The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Four Bib Necklace Tanks: Would You Wear One?




Casual tank tops get glammed up with embellished bib necklaces. Here are four options ranging in price from $69 to $318. Would you wear one?

[1] Haute Hippie Crystal-Necklace Tank, sale $318 at bergdorfgoodman.com
[2] GUESS by Marciano Nile Necklace Tank, $78 at marciano.com
[3] Sugar Lips double-layer necklace tank, $69 at dillards.com
[4] Robbi & Nikki Rhinestone Necklace Tank, $154 at neimanmarcus.com

Keep reading for 4 more options under $40!

LOFT Spring 2010 Lookbook




The LOFT Spring 2010 Lookbook has been out a little while now and it's garnering mixed reviews from Facebook fans. As LOFT sheds its former "stuffy" self and the Ann Taylor Loft name, the company is trying to move in a more fashion forward direction and the lookbook is a prime example. I personally love it (very Anthropologie meets J. Crew) but I can see how LOFT's loyal customers might be annoyed. The socks with sandals, shorts with heels, mad layering—it's all a bit tough to pull off and geared to more adventurous dressers. But as far as being a great source of beauty and inspiration, I think they've succeeded. Definitely makes me want to shop there more often! How about you, do you like the direction LOFT is heading? Keep reading to see the complete collection, most pieces are under $100 and you can shop it online now at www.LOFTonline.com.

Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's Spring 2010 Lookbook


Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohls Spring 2010 Lookbook

The Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's Spring 2010 collection lookbook is out, showcasing designer Vera Wang's affordable collection of contemporary apparel, jewelry, handbags and shoes with an artful edge. Happy colors like coral, purple, teal and yellow play on dresses, tunics and tops, along with floral and brushstroke prints, which contrast nicely with basic blacks. Leggings are always a big part of Vera's collections but there are some cropped pants, jeans and denim trousers to choose from, too. Most of these pieces are already available in stores and at kohls.com, so you may have seen or shopped them already (hopefully on sale!). I love the sequin tank tunic, thought it looked really luxe in person. I'm also a big fan of all the chunk chain jewelry (not loving the cheesy flower jewelry so much). I just wish they'd step up the quality of the bags, considering the steep prices. Which pieces do you love? Keep reading to see the whole collection!

Ask BB: Herve Leger Bandage Dresses for Less

I'm going to 4 weddings this year, and I'm desperate to wear a bandage dress. I'm in college and cannot afford a Herve Leger dress but LOVE the look. Is there anywhere where I can find it for cheap? Or at least the style of the fit being that tight, but not in the trashy way. —Andrea

Here are six cute cheap dresses inspired by Herve Leger that won't break the bank. Click any image for shopping details!




INC International Concepts at ShopStyle


1. INC International Colorblock dress, $99 at Macys.com


JCPenney Discover Spring Style Event




Last Tuesday I attended the JCPenney Discover Spring Style event at the Lincoln Center in New York City to see highlights from the upcoming spring fashion collections. Celebrity designers in attendance included Cindy Crawford (Cindy Crawford Style), Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen (Olsenboye), Michele Bohbot (Bisou Bisou), Charlotte Ronson (I Heart Ronson) and Nicole Miller (Nicole by Nicole Miller). You could tell that the crowd (myself included) was thrilled to see Cindy and the Olsens briefly introduce their collections before models took to the runway to showcase the latest trends: Modern safari, brights, florals, lots of denim and bold accessories. Celebrity hoopla aside, I think JCP offers a lot of affordable, stylish pieces to get excited about this season. My favorite piece was a pink dress with a giant side ruffle, hands down! What do you think about the latest spring offerings? Have you shopped JCP yet? Keep reading to see all the looks!