The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Albertus Swanepoel for Target Lookbook


Another Target collab we heard about in June was a hat collection by milliner Albertus Swanepoel, and now we have our first look at the line.

The Albertus Swanepoel for Target collection includes 14 colorful and stylish hats for women that feature a blend of vintage appeal mixed with details such as feathers and ribbon. The pieces are each priced at $19.99 and will be available Oct. 30 through Dec. 22, 2011 at all Target stores and Target.com. The collection includes fedoras, cloches and floppies in solid felt, printed felt and faux fur.

It kinda looks like Target showed Swanepoel their hat options for fall and then asked him to tweak them within certain set parameters, like, you can add a ribbon here or change the print there. It doesn't really look designed from the ground up, if that makes any sense. Still, I love wearing hats - one of the easiest, most affordable ways to add style to an otherwise uninteresting outfit - so I'll definitely check these out. The leopard number above and the two-tone fedora right after the jump are two of my faves.

Click through to browse all the hats and mouse over any image for the style name.

Josie Natori for Target Lookbook




Back in June, we learned that Target was teaming up with internationally renowned designer Josie Natori, and now we have our first look at this limited-edition collection of lingerie and loungewear.

Inspired by the signature Josie Natori East-meets-West aesthetic, the collection is comprised of 37 pieces and includes bras, panties, robes, knit and woven pants, leggings, camis and chemises. The holiday collection (available Oct. 30 through Dec. 22, 2011) features deep red geometric prints with Geisha accents while the Valentine's Day collection (available Jan. 1 through Feb. 23, 2012) includes floating butterflies with hot pink florals. Both collections include an assortment of solid-colored bras and panties. Ranging in price from $9.99 to $34.99, both installments of Josie Natori for Target will be available at most Target stores and Target.com.

I was at the press preview back in June and got to meet the designer, she was extremely gracious and enthusiastic about the collection. You can see more of my photos from the press preview on my Facebook page (here). I'll definitely pick up a piece or two for myself, the collection is fun, colorful and sassy. My favorite print is the cherry blossoms, super cute!

Click through to see all the looks, mouse over any image for details.

Missoni for Target: Redemption Island

Missoni for Target

When the now infamous Missoni for Target collection launched, and shelves were laid bare within mere hours by eager fans and opportunists alike, I was quick to express my disappointment as one of the many customers who was too late to the party and missed out on all the goodies. Poor me, I know. Boo hoo. Well, I think it's only fair to follow up on my initial post with a complete list of the items I actually did manage to acquire in the weeks following the fast-fashion fiasco.

Off the Rack: October Highlights at Old Navy


Old Navy Fall 2011 fashion highlights

It's starting to feel like fall, so I stopped by Old Navy this past Friday (technically still September) to pick up some layering tees and sweaters, but instead, I left with two very thin, very impractical polyester blouses in gray leopard print and bright fuchsia. Whoops! What can I say, both looked great and were inexpensive ways to get in on some tempting fall trends. I also found a quilted purse on clearance for $6 that's perfect for carrying my keys and phone while walking my dog or running errands. The piece I really loved but decided to pass on is the striped sweaterdress you see above. I'm just praying it's still around when the next ON coupon comes out or it goes on sale ($50 is a lot for Old Navy), it kinda reminds me of the stuff Sonia Rykiel did for H&M not too long ago.

Lots more pics after the jump. Let me know if you have any questions about the items shown!

Target Announces Jason Wu Apparel and Handbag Collection


After tantalizing followers with a series of clues, Target announced via Twitter that it's next designer collaboration will be with CFDA winner Jason Wu. The limited-edition collection of affordably priced womenswear and handbags will launch in early 2012 - February 5th, to be exact. It's unlikely the Jason Wu for Target launch will create much of a stir, and that's precisely why I'm looking forward to picking up some whimsical Wu pieces at my leisure. Prove me wrong, eBayers.

Update: Keep reading for a sneak peek sketch to get your first look at the Jason Wu for Target collab!