but I don't always take the bait and buy. Close-ups after the jump…






Photo credit: People StyleWatch, March 2010. Still Lifes by Anthony Verde







Photo credit: People StyleWatch, March 2010. Still Lifes by Anthony Verde




Off the Rack: T.J. Maxx Stocks Pour La Victoire "Bridgette" As Seen in This Month's People StyleWatch, Plus L.A.M.B. "Jaco"





A shelf at T.J. Maxx stocked with Pour La Victoire "Bridgett" and L.A.M.B. "Jaco" leather sandals priced at $149.99.


Yesterday morning I ducked into T.J. Maxx in hopes of finding a stacked crystal ball lamp—no such luck—but I did spot a shelf stocked with designer shoes in just about all sizes, namely, the Pour La Victoire "Bridgette" and the L.A.M.B. "Jaco", both on sale for $149.99. Still pricey but much less than what you'd pay elsewhere (see details in the captions below). Then, last night as I was reading the March issue of People StyleWatch, I saw the very same PLV's staring back at me on page 135! Hence, this post. The moral of the story: T.J. Maxx does in fact carry the latest trends for less! If you're in the market for some fierce heels, head to your nearest T.J. Maxx ASAP to snag a pair.






L.A.M.B. "Jaco" leather sandals for $149.99. These are currently $299 at Nordstrom.com!







Pour La Victoire "Bridgette" leather sandals, also $149.99. According to this month's issue of People StyleWatch, they sell for $290 at Bergdorf Goodman! See them in black at Piperlime.com for $285.







See?! Here are the Pour La Victoire "Bridgette" leather sandals as seen in the March 2010 issue of People StyleWatch on their "Laser Cutouts" trend page. Color is sliiightly different.




Jean Paul Gaultier for Target in People StyleWatch





Photo Credit: People Stylewatch, March 2010. Still Lifes by Anthony Verde


In their March 2010 issue, People StyleWatch magazine has devoted an entire page to the soon-to-be-released Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collection which hits stores March 7. Highlighted pieces include a khaki trench ($59.99), pinstripe jacket ($49.99), leather motorcycle jacket ($199.99), nylon pleated strapless dress, ($59.99) and anchor stripe tee ($19.99). Can't wait! Keep reading to see all the pieces up-close.






Photo Credit: People Stylewatch, March 2010. Still Lifes by Anthony Verde







Photo Credit: People Stylewatch, March 2010. Still Lifes by Anthony Verde







Photo Credit: People Stylewatch, March 2010. Still Lifes by Anthony Verde