To help shoppers stay on top of the latest trends, the team at Westfield Shopping Malls has launched an amazing fashion & beauty blog and has asked me to be one of their regular contributors - clearly I said yes! If this isn't a match made in heaven, I don't know what is. My favorite mall growing up in Chicago is a Westfield mall as are the two malls I regularly shop at here in Connecticut.

Previously, Westfield Style created a magazine which I had the honor of being included in, styled by the great Stacy London (here). Now with the launch of the blog, fashion lovers can get insider tips and behind-the-scenes access in a glossy digital format.

Each week, we put a different claim found on Pinterest to the test (hence, Pinter-test! Get it?!)

I, like a lot of other people, struggle with oily skin throughout the day. Nothing makes me feel as self conscious as an oily t-zone by noon. I've tried every "oil-control" foundation out there, blotting sheets and mattifying powder. While they help (some more than others), nothing has left me 100% satisfied.

While Pinteresting, I came across this tip saying just a little cornstarch could do the trick. Supposedly, mixing cornstarch with my powder foundation would create a matte, shine-free finish with long lasting results. I was so excited to try this, and even more excited when a whole box of cornstarch cost me only $1.00!

(click image to view larger)

There are two things a girl should be: Classy and fabulous. And there are two things a girl should never run out of: Tampons and hair ties! Am I right!? These two essentials are something I always have on hand and carry in my purse no matter what. And now, U by Kotex is running a special promo so you'll never run out either.

The deal? Get FREE Goody hair elastics when you buy U by Kotex at Target. (You know, the tampons/pads in the little black box.)

Text KOTEX to TARGET (827438) to get your coupon.

Join the conversation with hashtags #UbyKgoody and #UbyKotex

Get the look presented by U by Kotex: Twisted Pony How-To

1. TEASE hair at the crown of your head. Spritz a little hair spray for volume and hold.
   
2. TWIST a small section of hair along the side of your head from the temple to the back of your ear.
   
3. TIE your pony tail using a Goody hair elastic, and you're done!
   

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by U by Kotex and Style Coalition.

If I could, I'd buy you all new wardrobes for fall, but since I can't, the next best thing I can do is secure a sweet deal or two and that's what I've done today! The kind team at Luxe No.7 Boutique (shopluxe7.com) has generously offered BB readers 25% off their orders with code budgetbabe. Hop on over to their website if you haven't been there before - they have a sweet selection of trendy fashions and accessories priced mostly under $100 from brands like Emily & Fin (loove this Sailor Stripes dress), Ark & Co. and Tulle. College sports fans will also want to check out the game day collection for seriously stylish options in your favorite team's colors - not your standard "fan" apparel for sure. This promo code expires in two weeks. Happy shopping!

A few of my favorites: Peplum Top, $49; Crochet Skirt, $39; Mint Jeans, $39
Cobalt Blue Necklace, $32

The team over at Kohl's sent me two items from the soon-to-be-released Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation collection to peruse: An oversized white and black dolman sleeve striped cardigan ($88), and a black scoopneck sweater dress ($78). These aren't items I'd personally pick out for myself but the quality is nice for the price. Both items are a size small and seem to run a bit big, which I'm actually loving. The cardigan is designed to be oversized (perhaps worn with leggings and ballet flats, or a mini dress) and it actually fits my 5'8" frame well.

The fabrications are a bit itchy for my sensitive skin, which is to be expected from synthetic blends of rayon/nylon for the dress and polyester/acrylic/nylon/wool/spandex for the sweater. But at least they have a nice weight to them. The tags are fancy, featuring QR codes that shoppers can scan with their mobile phones to get more info on the line. Currently the QR codes link to narcisorodriguez.com, the first DesigNation designer's website (scan the images after the jump right from your computer monitor to see for yourself!)

I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the collection in stores starting September 27th, where I think I'll have ample time to wait for the pieces to go on sale and shop my favorites at my leisure as these designer collabs don't exactly fly off the shelves in my area.

In case you missed it, browse the entire Catherine Malandrino for Kohl's lookbook.