The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Save $3 on New L'Oreal Paris Sublime Mousse Hair Color




Right now you can save $3 on L'Oreal Paris' newest Sublime Mousse hair color. Bloggers Blawsom and Pretty in the Queen City both tested this product and loved it.

I'm curious to hear how it works on blonds, sounds like a fool proof way to touch up your look without a costly trip to the salon. Choose from 12 natural shades for permanent color without the drips of your regular at-home hair coloring kits.

Take advantage of this great coupon HERE and come back and let us know how it works if you give it a try.

Three's A Trend: Coral Blouses




From left: Lauren Conrad in Topshop, Heidi Klum in Tibi, Olivia Palermo in Mango

Honeysuckle may be Pantone's color of the year for 2011, but the color I'm seeing more often on celebs and in stores this spring is coral, from faded rusty shades to vibrant strawberry oranges. Combine the bold hue with a soft blouse and you've got two of spring's hottest trends in one stylish piece.

Here, five coral blouses under $50.

Win Cool Stuff: Carolee 3-Piece Jewelry Set

UPDATE: And the winners are… #2 Yvonne #6 erin, #25 Angelica and #29 rebecca ! Congrats to our winners and thanks to everyone who participated.

Please note: This giveaway has ended and is now closed to further entries.

With prom and wedding seasons coming up, Carolee wants you to consider them for beautiful, affordable costume jewelry that will complete any special occasion look.





Carolee is generously offering 3 lucky Budget Babe readers the chance to win one set each of a Carolee necklace, earrings and bracelet (shown above), valued at $172. Stunning and so chic!

Your prize will include:

  • Make My Day or Night Double Teardrop Pierced Earrings (retail price $32)

  • Make My Day or Night Crystal Bracelet (retail price $65)

  • Make My Day or Night Multi Crystal Choker Necklace (retail price $75)



For your chance to win, visit Carolee.com then tell us what's your favorite piece in the comments section below.

For another chance to win, follow @budgetbabe on Twitter and tweet this blog post using the tweet button at the bottom of this post.

Please consider becoming a fan of Carolee on Facebook, too, for the latest news and updates.

This is not a sponsored post, Carolee is providing the prize. Open to US residents only. Comments must be posted by 12 noon EST March 29, 2011 to be eligible to win.

Good luck!

First Look: Matthew Williamson for Impulse Only at Macy's




As mentioned in my weekly link round-up two weeks ago, Matthew Williamson will be the next featured designer for Impulse at Macy's, following in the footsteps of Kinder Aggugini. The Matthew Williamson capsule collection will illustrate a "bohemian mood full of color and print that is irresistible to the eye." Staying true to Matthew's signature style, the line fuses sophisticated separates and collectible '70s-inspired dresses priced on average from $50 to $120, with specialty pieces selling up to $300. Key items will include bold, graphic animal-inspired prints and embellished day and party dresses, bohemian blouses, printed scarves and flirty day-to-evening rompers, all with Matthew's iconic styling. With a delicate balance of both modern and retro design, this collection and corresponding advertising campaign featuring model Dree Hemingway embodies Matthew's attitude toward fashion and life. I loved the Matthew Williamson collection for H&M but felt quality was lacking so I can't wait to see what he does for Macy's. The preliminary sketches and photos are exciting and show real potential.

Click through to see more.

Kmart Fashion Spring/Summer 2011 Blogger Brunch




Last week I attended a Spring/Summer 2011 fashion preview in New York City hosted by Kmart Fashion, where bloggers were invited to check out the latest trends and chat with designers. I interviewed Kathy Huynh, VP of Women's Apparel Design for Kmart, (click here to watch), got the scoop on the design process from Tori Gibbs and Mary Mendez, and talked social media with Kmart Fashion blogger Donna Kim and Kmart Fashion's Social Media Manager Sarah Reynolds (above). When the people behind a brand are excited about their work and eager to share with customers, it makes such a positive impact, and that's exactly how I felt about the Kmart crew.

Now, on to the fashion: Everything was casual and easy to wear, with subtle boho '70s details and soft fabrications. Think short shorts, jumpsuits, open-back tees, colorful day dresses, floral prints and understated military influences. Priced mostly under $20, Kmart Fashion's got all the makings of a carefree summer wardrobe that can take you from picnics in the park to the beach and beyond. I can't wait to check out my nearest store. It's a 30 minute drive, so I don't get there very often, but I'm hoping to visit soon. Have you been to Kmart recently? Do you like the direction they're headed?

Click through for more photos.

Shown above: The gorgeous girl behind @KmartFashion, Sarah Reynolds, wearing a Kmart jumpsuit.