The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Pinter-test: Can Broken Powder Makeup Really Be Saved?


Fixing broken makeup

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

For me, dropping a fifteen-dollar pressed powder is right up there with watching my iPhone fall to the ground. I can’t even count how many times I've thrown away eye shadows, pressed powders, bronzers and blushes because my 6 a.m. hand-eye coordination is not the best. When I came across this tip, I thought about how much money I could have saved over the years:

"Use rubbing alcohol to fix broken powder makeup."

It's Here! The Catherine Malandrino for Kohl's Lookbook


Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation exclusively at Kohl's lookbook images

The Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation exclusively at Kohl's lookbook is here, showcasing the French designer's budget-fashion collection which hits stores September 27th. Malandrino's love for Paris shines through in this classic and sophisticated collection with pieces ranging from $30 to $130. Like much of the fall fashions I've been seeing in stores this season, the color palette is overwhelmingly dark, dominated by black and a few deep gemstone hues. Playful mottos like "Je t'aime Paris" and Eiffel Towers on sweaters lighten the mood (and at times feel a bit forced when styled with cliche berets). Overall though this is an exciting and strong collab that I can't wait to see in person - especially the Tour Eiffel Tower Embroidered Dress (above, $78) and the Cutout Shirt Dress ($88) seen on Olivia Palermo. You know everything will go on sale, too, making the pricepoints super affordable.

Check out the looks and let me know what you think in the comments!

"Like" us on Facebook to see 28 more lookbook images.

TBB's Denim Guide: Finding the Right Jeans for You (Part I)

A guide to finding the perfect jeans

Full disclosure: I work in a premium denim department at an upscale department store and help a lot of people hunt for the "perfect" pair of jeans. Sure, jeans are probably one of the most universal clothing articles in our closets, having stood the test of time in terms of practicality, versatility, and style. But there are still so many unanswered questions about denim, from finding the right fit to navigating the wide range of styles in every price range. If you've ever felt stumped by denim, fret no longer: Let me help turn those denim blues into denim dreams with my comprehensive guide to finding the perfect jeans—for you!

Target TV Spot: 3.1 Phillip Lim


Have you seen the new Target commercial for the upcoming 3.1 Phillip Lim collection yet? I saw it for the first time last night on TV and it definitely caught my attention, even before I could tell what it was for. The clothing line drops September 15th in select stores and online at target.com. You can review the entire lookbook or see our real-life photos from the press preview to draw up your shopping list. This stuff is going to fly off the shelves (especially the bags) so plan ahead!

Off the Rack: Joe Fresh at JCP September Highlights

Joe Fresh at JCP

The other day I managed to take my son to the mall by myself, which as any new mom will tell you, is a huge milestone. I wanted to see what's new for fall but most of all, just wanted to get out of the house! Baby was totally content to ride in the stroller while mommy browsed the racks at JCPenney, and even had a chance to try on a couple things (and buy a few, too, which I'll share in an upcoming post). Since time was limited (never know when the little one will need to eat or have a diaper change), I honed in on the Joe Fresh fall offerings - mostly black and white pieces with a few brightly colored blouses thrown in for good measure. Trends I noticed included the return of both stripes and polka dots, camo, faux leather seen on jackets and skirts, skinny ponte pants, and animal sweaters. I tried on the bulldog sweater which is really cute albeit a bit scratchy. While I didn't buy anything from the line on this trip, I'll definitely be heading back to scoop up a few things when the weather gets cooler.

Have you shopped Joe Fresh at JCP lately? Did you like what you saw?