The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Josie Natori for Target Valentine's Day Collection


Josie Natori for Target

In stores now, check out the second installment of Josie Natori for Target, offering affordable yet chic lingerie and loungewear for Valentine's Day. This feminine collection showcases Natori's signature East-meets-West aesthetic with kimono silhouettes and Asian-inspired prints. It will be available through Feb. 23, 2012 at most Target stores and target.com, and ranges from $9.99 to $34.99. Last time I looked, the racks at my store were still full so if you want something from the line, there's definitely time to scoop up a piece or two.

nicole by Nicole Miller Spring 2012 Lookbook




Take a look at the nicole by Nicole Miller Spring 2012 lookbook, showing the designer's signature bold prints, pretty palette and breezy silhouettes for us to look forward to come warmer weather. Taking a relaxed yet urban approach to spring dressing, the brand pairs flowy asymmetric tops with slim black bottoms, and abstract print maxi dresses with retro platform wedges. I love the graphic striped maxi skirt and the slimming blue and black colorblock sheath dress. All the apparel, shoes and bags in these looks are part of the nicole by Nicole Miller line and will be available for purchase online at jcp.com and/or in stores from now through April. Which pieces are on your to-buy list?

The Shops at Target Sneak Peek [PHOTOS]




This afternoon, I had the chance to attend a press preview for The Shops at Target, a new design program from Tar-jay. Through this ongoing program, Target will partner directly with the shop owners of specialty stores and boutiques to co-create affordable, limited-edition collections for its guests. The first flight of The Shops at Target, which debuts on May 6 at all Target stores and Target.com, features five exclusive collections across five different product categories: Sweet treats from The Candy Store, beauty products from Cos Bar, pet treats and accessories from Polka Dog Bakery, home decor from Privet House and chic apparel, shoes and jewelry from The Webster. The collections reflect each shop owner's unique perspective, offering Target's guests the opportunity to experience each shop's distinct aesthetic simply by visiting their local Target store or Target.com. With prices ranging from $1 for a nail file to $159.99 for an online-only pouf for the home, the five collections total nearly 400 exclusive products.

I had the chance to meet all the boutique owners and they seemed universally thrilled to be able to share their passion with a larger audience. I will definitely be spoiling my dog with chic treats from Boston-based Polka Dog Bakery, sprucing up my home with melamine plates from Connecticut-based Privet House, and treating myself to a manicure with the amazing nail polish colors from Cos Bar. My only concern will be the execution of this ambitious plan - will the mini boutiques at my local Tar-jay look half as glamorous as the displays I saw today? I hope so!

Click through to see a sampling of products from each boutique. Mouse over any image for details and pricing.

What do you think of this concept? Yay or not so sure?

MNG by MANGO Spring 2012 Lookbook


Here's the spring 2012 lookbook for MNG by Mango, a fashion brand near and dear to my heart for many reasons. The Spain-based brand won me over with their runway-inspired, wallet-friendly styles when I studied abroad back in college, and most recently when they invited me along with 9 other fashion bloggers to tour their HQ in Barcelona. For spring, MNG by Mango seems to be picking up on a perennial theme in fashion, that is, the American girl in Paris, with a palette of navy, red and white and lots of lovely stripes. My only complaint with this lookbook is that it's too small - more please! Accessories featured are from MNG by Mango as well as other JCP brands including Worthington, a.n.a, Nine & Co., and Liz Claiborne. Look out for these pieces to be arriving in stores and online at jcpenney.com now through April.

Jason Wu for Target: Handbags and Scarves




As promised, here are all the Jason Wu for Target accessories from the just-released lookbook. Yes, some of the hardware say "Jason Wu for Target" but it's done in a discreet and tasteful manner. No, there's no genuine leather. Wu told Style.com it's not about "replicating more expensive materials." Instead of using faux leather for the handbags, for example, he used raffia or canvas. "The focus isn't just getting Jason Wu at a lower price point," he says. "It was about creating an entirely new collection that I think my regular customers will enjoy, too." Available Feb. 5, the collection blends sophistication with a mischievous nod to the 1960s (cue Milo the cat), and ranges in price from $19.99 to $49.99 for handbags and scarves. I'll have to wait to see these in person but I wish Wu had just used faux leather rather than fabric and raffia which is often too lightweight, fragile and difficult to keep clean. But I do love the shapes of these bags, classic and chic!

See all the apparel looks here.

Mouse over any image for details and pricing.