During my recent trip to Los Angeles to shoot some behind-the-scenes spring fashion videos with Walmart's The Fitting Room, I got the chance to model in a fun fashion shoot for my budget-blogger-BFF Shauna Miller of PennyChic.com. It was totally one of those full circle moments because I had first met Shauna during New York Fashion Week and she thought it would be cool to collaborate - but when am I ever in L.A.?! And when is she ever in Connecticut?! Almost never!

But somehow, the planets aligned, and there I was, enjoying the sun, marveling at the beauty of Venice Beach and striking a pose in the cutest preppy-chic outfit ever put together by Shauna, who is a genius when it comes to styling. Everything I'm wearing is under $25, and you can get all the details on the items featured over at PennyChic.com. Thanks again to Shauna and her fabulous photographer mom for the star treatment, love you ladies.

Photo credit: Shideh H. Miller

Mikkat Market's phenomenal winter sale has me dreaming about all the cool-girl looks I could put together right now, or for spring. Could I pull off this leather skirt? For under $34, heck yeah I could. Or a bold faux fur coat? At under $55, what's stopping me? See what trends you might try by checking out the winter sale now at MikkatMarket.com. Plus, enter code 15WEEKEND at checkout to get 15% off outerwear and bottoms (I believe it's this weekend only).

{BB's picks: Silk red shirt, $29.40 (down from $49.00); Crochet lace skirt, $23.40 (down from $39); wedge sandals, $29.40 (down from $49)}

It's hard to believe that New York Fashion Week will be taking place in just a few short weeks, and one of my favorite designers who will be showing is Tracy Reese. And I know she's one of your favorite designers, too, from her affordable Plenty by Tracy Reese line (sold at stores like Anthropologie) to her recent collab with Target (her plates and sequin top are the two items I bought for myself, best of the bunch!)

Here, the designer shares her inspiration for her upcoming Fall 2013 collection:

"Tracy Reese fall 2013 collection is very much inspired by New York with all its harshness and beauty. Reese combines a variety of rich textures and both feral and romantic patterns for a collection of sexy silhouettes with an emphasis on hourglass dresses, longer slim skirts, sweater tunics and bold, meaty jackets and coats.

Black in all of its magnificence, from deep velvety darkness to textured patent refraction, anchors a palette highlighted by scarlet, cerise, teal, aubergine, tan and lychee. With a strong dress presence in this season's collection, a classic and flattering Floral Frock in Scarlet is embellished with delicate beading and paired with a flat closed-toe bootie to create a timeless and modern, yet easy-to-wear look."

See more:

• 
  Tracy Reese Spring 2013 Runway Show
  


• 
  Tracy Reese Spring 2013 Nails Looks by Sally Hansen
  


• Backstage Beauty with Mally Roncal at Tracy Reese Spring 2013

Sketch courtesy of Tracy Reese

Pick up a pair of genuine leather black lace-up boots with edgy stud detailing for $148, or get the look for less in faux leather for just $39.99. But first, you'll have to guess which is which! Click either image below to find out.

I've teamed up with Softlips to offer one lucky Budget Babe reader the chance to win an incredible lip balm prize package featuring all the latest Softlips winter "flavors"! I got to test the Vanilla and the Wintermint, and I love them both. The scents are very subtle and I like the slim tip applicator. While Softlips leaves lips smooth and moisturized, I did find that I had to keep reapplying it with some frequency, but it wasn't because it dried my lips out - it just wears off easily. Having said that, it's a good lip balm and I'd definitely use/buy them again in the future.

Ok, on to our giveaway!

Your prize package will include all six of Softlips' new varieties:

• Softlips® Jack Frosting
  
• Softlips® Peppermint Stick with bonus Pearl
  
• Softlips® Raspberry with bonus Softlips® Sugar Cookie
  
• Softlips® Raspberry with bonus Softlips® Sugar Plum Berry
  
• Softlips® Vanilla with bonus Softlips® Sugar & Spice

Add it all up and that's 14 irresistible lip balms, enough to last you all winter and beyond!

To enter, please use the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway