The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Cute & Trendy Spring Outfit Idea: Utility Vest and Striped Top (And It's All On Sale!)

Spring Outfit Idea: Utility Vest and Striped Top
While browsing Pinterest I stumbled upon this utility vest and striped top look and fell instantly in love. This is the perfect cute yet comfortable outfit idea for spring that you can put together with items you probably already have in your closet. If you don't yet own a must-have utility/cargo vest, I spotted this Merona utility vest at my Target store just last week and it's on point. According to readers on Instagram the vest fits true to size. The striped top featured here by Merona has been in stores for a while now, and with good reason - it's got a flattering cut and it's made from a thicker fabric with zipper detailing in back for a luxe J.Crew-inspired vibe. Assuming you already have dark blue or black skinnies (or leggings), just add ankle boots and a little sparkle to complete this outfit. Hurry and shop today and you can score the essential vest, top and necklace on sale during President's Day, too!


Shop the Look:
Merona Utility Vest, $29.99* // Merona Striped Top, $22.99* // Reneeze Ankle Boots, $30 // J.Crew Factory Necklace, $32.50**


* Use code PRES to get 25% off. Offer expires 02/15/2016 at 11:59pm PT.
** Just for today, 40% off online only (prices as marked) plus extra 30% off clearance and free shipping with code SHOPTODAY

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Winter Blues: Victoria Beckham's Monochromatic Turtleneck and Midi Skirt Look for Less

Victoria Beckham Look for Less
Break out of the winter doldrums with bright colors and a flirty skirt. Victoria Beckham, dressed in head to toe Victoria Beckham, of course, delivered amazing style inspo in this outfit that paired an oversized knit navy sweater with a bright indigo midi skirt, lengthy leather boots, mod square sunglasses and a classic black leather saddle bag. I love how cozy and simple this minimalistic look is while including this lively pop of bright blue — definitely a nod to the upcoming shades of spring collections. Read on to get Victoria's head-to-toe look for less...

Victoria Beckham Look for Less


Victoria Beckham Photo Credit: Pacific Coast News

Look for Less: Daniel Wellington Watch


The Daniel Wellington 'Classic Sheffield' watch, with it's big open face and minimalistic design, goes with any outfit. You can wear it with a casual outfit or even a fancier look as well. The black and white style is so simple, yet so classic. A good watch is the perfect finishing touch to any outfit, even if you don't use a watch for time-keeping. With someone as clumsy as me, however, a nearly $200 watch would be a bad idea. I would not only potentially crack the watch, I would probably lose it as well. That's why finding a look like a Daniel Wellington watch for less is so important. Another really cool thing about the Daniel Wellington watches is they come in so many different varieties, like the 'Classic Southampton' and the 'Classic Glasgow' featured here. These are all so awesome, it's hard to pick just one.

Southern Charm: Reese Witherspoon's Bold Pumps and Tweed Coat Look for Less

Reese Witherspoon Look for Less
Reese Witherspoon is bringing back sophisticated statement pieces in a major way! America's sweetheart paired a fitted tweed jacket with a collared top, slim ankle jeans, emerald heels, navy tote and stunning accessories - including the super cute Draper James Horseshoe Key Fob ($38). My favorite piece from this look is definitely the cream colored tweed jacket, perfect for the upcoming spring weather. In this recreation I've swapped out the collarless style for an edgier moto topper, but matched the rest of the look with truly amazing finds — each under $100! Read on to get Reese's look for less....

Off the Rack: Spring Shoes Arrive at Target

Spring shoes at Target
I was back at Target today and noticed a few pairs of spring sandals had made their way onto the shelves. The shoe section at my local store, to be completely honest, is a disaster (and has been for a while now)...there are vast empty areas and then piles of mixed up clearance shoes (only the prices aren't even that great...$18 down from $22? Pass.) I overheard another shopper say to her friend, "I can't deal with this now...let's leave." But then I realized that beneath all the empty shelves were some new spring deliveries that had yet to be opened. So I took it upon myself to pull out one of each pair and photograph it while my toddler tried to escape from the stroller (he did). My first thought was "I can't think about sandals when there's snow on the ground." My second thought was "Didn't they sell this exact sandal last season?" But my third and final compelling thought was, "Yay, spring shoes!" Highlights for me include the Nara lace up flats, Noemi block heels and Catalina slides. The Meredith wedge is back (and it's a Michael Kors dupe, thank you Target Addict for this find), while the Kurin has an Isabel Marant vibe. It's not much but it's something to look forward to! See anything you like?

For your shopping convenience, here are (most) of the shoes shown in this post: