The fall collection lookbook from H&M is out, giving us a peek at the autumn trends we can shop in a few short months. It's elegant, a bit dark but certainly not brooding. There's plenty of day to night metallics, jeweled embellishments, boxy coats, colorblocked bags and ladylike leather. Printed pants and futuristic florals make a return visit as do varsity jackets and sporty hats (seen earlier in H&M's summer lookbook). The girl who can pull off that peplum leather "belt" will earn my instant admiration. I will strive to give that gorgeous pearl bedazzled collar necklace a go as well as the floral pants (still haven't found the perfect pair).

Which pieces and trends do you see yourself wearing this fall?

The Cambridge Satchel Fluoro Satchel in green, orange or pink is $155 at Shopbop.com.

Cambridge Satchel Fluoro Satchel

For a little less, you can pick up this Steven by Steve Madden neon satchel in green, orange, pink, or fuchsia for $78.

Steven by Steve Madden Crossbody Bag

I'd take either but right now I'm content to carry my Old Navy mini-messenger in neon yellow (sold out) which cost a whopping $13. That punch of color works surprisingly well with just about every outfit.

Which bag would you choose?

UPDATE 5/25/12: And the winner is… Donna M! Congrats to our winner and thanks to everyone who participated.

UPDATE 5/29/12: Had to pick a new winner and that lucky reader is #86 LaurenK009! Thx all.




Please note: This giveaway has ended and is closed to further entries.

Today's giveaway is a little gift from me for Lancome Rouge in Love Miss Coquelicot lipstick ($25), which is quite possibly the perfect coral lip color, and Lancome Tangerine Le Vernis Nail Polish ($15), which is quite possibly the perfect tangerine orange hue. I'm convinced this flattering pair will amp up any spring or summer look. Besides, the packaging is just so pretty, how can you not love this combo?! Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck, lovelies!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here's a fashionable new online shop that I think you'll like called Artifact Boutique, which features clothing and accessories always under $60. Artifact Boutique has had a retail location outside of Philadelphia since 2009, and now they're looking to grow online. If you like what you see, give them a warm Budget Babe welcome by using coupon code BUDGETBABE at checkout to get 20% off your entire purchase (expires 7/31/12). New items are added every week, so check back often!

{Shown above: One Shoulder Floral Dress, $56; Ruffle Mini Romper, $48; Colorblock Mint and Pink Pleated Dress, $56}

Please note: This is not a sponsored post. Special thanks to Artifact Boutique for offering BB readers this exclusive coupon code!

I am getting married this October and am on the hunt for six unique bridesmaids dresses. (On a budget of course.) My inspiration is Molly Sims' wedding and bridesmaids. Would you be able to help? —Olivia M.

I'll offer my two cents and then open this conversation up to my readers who I'm sure will have some great advice! Love your inspiration, by the way.

My first suggestion: Use Pinterest. When I was planning my wedding last fall, Pinterest was just kinda starting to go mainstream. My sister and maid-of-honor was already an avid Pinterest user, then I made the other members of my bridal party sign up so we could easily share ideas. This was especially helpful because we live in different parts of the country.