The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

My H&M MAMA Spring Fashion Favorites


It's no secret that I love H&M MAMA, so I decided to put together a short video that highlights some of my favorite pieces for spring from this ultra-affordable and stylish maternity line. Even if you're not expecting, you'll want to watch this video - these are spring fashion trends for EVERYONE!

Included in this video is a mix of pieces I purchased myself as well as a few items that were gifted to me from my friends at H&M when they found out I was pregnant - thanks guys!

UPDATE: To find out which stores carry H&M MAMA, you can search H&M's store locator for the city & use the filter: http://www.hm.com/us/store-locator

If you have any questions about H&M MAMA, let me know in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them.

Subscribe to The Budget Babe TV on YouTube.

H&M The New Icons Collection


H&M The New Icon Model Off Duty Collection

H&M is launching a new collection called The New Icons inspired by four of fashion's top models: Joan Smalls, Daphne Groeneveld, Lindsey Wixson and Liu Wen. Due to launch in April, the collection features pieces that exemplify each model's "off duty" street style, like a black moto jacket, ankle boots and denim cut-offs. I love the wearable black-and-white color palette (decidedly model-esque), as well as pieces like the taupe satchel, lace skirt and the tall flat boots. Other "out-there" pieces like the fringe collar necklace are best reserved for actual models (i.e., not moi).

Keep reading to see photos of the complete collection. Which pieces catch your eye?

Fashion Blogger Tech: The HP ENVY x2

HP ENVY x2 fuses fashion and technology

A few weeks ago during New York Fashion Week, I announced my partnership with HP to test out their ENVY x2 and share my perspective as a fashion blogger. To update you, I've been loving using my ENVY x2, mostly as a tablet, as well as when I'm on the go as the perfect portable laptop. Sure, I spend too much time on Pinterest but the ENVY x2 makes the experience so much more rewarding with the big glossy screen and overall ease of use. I can kick back on the couch and watch my nightly dose of reality TV while simultaneously browsing the web on my ENVY x2. Ah, modern life!

Speaking of reality TV, HP is a proud sponsor of one of my favorite shows, Project Runway. This Thursday night, I'll be attending a viewing party in NYC to watch the show and participate in a little design challenge as a viewer. For those of you who watch Project Runway, I'm sure you've noticed the designers working on their HP devices, whether it's sketching or creating their own textile designs, so I'm really excited for the viewing party where bloggers like myself will get to test the latest tech. Fashion and technology are so intertwined and HP is right there in the middle of the action.

Stay tuned for updates from the viewing party by following me on Twitter @budgetbabe and @HP with hashtag #HPprojectrunway!

Interested in learning more about the HP ENVY x2? Read on for details...

Retail Bootcamp: The Right Fit


The best way to ensure your fast-fashion purchases look more expensive is by finding the right fit. In this video, I outline 3 things to look for when you're shopping to ensure a polished look. (In case you're wondering where my baby bump is, we filmed this a couple months ago at H&M in NYC so I wasn't showing just yet!)

3 Easy Tips on How to Find the Perfect Fit:


  1. Shoulders: When shopping for blazers, jackets, blouses and dresses, make sure the shoulder seam lines up with the pivot point of your shoulder. Anything wider will make you look wider and slouchy, while anything narrower will appear tight and uncomfortable.


  2. Chest: Look for a smooth fit through the chest area - no puckering or pulling. Try moving your arms up and down while trying on a top to ensure a good fit, too.


  3. Hemlines: In general, pants should graze the top of your foot. Depending on the shoes you're wearing, you may need to take your pants up or down (or just do what I do and have different jeans for different shoes - most of my jeans work with heels or flats because they're skinny jeans that graze the top of my foot, whereas my bootcuts are longer so I can wear them with heels or platforms).

    Taking a skirt up or down an inch can also make a huge impact in your overall appearance, especially if you're petite. By simply altering a hemline, you can make a $20 skirt look like a million bucks!


Subscribe to Style Coalition TV for more Retail Bootcamp.

What I'm wearing in the video: Sofia Vergara for Kmart Blazer and leggings (also worn here)