The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Free People January 2013 Lookbook




If there's one thing Free People can make us do, it's dream, and the January lookbook titled "Into the Great Wide Open" has me yearning for wide open plains, watercolor skies and warm breezes. By layering two fresh hues, indigo and nude, we get a hint of spring. The "prairie influence" of this lookbook - modeled by Marth Hunt and photographed by Anthony Nocella - is played out with printed denim, washed overalls and smocked skirts. Feminine with a rough boyish twist. Who's ready to trade their fur trapper hat for a leather fedora? More eye candy after the jump.

Duro Olowu for JCPenney Lookbook




Back in October, I told you all about the upcoming Duro Olowu for JCP collection, and now we've got the complete Spring 2013 lookbook! To recap, JCPenney is collaborating with Nigerian-born designer Duro Olowu for a collection that includes women's apparel and accessories as well as home decor pieces, priced from just $10-$100. Olowu is known for his vibrant prints and feminine silhouettes. I wasn't too familiar with this designer before, but I'm already a fan. I'm kinda loving this entire collection and see lots of pieces I can wear, like the geometric print pants (with a white tee and jean jacket); the metallic brocard shirtdress (gorgeous fabric and Jackie O. cut); and the animal print cardigan (with leather pants and sneaks a la Miranda Kerr). Shop it this March in stores and online at jcp.com.

Click through to see all the looks, and let me know what you think in the comments! MOUSE OVER any image for details on availability and pricing.

Penny Chic Little Black Dress Collection for Walmart




It's every fashion bloggers' dream to design their own clothing line (or shoes, jewelry, handbags - take your pick!) and one young L.A. blogger by the name of Shauna Miller has made that dream a reality. The Penny Chic by Shauna Miller collection of little black dresses hits Walmart.com in mid February and features 4 versatile dress styles that every woman needs. Each dress is only about $20 and will come in sizes Small-X Large and 1X-4X. A fifth dress might be in the works so stay tuned. "I worked extremely hard to create the most affordable, stylish, tailored, flattering, and well made, product I could given what I knew about my Pennies and what you ladies deserve and look for in a dress," says Shauna on her blog.

I love that this collection will be manufactured in the USA (a rarity these days) from fabrics that are machine washable and wrinkle-free. Shauna is one of the sweetest, most ambitious young women I've ever had the pleasure of meeting - I had the chance to visit her studio and try on one of the Penny Chic dresses myself during my recent trip to Los Angeles, where we got to tape some behind-the-scenes spring fashion videos with Walmart. I'll share some pics of me in the dress soon (the "curvy" wrap dress - it's ah-mazing, seriously slims and hugs all the right places. I hoping to collect all four!). My one suggestion? More colors please! We love a good LBD but I'd wear any of these silhouettes in trendy colors, too.

Keep reading to see all the looks. What do you think of Penny Chic for Walmart?

babyGap's Peter Rabbit Inspired Collection at Gap




To celebrate the 110th anniversary of Beatrix Potter's beloved children's book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, babyGap has created a limited-edition Peter Rabbit clothing collection. Available January 14 in babyGap stores and online at Gap.com, the collection draws from Potter's "mischievous characters and magical adventures, bringing to life a modern interpretation of the enchanting world of Peter Rabbit through imaginative gifts for girls and boys."

Ranging in size from newborn to 24 months, the collection features an assortment of soft knit graphic bodysuits, brightly colored denim, whimsical one-pieces and patterned dresses. For newborns, bodysuits adorned with various Peter Rabbit illustrations are soldseparately or as sets. Clothing and accessory prices range from $6.99 to $55.00.

I remember being completely absorbed by the illustrations in Peter Rabbit as a child. Such a classic. Keep reading to see all the cuteness!

{Shown above: Celebs fêted the launch at The Grove in Los Angeles, including actress Elizabeth Banks and actress Molly Sims with son Brooks.

To get Elizabeth's look: Gap Moss Stitch Striped Boatneck Sweater, $54.95; Ultra Skinny Printed Pants, $54.95; Embroidered Loafers $39.95; Canvas Neon-Trim Coat, $44.95

To get Molly's son, Brooks' look: babyGap Peter Rabbit Ribbed Shawl-Collar Sweater $34.95; Plaid Roll-Up One-Piece $34.95}

Prabal Gurung for Target Lookbook




The Prabal Gurung for Target lookbook is out, and while you've probably already seen this, I am dying to hear your thoughts! I'm feeling better for the first time in days and wanted to say thank you for all your kind get-well wishes. The flu sucks. So let's talk fashion! The Prabal Gurung for Target collection was inspired by a "tender love story, offering women’s apparel and accessories suitable for all occasions from the initial crush, to the first kiss, to everlasting love." Ranging in price from $19.99 to $199.99 for apparel and $12.99 to $39.99 for accessories and shoes, Prabal Gurung for Target will be available Feb. 10, 2013 at all Target stores and Target.com. It's been a while since I saw this collection in person at a Target press preview in New York City. Well, I loved it then, and I love it even more now. There are the bold, signature prints that Prabal fans adore but also sophisticated solids like that red dress with the ruffles - how hot would that look for Valentine's Day? The shoes are another highlight for me (those strappy sandals!), while the jewelry feels like an afterthought - could have skipped that.

You can also view the behind-the-scenes look book video on Target's ABullseyeView.

So, what do you think?? If you have specific questions about pricing, let me know and I'll do my best to answer.