The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: Target February Highlights




As much as I love Target's designer collabs, their in-house brands often get me just as excited to update my wardrobe (if not more so). Many items we loved from Mossimo, Xhilaration and Merona as seen in the Target Spring 2013 Lookbook are now available in stores, like the striped 3/4 length jacket, the mirrored floral pencil skirt and the gray blazer with black side panels. The piece you guys went crazy for on Instagram is definitely the bright yellow jacket above. It just looks way more expensive than it is ($39.99) and the color is mesmerizing. But if yellow's not your thing, this sharp tailored blazer also comes in taupe or black.

More fab finds below - have you bought any of these pieces?

Off the Rack: H&M February Highlights


See what's new at my H&M store

Here are a few highlights from a recent trip to H&M, just to showcase some of the top trends hitting stores for spring. If you haven't given in and bought some floral print pants or jeans - make this the time to do it! Floral bottoms are everywhere and there's a cut and a print that will work for you, I promise. Other must-haves that are back for yet another season include brights, peplum, statement necklaces, pastels, polka-dots and leopard print. I'm happy to see so many of last season's trends return because it takes me a while to get used to seeing certain things and it takes me even longer to figure out how to make them work for me!

So, what did I buy? During this trip, I picked up three pairs of H&M Mama maternity jeans for $10 a pop - they are life-changing! You can see me wearing my H&M Mama jeans and black t-shirt here. Thanks to all the readers who recommended H&M denim for this mama-to-be.

Also, if you're heading to H&M this weekend, all denim for women, men and kids is 25% off. Prices for women start at just $24.95. Click here to view the latest denim looks at hm.com.

What are you most excited to see come back (or crop up anew) for spring?

Off the Rack: Prabal Gurung for Target




Yesterday I finally made it to Target to check out the Prabal Gurung collection and there was still plenty of merchandise left for me to choose from. Nothing quite fit my baby bump, so I bought the dress I had been eying (short-sleeve dress in First Date print, $39.99) in a size that I hope will fit after the baby comes. Love this dress and it'll be perfect for spring! I can't accurately speak to sizing for obvious reasons but quality-wise, I think this was a very solid collection. The red full-skirted dress is amazing (material reminds me of grosgain ribbon) as was the sleeveless dress in Meet the Parents print. As much as I loved the shoes, I didn't love how they looked on my feet so I passed. Overall, I thought this collection was well-made, visually exciting and priced right.

I've heard from some of you already, and I'm curious to hear what everyone thought of the line? Did you like what you ordered online or bought in store? Which pieces stood out?