The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Laetitia Casta Stars in H&M's Holiday Lingerie Campaign


French actress and model Laetitia Casta heats things up in H&M's Holiday Lingerie Campaign, which features newly refined feminine styles laden with luxurious details. You've probably noticed some of these images running in your favorite fashion magazines - tell me these aren't steamy! Laetitia is one of my favorite models and it's great that we're getting to see more of her lately (like her recent cameo in Rihanna's "Te-Amo" music video). This season's H&M Holiday Lingerie collection boasts heart-shaped push-up bra styles that fasten at the back or the front, plus full briefs or retro high-waist bottoms. Whether you love lace, sequins or sparkle, H&M has you covered for the holidays. UPDATE 11/13/12: The lingerie collection retails from $4.95 - $34.95.

Click through for more images.

The eBay Holiday Collective


Shop the eBay Holiday Collective

Just in time for the holidays, eBay has partnered with seven leading designers (Billy Reid, Chris Benz, Fallon, Jonathan Adler, Ruffian, Steven Alan, and Tibi) on an exclusive new collaboration. Starting November 12, shop The eBay Holiday Collective – an original, limited-edition gift collection of men’s and women’s apparel, jewelry, travel and electronics accessories and home décor.

From unique salt-and-pepper shakers by Jonathan Adler to statement-making jewelry by Fallon, The Collective gives shoppers around the world exactly what they want at incredible value. Each of the 40+ inspired items in the collection are priced under $100, with free global shipping!

The only challenging part here will be deciding what to give and what to keep. Both are encouraged.

Visit eBay.com/holidaycollective for details.

My T.J. Maxx Fall Haul: A Complete Wardrobe for Under $400


Recently T.J. Maxx sent me a $500 gift card (I know, right? I was jealous of myself!) and tasked me with putting together a head-to-toe look at my local T.J. Maxx store. But once I started shopping, I couldn't settle on just one look. I don't really shop by look, rather, I try to buy pieces that work with what I already own and I always try to buy versatile pieces that can be worn multiple ways.

With that in mind, here's what I pulled into the dressing room:

Ask BB: How to Wear a Collar Necklace

Recently I was given a very beautiful detachable jeweled collar. Are they still in and what are the multiple ways I can wear it? —Maria

Are they ever! Embellished collars are the ultimate accessory this winter and holiday season, whether "built-in" or detachable like yours. There are also dozens of DIY tutorials out there in case you want to make your own (like this one from FabSugar). I recently purchased this jeweled collar at Jewelmint and have been looking for ways to wear it, so I actually created a Pinterest board dedicated to embellished collars. I think the key is to experiment!

Let's look at some ways to wear your jeweled collar. Kate Mara styled her Dannijo collar necklace by pairing it with a long-sleeve dress with a simple scoop neckline. The necklace sits comfortably on the fabric, and adds an element of surprise to her look.




The Fitting Room Gets a Holiday Update Plus Two $50 Walmart Gift Cards Giveaway!




UPDATE 11/20/12: And the winners are… #20 Donna F. and #13 AdeOla! Congrats to our winners and thanks to everyone who participated.

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

The Fitting Room at Walmart has just been updated with the latest fashions for winter and the holidays! Think pea-coats, faux-wool capes, peplum tops & dresses, houndstooth prints, and much more. Fashions that won't break the bank, all conveniently located in one chic spot. Seriously, I'm really loving this - makes my life easier!

And you know what will make your life easier? The chance to win one of two (2) $50 gift cards, courtesy of Walmart!

To enter:


  • Visit The Fitting Room site, then pin your favorite look and/or item(s) with the hashtag #budgetbabecontest and leave a comment below with the link to your pin.

  • If you don't have Pinterest, you can leave a comment saying what looks/items you'd want to buy with your gift card.

  • Giveaway ends 11/16/12.


Good luck!

Click through to see more holiday fashions at Walmart...