The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

RetailMeNot Spring Fashion Challenge

My RetailMeNot Spring Fashion Challenge

Spring has already sprung and I'm quickly realizing that my closet is totally unprepared for the warm weather and crop of activities coming up (like my baby shower - woohoo!) So when RetailMeNot challenged me to put together the perfect spring outfit for $100 or less using RetailMeNot coupons, I jumped on the opportunity.

As longtime readers will attest, I've been a huge fan of RetailMeNot.com for ages. It's the first place I look for online coupons, and now it's the first place I look for printables and mobile coupons on my iPhone, too.

On with the Spring Fashion Challenge! I was given a $100 Visa gift card courtesy of RetailMeNot to put together my look. The requirements: Select and purchase at least 3 items (clothing, shoes, purse and/or hat) from 3 separate merchants using coupons you found on RetailMeNot.com.

Here's what I got:

  • Kohl's - LC Lauren Conrad denim moto jacket, orig. $68 on sale for $34
    Hi-lo chiffon skirt, orig. $58 on sale for $40.60
    Online coupon: Save 20% On Sitewide Orders + Free Shipping On $75 Or More. Some Exclusions May Apply. Expires 4/24/2013. Code APRILGIFT
    Final price of jacket + skirt: $59.68


  • Target - Mossimo "Patricia" wedge sandal, orig. $29.99
    In-Store coupon: $5 off $29.99 shoe purchase (no actual coupon needed but I found out about the deal via RetailMeNot.com)
    Final price of shoes: $24.99


  • Old Navy - Maternity Jersey Stretch Tank, $12.94
    Online coupon: Take Up to 30% Off Spring Clean Sale Items + An Additional 15% Off Women's, Women's Plus and Maternity + Free Shipping on $50 through 4/24/13 with code ONSAVENOW
    Final price of tank: $11


Kohls: $59.68
Target: $24.99
Old Navy: $11
Total: $95.67

Since I'm 34 weeks pregnant, my spring style is all about feeling comfortable yet feminine. The hi-low skirt I picked out has a girly floral print while the elastic waist band gives me breathing room. I'm also loving lightweight layering pieces like the denim moto jacket that I can wear post-baby, too.

Want to see the amazing looks that my competition fellow savvy fashion bloggers put together? Of course you do! See all the under-$100 spring outfits over at the Spring Fashion Challenge article on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.

How did I do? Do you use online/mobile coupons? Let me know in the comments!

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5 Under $50: Mint Green Shorts


Ashley Madekwe's lace top by Madewell and mint green shorts by J Brand

Few things make a girl as giddy as the color "mint." It's a soft, sweet pastel that somehow still manages to have serious fashion cred. Seeing actress Ashley Madekwe rock her mint green shorts (J Brand's Lynn shorts in foam, to be exact) with a white lace tee, white sandals and a Rebecca Minkoff purse stirred up all kinds of warm and fuzzy feelings inside this fashionista's heart. Even though I swear I'm not a girly girl, I'm now craving mint shorts of my own. Here are 5 budget-friendly picks you might want to stalk, too, under $50:

Photo via

Aerosoles Shows Shoes So Cute You'll Forget They're Comfortable at the Fall 2013 Preview


Aerosoles Fall 2013 press preview

If you think comfort and style are mutually exclusive when it comes to shoes, think again! Budget Babe contributor Vanessa Williams Stevenson of Leather and Lollipops heads to the Aerosoles Fall 2013 preview, where she finds on-trend footwear options that won't kill your feet. —BB

by Vanessa Williams Stevenson
On Thursday Aerosoles hosted a preview of their Fall 2013 collection, which will be available in stores starting in July. As always, Aerosoles focuses on comfort, in all their styles. The new collection brings a more modern feel into their designs and there is clearly a greater focus on being on-trend and bringing current styles to buyers at a great price point. Shoes are priced from $59-$89 and boots and booties are priced from $89-$140.

The collection features a selection of flats, heels, wedges, booties and boots, and introduces AerGo by Aerosoles, a new technology utilizing EVA soles which are lightweight, flexible and super comfortable. My favorites were the studded wedges (above) and flannel riding boots. I can see myself slipping these items into my fall wardrobe without missing a beat. I appreciate knowing that my feet won't ache and that I can still look great. —VWS

The Look for Less: Dolce Vita 'Ayden' Sandal

I feel like I should start a blog dedicated to Dolce Vita dupes at Target because there are so many of them! Here's another: The Dolce Vita "Ayden" flat sandal is $69 at Zappos.com. See how Alessandra Ambrosio wears this style of sandal in this post.



Get the look for less with the Mossimo "Nina" which is $19.99 at Target.com. Both brands offer this sandal style in multiple colors and I think either would be a great buy for summer. I almost bought these on my last trip to Target but wasn't in the mood to try on shoes (the whole baby bump thing makes it a bit challenging LOL).



Click either image for details!

The Look for Less: DV by Dolce Vita 'Maeve' Boots

Eagle-eyed reader Kris found this amazing look for less which she shared in the comments (here) but I wanted to dedicate a post to these in case you missed it. The DV by Dolce Vita "Maeve" boot is $128.95 at Nordstrom.com.



Get the look for less at Target with the Mossimo "Paka" boot for just $34.99. Both are great options for wearing this spring and summer with shorts, skirts or jeans.