I took a trip to Kohl's over the weekend to check out the President's Day sales (sorry for posting this after the fact) but these gold-star clearance finds aren't going anywhere fast, if my store was any indication. Tis the season for rack after tightly-packed rack of clearance clothing. I could barely squeeze through the aisles to scope out the goods, and snap photos of these pieces-with-potential. Some highlights include a French phrase applique sweater by ELLE (pair it with a leather circle skirt, black tights and ankle boots for a cute going out look), some fun message tees (perfect with skinny jeans, a blazer and heels), these cozy leopard cardigans as well as these shaggy leopard cardigans (either would look great with black leggings or jeans, flat boots and a beanie) and this cool drop shoulder sweater. In the non-clearance section, I really liked this LC Lauren Conrad striped longsleeve tee for spring and these edgy Simply Vera Vera Wang ankle booties. I left empty handed because sometimes digging through clearance racks just gets frustrating and you realize you don't really need another embellished sweater. But don't let that stop you!

During a recent trip to Target I was elated to spot some gorgeous front to back earrings that look just like the Diors we've been seeing everywhere, available for $7.99 in classic pearl, mint/silver or pink/silver. Sadly I paid way more for my Baublebar pair but if you're still in the market for this style, get thee to Target! Other highlights in the accessories department include some fashionable backpacks (I like the faux leather), Kate-Spade-esque bow bags and a Merona red/black reversible tote that looks inspired by Mansur Gavriel (these are everywhere, Old Navy has one too!) It's available in tons of colors online for just $36.99 - a great work bag, school bag or mom-on-the-go bag!

While we love shopping at Kohl's for the cute clothes, today we're turning our focus on the Kohl’s activewear selection! Armed with a giftcard courtesy of Kohl's, I headed to my store and found quality brand names, including Nike and Puma, that are all about the flashy neon and prints AND performance-worthy. So why not boost your own confidence and workouts with some new gear? Sadly the Kohl’s in my town was scarce on sizes and selection...I was mulling over my decisions for so long I swear the employees began to wonder if I was plotting a shoplifting scandal. Eventually I narrowed it down to three key pieces, altogether under $100 (with sales prices and my Kohl’s card) that are cute and adequate for my future workouts!

This year at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Tide is encouraging fashionistas everywhere to use Tide Pods with their favorite washable garments to keep colors bright and looking their best! As a Budget Babe, we always take care instructions seriously as it adds to the total cost of maintaining one's closet - so when I see "Machine Washable" on the label, I'm a happy girl! That's why I was surprised to see this under-$100 DKNY dress is machine washable - yes, washable can be fashionable!

In fact, this season you'll see a variety of surprisingly washable clothing on the runways within many designers Fall 2015 Collections, including Charlotte Ronson, Erin Fetherston and Richard Chai. It's all part of Tide’s Washable Fashion movement to encourage more designers to think about the fabrics incorporated into their collections and offer consumers a way to more easily care for their designer garments at home.

Tide Pods are so convenient and simple to use to care for your favorite fashions. It's the best way to care for the fashions you love most! The multi-chamber laundry detergent cleans, fight stains and brights all in one amazing little pod! Just be sure to put them in the washer FIRST and then add your clothes. #protip

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To purchase Tide Pods, visit the P&G Store.

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Tide and Style Coalition.

With spring almost on the horizon, Kohl's sent us the Spring 2015 look book images for Lauren Conrad's fashion line to swoon over. It's sweet and feminine and makes us wistful for spring flowers and strolls through secret gardens - but let's talk about her hair, shall we?! This new cropped 'do is really growing on me. And Lauren seems to love it, too, doesn't she have a new confidence in her perfectly poised expressions? But back to the clothes - I see some great options for spring events like bridal showers and garden parties, like the tiered maxi dress or the floral print blouse and matching skirt set. Look for LC's new spring collection to hit stores and Kohls.com from now through March, ranging in price from $36 for a scallop woven top to $65 for blush ankle strap heels.

P.S. Fairytale fans: Don't forget to check out Lauren's new Cinderella collection for Kohl's, like this powder blue dress and glass slipper sweater!