The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

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.

Jason Wu for Target: Full Lookbook




The complete Jason Wu for Target lookbook is out! As you know, Target is partnering with Jason Wu, celebrated New York-based designer, to introduce an affordable, limited-edition collection of women's apparel, handbags and scarves. Jason Wu for Target features a mix of modern, sophisticated pieces in bold hues and feminine prints. The designer collection is inspired by the vision of an American girl in Paris, bringing Wu's signature aesthetic and attention to detail to budget babes everywhere.

Ranging in price from $19.99 to $59.99 for apparel and $19.99 to $49.99 for handbags and scarves, Jason Wu for Target will be available Feb. 5 through March 6, 2012 at most Target stores and on Target.com.

Here's the apparel, I'll post the accessories in a separate post shortly to prevent browser overload. Mouse over any image for details and pricing.

UPDATE: Jason Wu for Target Handbags and Scarves

I Heart Ronson Spring 2012 Lookbook


I always look forward to seeing the I Heart Ronson lookbooks, and the spring 2012 collection is no exception. Designer Charlotte Ronson seems headed in a more feminine, lightheartedly direction. Kinda like when the Urban Outfitters girl graduates to Anthropologie. But that's also the effect that spring usually has on most designers. We've got pops of neon, lightweight knits, florals and platform sandals. Oxfords flats, wide leg pants and boho dresses give the collection a retro vibe. I'm feeling a little Isabel Marant here and I love it! Look for these pieces now in stores and at jcpenney.com.

UPDATE: I just double-checked availability - these pieces are being released now through April. Select items will only be available in stores. Accessories are not part of the collection.

Jason Wu for Target on Style.com


Jason Wu for Target on Style.com

Style.com has a few more images from the Jason Wu for Target collection for us to ogle, and I'm proud to count myself among the throngs of fashion bloggers the world over who are "frantically" publishing the few images that have surfaced thus far. Note the black trench coat, blush-pink blouse and raffia bag. Swoooooon. Jason Wu for Target is priced from $19-$60 and drops February 5th.





More Jason Wu for Target images:

Ask BB: Leather Leggings for Less




I've been on a quest for some leather (or leather-looking) leggings or skinny jeans/pants forever. Most of the ones I've found are too shiny, or look like black trash bags turned into clothing (Project Runway challenge, anyone?). Ideally I would like some with pockets and a fly so they look more real, but anything will do. H&M had some decent ones but they had elastic side panels that cheapened the whole look. Can you help me out? —Samantha K.

I was going to say H&M because that's where I found my faux leather skinny pants on sale for $20-ish. Granted they're not perfect - they do sag and they will cause you to sweat if it's over 50 degrees out, but at least you can belt them and at least they look good.

I have a second pair of mixed leather/knit leggings from Target's Mossimo line, which was a rare gem of a find (seen here). They're sold out now but you can find a few pairs on eBay.com (or something similar).

If you're shopping online, check Urban Outfitters, they have a couple pairs of vegan leather leggings/skinny pants right now under $90. Piperlime.com also has a pair for $128, a little steep and I can't speak to the quality but they look good in the pic:



For genuine leather pants, I'd keep my eye on yoox.com, theoutnet.com and eBay. Here are a few finds currently at Yoox:



Shown above: Leather/pleather pants are a wardrobe staple for celebs like Rihanna, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Gwyneth Paltrow.