DV by Dolce Vita's 'Damala' flats are $78.95 at Nordstrom.com. Other retailers carry them in pink, floral, striped or gold. If I had to pick, I'd choose them all.

DV by Dolce Vita 'Damala' Flat

Not surprisingly, Target has the look for less with their Merona 'Mali' loafer flats, also available in a variety of colors. I saw these in person yesterday and they look fantastic, although it's hard to tell how comfortable they'd be sans socks. Scoop them up for $19.99. (Click either image for more details.)

Women's Merona® Mali Flat - Assorted Colors

Just in time for holiday shopping, Target's next designer collection is with Neiman Marcus, tapping 24 CFDA designers to create a 50-piece collection coming December 1, 2012.

Ranging in price from $7.99 to $499.99, with most items less than $60, the collection includes more than 50 eclectic gifting products, from apparel and home décor to pet products, sporting goods and more.

All of the participating designers are members of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA): Alice + Olivia, Altuzarra, Band of Outsiders, Brian Atwood, Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, Eddie Borgo, Jason Wu, Judith Leiber, Lela Rose, Marchesa, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Philip Crangi, Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Robert Rodriguez, Rodarte, Skaist-Taylor, Thom Browne, Tory Burch and Tracy Reese.

Target and Neiman Marcus will also be donating $1 million to the council, an impressive gesture but I can't help but notice that many of the designers participating in this collab are already well-established multi-million dollar corporations (Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg). I'm reading Overdressed by Elizabeth Cline right now and one of the points she makes is how incredibly difficult it is for a designer who's just starting out to get their foot in the fashion door, in part because huge corporations like Target place orders for hundreds of thousands of garments at a time from overseas factories. A small time designer in NYC can't compete, so from my perspective, wouldn't it behoove Target and Neiman Marcus to tap up-and-comers for this collab instead? But then again, I guess people wouldn't line up at midnight for a collaboration unless big names were attached to it. I'm left with more questions than answers.

But yes, I'm excited and I will be checking this out. Of course I will.

Get more details over on Target's blog, A Bullseye View.

Thanks to @booshabear for the tip!!

This Madewell polka dot top in nylon lace is $65. I believe the camisole is not included. It's also available in beige, red or black.

Sheer shapes tee

This tank top by Mossimo will give you a similar look and feel in a tank top format. ($15, Target.com)

Mossimo® Women's Textured Lace Tank - Assorted Colors

In addition to "Eco-Friendly Fridays," I'm going to try to implement a new feature here on The Budget Babe called "Made in the USA Mondays." My goal is to become a more educated consumer and I hope you'll join me. I won't get preachy, I promise, and yes, I'm still going to feature fashions made overseas (in part because less than 5 percent of our clothing is made in the United States).

To start, here's a short video with a simple message to help save New York City's historic garment district. Caravan Stylist Studios enlisted the help of some 20 celebs to spread the word about SAVE THE GARMENT CENTER.org.

I had never heard of Caravan before, but apparently it's a full service hair, makeup, and wardrobe studio in the heart of the fashion district and is complimentary to editors, bloggers, actresses, musicians and designers. It's also a place where guests can visit and learn about new designers, especially ones producing in the Fashion District and throughout the USA. Guess I'll be making a trip to Caravan soon - and if you're a blogger visiting the NYC area, you might want to check them out!

I recently lost a lot of weight after being obese all my life. I don't have tons of money and I need to buy a lot of clothes. Can you write up a simple buying at the end of the season article? Like, what is possible to buy when, what I should grab ASAP and what are the best times of the year to grab up some sales when buying a lot? Also, can you suggest what somebody like me should buy first when dealing with a tight budget and practically empty closet? What are those must haves? I am 26 years old. —Veronika

First I just want to congratulate you on achieving your weight loss goals! I'm honored you'd ask me for advice, so here goes. Shopping used to be seasonal and big sales only came around a few times each year. But nowadays, fast fashion has completely changed the retail landscape. You can get good deals pretty much year round. It's still smart to shop for fall and winter apparel during after-Christmas sales and it's still smart to shop for spring/summer fashions during summer blowout sales but don't feel pressured to buy, buy, buy during these times. I'd recommend building your wardrobe slowly and steadily over the course of the year, buying pieces you love rather than buying what's on sale. You mentioned "must haves" and that's a great place to start.

Bootcut Denim
Satchels

Your wardrobe will depend on your job and lifestyle but some essential items include: A boyfriend blazer, a perfect pair of dark denim jeans (bootcut or skinny based on your preference), a neutral colored sheath dress; a trench coat; leather riding boots; black pencil skirt; perfect tees in white, gray and black; black leather ballet flats; nude pumps and a structured handbag. I kinda love this Lucky mag video that shows you how to get 90 outfits with $500 - they show how a few key staples can be mixed and matched in an almost endless way.

I'll conclude by saying focus on what brings you joy as you adjust to your new shape. Finding fashion that fits and makes us feel beautiful is a journey we are all on!

What advice would you share with Veronika? Let her know in the comments!