Vera Wang is going to launch a budget-friendly junior's line at Kohl's called Princess Vera Wang beginning in August 2012. The collection will initially include apparel and jewelry, and will capture Vera's "vision of playful sophistication and incorporate many of the styling elements and design characteristics for which she is best known, including mixed media and artful whimsy."

I have a feeling I'm going to be raiding the junior's department when this line launches because as much as I love the current Simply Vera collection, it's just a little bit too mature for my everyday style (lots of black and day-to-night stuff which is great if you work in an office but I don't) and sizing runs large (again, this is great for some but I know that this fact has excluded some readers from being able to shop this line. The petites section is usually barren at my store, too).

Let's hope Princess Vera Wang isn't all hot pink and tulle but stuff we grown-ups can steal. Oh, and if you are a teen, let's hope it's stuff you'll want to wear, too!

{Above from left: A look from the Simply Vera Vera Wang Fall 2011 collection (NOT the juniors line); The designer, Vera Wang}

This spring, Macy's is launching a new activewear and accessories line called Ideology, and earlier this month, BB staff writer KC got to preview the line for us in New York City. The line includes sleek modern sportswear like yoga pants, sports bras, shorts, tees and tanks in slimming silhouettes and fabrics that wick away sweat. It's an affordable, easy-to-wear collection that you can mix and match for yoga, pilates, the gym, you name it. I'm not a huge fan of tie-dye but I think it works well for work-out wear. Still, I'd like to see a little more creativity with this line - then again, I don't work out a lot these days (I walk a lot, but don't hit the gym) so I should probably keep my commentary to myself. Enjoy more of KC's photos after the jump, including a shot of Rob Kardashian who DJ'ed the event.

Well ladies, here it is! My very first "haul" video for ABC Family's Jane by Design blogger challenge (details here).

For our first challenge, we were given $50 to shop for whatever we wanted. I used my money to create three celebrity-inspired outfits using items that I picked up at the clearance racks at one of my favorite stores.

If you have a minute to help me out, please give a shout-out to The Budget Babe on the Jane by Design Facebook page! You can also upload your own haul videos (a great way to gain exposure if you're a blogger). And thank you if you already have, your support means a lot!

This is not a sponsored campaign or anything. The winning blogger gets a mention on the show and gets to choose one of their readers to be featured on the ABCFamily.com style site.

Recently I had the opportunity to interview People StyleWatch Deputy Editor Leigh Belz via email about holiday gift-giving and stylish winter garb - and she responded with this exclusive video, just for us (aren't we fancy?!) Listen in as Leigh talks about fun, inexpensive gifts for co-workers or your BFF, plus chic ways to stay fashionable in freezing temps. Thanks to People StyleWatch for giving bloggers this opportunity - it's still kinda surreal to hear from them since it's a magazine I read every month. Enjoy!

I shouldn't be telling you this as I have yet to shop for myself, but the Giambattista Valli for Macy's Impulse collection is making its final curtain call and is now on clearance. Quantities and sizes are limited, so shop soon as I'm not sure how long these pieces will be around. Designer collabs seem to come and go so quickly these days, it's hard to keep track of what's in stores when. I've seen most pieces from the collection in person and the quality is fabulous for the price. I especially like the strapless maxi dress - it would look amazing topped with a tuxedo blazer for a fancy holiday party. Don't delay, shop what's left of the Giambattista Valli collection ASAP online or check the the clearance racks at your local Macy's store.

Shown above from left: Jersey Dress, $48.74 (down from $99); Animal Print Top, $22.99 (down from $49); Convertible Clutch, $44.99 (down from $69.00)