The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Macy's Launches Bar III with Styling Help from Fashion Bloggers




Last week Macy's celebrated the launch of its new contemporary brand Bar III with the help of top fashion bloggers. Fashion Toast, Sea of Shoes, Feels Like White Lightning and Street Etiquette were tasked with styling the modern separates, adding finishing touches with their own accessories.

"Rumi Neely of Fashion Toast recreated the relaxed, carefree hippie look of her LA hometown with the perfect fitting flared jeans paired with an embellished blouse. Sea of Shoe's Jane Aldridge used her signature thigh‐high leather boots as the platform for bar III's graphic print bustier dress to create a flirty and playful look. Travis Gumbs and Joshua Kissi of famed blog Street Etiquette illustrated that the bar III guy isn't afraid to play with his wardrobe, mixing traditional suiting with casual sportswear."

Bar III will hit Macy's stores in February 2011. The women's line will offer a wide range of pixie dresses ranging in price from $58 to $78, $20 basic tops, $68 novelty tops, skirts from $38 to $68 and bottoms from $48 to $68. Menswear will include pants for $69, shorts for $39, jackets for $99 as well as classic suit separates for $49.50; suits $495.

Unfortunately I missed the event due to a massive snow storm but Macy's filled me in and sent over a few photos of the collection, click through to see them all!

I Heart Ronson for JCPenney Spring 2011 Lookbook




Here's a first look at the I Heart Ronson for JCPenney Spring 2011 collection, available beginning now at jcp.com and JCPenney stores. Designer Charlotte Ronson keeps her downtown girl in mind with this line of dresses, tops, bottoms and denim priced under $58. Plaid tops and army greens flirt with the grunge trend of yesterday while girly dresses and the occasional pop of pink or pretty floral print keep things fresh and feminine. I kinda love the styling of this lookbook and think many of the individual pieces are very wearable, including the shirt dresses and slim cargo pants. Love the attitude!

Click through to see the complete collection. You like?

Move Over Britney, Vanessa Hudgens is the New Candie's Girl




After three consecutive seasons wearing the Candie's crown, Britney Spears passes her photoshoot duties to High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens, who stars in Candie's spring 2011 multi-media marketing campaign. Candie's is of course a juniors brand sold exclusively at Kohl's. Photographed at the Pink Motel in Sun Vallery, CA by fashion photographer Tony Duran, the flirty campaign features Vanessa playfully dancing on a diner counter, having a pillow fight in one of the motel rooms and prancing pool-side.

Irina Shabayeva for INC Spring 2011 Lookbook




Rising fashion designer Irina Shabayeva, winner of Project Runway Season 6, has teamed up with Macy's to create an exclusive collection for their INC International Concepts in-house line. Launching in 50 stores and on macys.com this February 19th, Irina for INC is a 13-piece sportswear collection inspired by movement and dance. Form fitting dresses, tops, skirts, jackets and denim are rendered with clean lines, modern fabrics and bright colors. Finishing touches include dance-inspired footwear that ranges from Ponte slipper platforms to ribbon tied espadrilles. Prices will range from $40 to $150. I like the gray anorak, pleated pants and pops of hot pink. The bodycon dresses and ruffle blouses remind me of Bebe - maybe Shabayeva should team up with them next?

Click through to see all the looks. Will you be shopping this collection?

Olsenboye for JCPenney Spring 2011 Lookbook




Here's a first look at the Olsenboye by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for JCPenney Spring 2011 collection, a juniors line of affordably priced clothing, shoes and accessories that you can begin to start shopping now at jcp.com and JCPenney stores. Everything's lighthearted, young and fun, from the floral print dresses to the preppy blazers and boho-chic maxis. Trendy clogs, boat shoes and canvas bags are just a few of the adorable accessories the teen set will be wanting for spring. If I were a teenager, I'd be scooping up that piped-trim blazer and a lightwash denim shirt; I'd pass on the floral pants and polka-dot leggings.

Click through to see all the looks. Anything catching your eye?