J.Crew's striped "Nora" ballet flats feature a cotton/canvas upper and leather sole for $138. The look for less costs $20 elsewhere. See if you can spot the real from the steal by clicking either image below!

I mentioned this story on Saturday in my weekly web round-up, but news this big deserves it's own post: Marchesa is teaming up with JCP to create Pearl by Georgina Chapman, a collection of affordable special-occasion dresses. The line will launch with prom dresses, plus other options ranging from "garden party" to "holiday party," according to WWD. Expect to see monthly 15-piece installments thereafter, ranging in price from $70 to $100. On the low end, WWD says you might see a $50 lace shell, while a long organza gown will cost $250. Pearl will be housed in its own store within a store at JCP come March 1, 2013.

As excited as I am for this, I realized I might be in the minority when I exclaimed to my party guests while watching the Oscars last night, "OMG did you hear?! Marchesa is doing a line for JCPenney! JCPENNEY!" I was met with blank stares. So while I personally will be checking this out, I can't help but wonder how much money JCPenney is spending on such a big name collab and whether or not this sort of investment will actually benefit them in the grand scheme of things. I mean, at least the prices are right, so even if JCP shoppers don't come flocking for the name, hopefully they'll be impressed by the clothes. So long as JCP's doors remain open, I can not WAIT to see more!

UPDATE 2/26/13: Pearl by Georgina Chapman has launched early at jcp.com. Shop the collection now!

TJ Maxx and Marshall's are making plans to launch e-commerce, according to StyleBistro which cites this WWD article. This is BIG news for us budget shoppers because until now, our favorite off-price retailers haven't had a presence in the online world. We've had to rely on bloggers to show us what's new (like myself!) in the brick-and-mortar stores.

On the one hand, online shopping will be a godsend for shoppers who don't live near a TJ Maxx or Marshalls - or who claim, as many of you do, that your local store isn't all that great! On the other hand, will the deals be as good? And what about the "thrill of the hunt"? I happen to enjoy the in-store experience because I don't mind getting hands-on and doing a little digging, and I feel like I'm competing with fewer fashionistas for those rare gems (and clearance items) that pop up unexpectedly at my store.

Are you excited at the prospect of being able to shop TJ Maxx and Marshalls online?

Photo credit: TheBudgetBabe.com

The Oscars are almost here, and what better way to get in the mood than with a fun manicure that's red-carpet worthy?! My easy Oscar party nail art tutorial features nude gold-tipped nails plus a red, black and gold leopard accent nail. Try it today - or any time you want to add a little Hollywood glamor to your manicure!

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?