Back in November, I announced Sam & Libby were teaming up with Target for a shoe collection and yesterday the brand's first installment of cheap-chic sandals, flats and wedges hit shelves.

The summer-ready shoes feature unique textures like faux snakeskin and cork, as well as tribal prints, leopard and pops of neon that punctuate the mostly tan, black and white collection. Prices range from $22.99 to $34.99. I tried on the smoking flats and both fit true to size. I was tempted to try some of the gladiator sandals but didn't want to deal with those tiny buckles and my big belly (which makes reaching my feet with both hands a tad challenging).

Overall it's a strong launch with lots of fun options but I do question the quality - I don't see these shoes lasting more than a season with regular wear. For the price, you might be better off scouring sale sites like Hautelook or discount sites like 6pm.com where you can often find good quality footwear for $30-$40. But Target always wins for convenience!

Browse more styles online at Target.com.


Have you seen the Sam & Libby line yet? What did you think?

Rich layers and luxe accessories give us plenty to look forward to come fall as spotted by Budget Babe contributor Vanessa Williams Stevenson at the MANGO Fall 2013 press preview held in NYC last week. —BB

by Vanessa Williams Stevenson
Wednesday afternoon, Mango hosted a presentation of their Autumn/Winter 2013 collection, which will be available in stores and online in late August. The collection features a range of fabulous accessories and jewelry, a variety of fantastic knits and tons of separates. There are many detailed pieces in the collection, from sequined skirts to beaded dresses and leopard printed sweaters. There are faux leather jackets and blazers, printed pants and great boots.

Many of the pieces can be layered and worn together which makes for a perfect transition from summer to fall. The accessories play a big role in the collection. There are great belts, scarves and sunglasses and so much jewelry to choose from.

I'm extremely excited about this collection. I love the direction Mango is going in for the Fall and can't wait to pick up several of these pieces! —VWS

See half the images from the preview after the jump, then head to our Facebook page to see the rest!

I don't watch many commercials these days thanks to modern-day TV-watching conveniences, but last night I happened to catch a new JCPenney commercial that made my jaw absolutely drop. In the commercial, titled "It's No Secret," JCP apologizes to customers for the changes they've made in recent months and practically begs shoppers to come back. It made me feel uncomfortable to see such a big brand behave so desperately, but at the same time, I knew exactly what they were trying to accomplish. Poor JCP's sales have plummeted ever since they tried to offer customers everyday low prices while eliminating things like coupons and sales. As it turns out, shoppers are not rational. They don't want everyday low prices - they want deals! And so, JCP is changing course once again by raising prices and bringing back sales and coupons. Sounds crazy cakes, doesn't it? And yet that's how things have played out.

This quote from ScienceNews sums up the entire situation perfectly: "We see a $14 shirt, and conclude based on its price that it must be a low-quality garment made in a sweatshop somewhere by overworked, underpaid workers. On the other hand, seeing a red line through the $50 price tag on a shirt that's marked down to $14 indicates to us that the shirt is of high quality and that for $14, it is a steal."

I love a good deal, too, don't get me wrong, but at some point - maybe it was the early 2000s - I noticed that my $30 t-shirt from the Gap was just as lousy as my $6 t-shirt from Forever 21. So I stopped shopping at the Gap, waiting for sales, etc. and started shopping at Forever 21. I still get a kick out of seeing a red line tag or scouring the clearance racks at Target (I'm only human after all) but the rush isn't as big. My time is more important now-a-days, so I'd rather just be able to shop low prices all the time at JCP and not have to fuss with sales or coupons, be they mobile, printable or online. Apparently, I'm in the minority.

What do you think of JCP's new ad? Have you seen it? Will it woo you back? Were you rooting for the new JCP to succeed?

While running errands in a neighboring town, I stopped by the "fancy" Walmart to check out their spring fashions. I was pleasantly surprised to find a wide assortment of colorful spring/summer must-haves like bright maxi dresses, striped tees and colored denim (and somewhat jealous, too, because my Walmart never gets this stuff!). A lot of these pieces have serious potential - I could just imagine Penny Chic styling some hottie L.A. blogger in the ikat maxi dress, topping it with a denim vest, tossing on a fedora, some flat sandals and stacked bangles and bam, she'd look like a million bucks! Use your imagination as you peruse the photos I snapped - could you see yourself on vacation in one of the short jersey dresses topped with a denim jacket and print scarf? Heading to a BBQ in some coral jeans and a breezy white blouse? With everything priced under $20, it's hard not to.

Land of Nod's "Checkmate" table lamp base is $59 at landofnod.com. I've got nursery decor on my mind, but I think the clean, classic design of this lamp makes it perfect for any room.



Get the look for less with this white stacked resin lamp base instead, just $19.99 at Target.com.



Get inspired to decorate with your white table lamp!