The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

DIY Glitter Sign



If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you may have noticed that I recently hosted a bridal shower for my little sister. To make it extra special and add a personal touch, I wanted to try out a bunch of DIY projects so I created a Pinterest board to store all my favorite bridal shower ideas, and was especially inspired by this festive party theme as seen on Lauren Conrad's blog. I thought it would be fun to decorate the gift table with a framed photo of the bride and groom to be, as well as a phrase that would set the stage for the evening, which was "Shine bright like a diamond," a simple expression that my mom and I just loved and thought would beautifully encapsulate the mood for the evening.

Creating my DIY glitter sign was super easy, and you could easily adapt this project to any event or occasion. Or just make one to decorate your office or home! It can be any phrase, quote, motto or collection of words, in any colors or fonts.

Keep reading for the simple step-by-step tutorial.

The Look for Less: Case-Mate 'Kayla' Crossbody Phone Wallet

Case-Mate's colorblock cell phone wristlet is $88 at Nordstrom.com. I actually received one of these in solid black without the chain strap from a PR company and I didn't think it was worth $88 so I never reviewed it. Not to sound critical, but I thought the magnet that holds your cell phone in place was super weak and I wouldn't trust it to hold my iPhone. Ended up giving it away.



Then I came across this colorblock cell phone wallet at The Limited and was instantly reminded of the Case-Mate. It's just $19.99 and got good reviews from customers. And if you don't like the colorblock, there are 8 other fab colors to choose from! Click either image for more info.



My Mini Old Navy Clearance Sale Haul


Since I just got over the flu and desperately wanted to get out of the house, I decided to swing by Old Navy today to check out the clearance sale they've been advertising. I'm not sure when it started but it runs through 1/30/13, online and in-stores (prices may vary, select styles only, while supplies last). I envisioned stumbling upon the very last fox sweater (the one I featured in this post), in my size, marked down to mere pennies...but in reality, I didn't find all that much.

Still, I didn't leave empty handed. I scooped up a bright orange peacoat (pretty sure it's the same one Olivia Palermo has in yellow) that was $14.99 (down from $54.94). I guess not many people were drawn to the orange but it was my favorite color of the bunch! I also scooped up a geometric print dress for just $7.49, something about the print and cut gave it a retro-Tory Burch-vibe that I really liked. Both pieces will inject a little fun and much-needed color into my mid-winter wardrobe.

Have you been to Old Navy lately? Which pieces did you set your eye on?



Target Announces Collaboration with Celebrity Stylist Kate Young




Target is partnering with celebrity stylist Kate Young for a limited-edition collection of women's apparel and accessories, including special occasion dresses, handbags, jewelry and shoes, set to launch on April 14, 2013.

Kate Young for Target is "modern and versatile, embodying Young's eye for pushing trends," reads the press release. Having worked with the likes of such A-list stars as Natalie Portman, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and more - as well as styling runway shows for top designers like Jason Wu, Derek Lam, Nina Ricci, Peter Som, Yigal Azrouël and Vena Cava - Young is no stranger to creating memorable fashion moments.

For Target, Young designed a collection of special occasion dresses for day and evening, as well as standalone separates and accessories that can be mixed and matched. The collection ranges in price from $29.99 to $89.99 for apparel and $14.99 to $49.99 for jewelry, handbags and shoes.

I appreciate Target's out-of-the-box thinking, and I'm going to keep an open mind until I see the lookbook, but can't we let designers do what they do best (design clothes) and stylist do what they do best (style clothes)? The Kirna Zabete for Target collection, curated by two NYC boutique owners, is still on clearance.

Meanwhile, readers can not wait to get their hands on the upcoming Prabal Gurung for Target collab.

Take a peek at collection sketches after the jump (okay, I'll admit things are lookin' good so far!)...what do you think?

Sally Hansen Nail Looks at the 70th Annual Golden Globes


It's no secret that I'm a big Sally Hansen fan, so I was curious to learn which stars wore Sally Hansen nail polish at the 2013 Golden Globes. After all, glam nails are the ultimate red carpet accessory, and three of the night's biggest stars - Naomi Watts, Jennifer Lawrence and singer Adele - each turned to Sally Hansen to create their signature nail looks.

Here's what each star wore, maybe one of these shades will be right for your next night out (or girl's night in!)