The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: H&M Summer/Swim 2012




Yesterday I visited the H&M showroom in New York to check out the latest summer and swim collections which are in stores now. The benefit of visiting the showroom is that I have permission to photograph anything I please, and I am nothing if not thorough, combing through each rack, piece by piece, taking my sweet time, savoring the fabrics, textures, colors and well, you get the picture. All you need to know is that H&M has everything you need for a stylish summer, starting with this Memorial Day holiday weekend (do you have your outfits planned yet? I don't!). We're talking dayglow swimwear, tropical print coverups, embellished denim cut-offs, wedge sandals, floppy hats, clear plastic totes - basically everything to take you from a BBQ to the beach without missing a fashionable step. Hope you find some inspiration here, and if you'd like to see more of my photos from my trip to the H&M showroom, check out this album on my Facebook page.

As always, let me know which items are your favorite in the comments, H&M is listening too...

Off the Rack: The Webster at Target Accessories


Earlier I posted photos of the women's apparel from The Webster at Target collection, now here's a look at some of the accessories. I didn't see any shoes, unfortunately. But the bags, jewelry, scarves and straw hats that make up this Miami-inspired line were all plentiful. It's not because these items don't look good - they do - I just think they get lost amidst Target's other equally fun summer offerings from brands like Mossimo, Merona and Xhilaration. My favorite detail had to be a gold flamingo pendant which adorned two of the cool, casual totes in vibrant prints. More photos after the jump - did you pick up any Webster at Target accessories?

The Look for Less: Dolve Vita Archer Sandal

The Dolce Vita Archer sandal is so right for summer in its bold simplicity. Available in black or white at Shopbop.com for $69. (See it featured in this dress by number post.)



Target does it again! Get the look for less with their Mossimo "Poeske" sandal, which comes in black, off-white, hot pink or mint for $14.99.


H&M for Water Complete Lookbook




Later this month, you'll be able to shop a resort wear collection at H&M stores with 25% of the proceeds going to support WaterAid, an organization which helps provide clean water and sanitation to some of the world's poorest areas. Dubbed H&M for Water, the Hawaiian-inspired line boasts fashionable attire for the entire family, from palm-print skirts and dresses to retro swimwear and an amazing range of accessories, like bandanas and see-through beach bags. For gents, you can pick up printed shorts, sunglasses and sandals. What's more, the H&M for Water collection includes garments made of organic cotton and other sustainable materials, something that H&M seems genuinely committed to incorporating into more and more of their products. I absolutely love the prints in this collection, which conjure up images of vintage Hawaiian travel posters and postcards, and pin-up pretty girls sunning themselves in flirty one-piece bandeaus. Shop H&M for Water beginning May 31st in about 200 stores worldwide.

Click through to see the entire lookbook (very photo heavy, FYI). Which pieces do you like?

Ask BB: Playsuits on a Budget




Any advice on [where to find] a budget-friendly bodysuit? —Mia

Thanks to boundary-pushing artists like Lady Gaga and Beyonce, the pants-less look has become more widespread and popular. Wearing a bodysuit sans other clothes is usually reserved for the stage, fashion editorials or even the beach (though not necessarily for swimming).

But if you're looking to show more flesh at a club or party scene, there are plenty of ways for you to get in on this trend without spending a lot: Search for "playsuit" on UK-based sites like ASOS.com, which readily embrace runways trends and translate them for the masses no matter what they might be. My other suggestion would be to check American Apparel as they always have an ample selection of leotards and bodysuits that can be layered for everyday wear.

Here are a couple fashion forward playsuits available at ASOS.com for under $100. Try wearing yours with tights, boots and a blazer for an edgy look that'll still turn heads.




{Shown above: Mia's inspiration from 1) Lana Del Rey 2) Dolce & Gabbana SS12 3) Prada SS12 4) Dolce & Gabbana SS12 5) Naomi Campbell in Dolce & Gabbana 6) Miley Cyrus}