The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

So What Do We Really Think of Victoria Beckham for Target?

Victoria Beckham for Target arrives April 9.
Yesterday Target released the complete Victoria Beckham for Target lookbook, a collection that includes more than 200 pieces for Women, Girls, Baby and Toddler, set to launch April 9th. Inspired by Victoria's daughter Harper, the collection is grouped into five categories (pressed English flowers, circus scallops, English lace, clever bunny and pop floral) and features playful mother-daughter looks with "soft pastels, bright pops of colors and charming prints."

Whenever Target releases a new designer collab lookbook, I tend to go a little crazy with excitement. But now that the dust has settled somewhat and I've had a chance to really examine the looks, I'm beginning to see things with my practical goggles...and things aren't as rosy.

When Target does a designer collab they rely on prints. Average shoppers, so I've learned over the years, tend to shy away from prints. But that's okay, because a designer collab is the perfect time to inject one or two fun print pieces into your wardrobe.

Average shoppers, myself included, also shy away from pieces that are sleeveless and/or shapeless. There are a lot of these qualities in the Victoria Beckham lookbook. You can certainly add a moto jacket to this bug-embellished dress or a blazer to this fuchsia top but sometimes it's nice to have sleeves.

And this lace shift is doing nothing to highlight the model's beautiful figure, so I'm not sure how flattering it'll look on me. At least it's fully lined.

Now the childrens' options, on the other hand, are absolutely adorable. I love this blush pink dress, this sage green dress, and this poplin tank and pant set is making me want to have another baby.

Overall I'll have to see this collection in person to really decide how I feel. I was lukewarm about the Who What Wear collection when the lookbook first came out but once I saw it in person, I fell head over heels in love. It's just rare to find any criticism of Target collabs from the major news sources so I'm curious to hear what you guys think - are you excited to shop Victoria Beckham for Target come April 9th? No doubt it will sell out fast either way...

The Look for Less: Kate Spade New York Scalloped Watch

The Look for Less: Kate Spade Scalloped Watch
Kate Spade always makes the best accessories for anyone who loves a feminine and fun take on things. This scalloped watch is the perfect companion to your spring arm party, and I noticed H&M has a watch with a similar vibe if you want to try the look on a budget before committing to the investment piece. Shop either watch below!

The Look: Kate Spade New York Scalloped Watch, $195 at bloomingdales.com

For Less: Scalloped Wristwatch, $19.99 at hm.com

Victoria Beckham's Pink Pleated Skirt and White Blouse Look for Less

Victoria Beckham looks lovely in a pink pleated skirt and white blouse.
Victoria Beckham was spotted in Paris showing off some of spring's top trends in a chic yet utterly wearable white blouse and pink pleated skirt ensemble.

She made the feminine combination look cool with white split front booties, oversized flat top sunglasses, and her white handbag expertly tucked under her arm like a clutch.

Victoria Beckham wears a pink pleated skirt and white blouse in Paris

Steal her look right now with pieces you can find at H&M - you can see the skirt I included in today's look for less in real life here. I also love this metallic pink skirt or this bubblegum pink skirt. For a casual twist, pair your pleated skirt with a white t-shirt and jean jacket.

MORE: Victoria Beckham's Tuxedo Blouse and Wide-Leg Pants Look for Less

Victoria Beckham looks lovely in a pink pleated skirt and white blouse.

SHOP THE LOOK FOR LESS:


H&M Pleated Skirt // H&M Blouse // Forever 21 Ankle Boots (also love these white LC Lauren Conrad Pumps) // Tantino Flat Top Sunglasses on Amazon // Sole Society Bag at Nordstrom // Merona Boyfriend Watch at Target // It Cosmetics CC Cream


Victoria Beckham Photo Credit: CRYSTAL, PacificCoastNews

Mandy Moore's Grey Sweater and Gucci Crossbody Bag Look for Less

Mandy Moore accessorizes her effortlessly casual look with a Gucci 'Soho Disco' bag as she made her way through LAX.
Mandy Moore accessorized her effortlessly casual look with a Gucci 'Soho Disco' bag as she makes her way through LAX.

Clearly the 'This Is Us' actress follows the top fashion bloggers because this is the off-duty look everyone is sporting lately: A casual sweater, relaxed fit crop jeans, It bag (preferably Gucci) and sneakers.

Mandy Moore with Gucci Soho Disco bag

To get the look for less, head to GiGi New York - their leather 'Madison' crossbody bag is a great Gucci dupe that comes in 7 gorgeous colors, plus it's a timeless style you'll carry for years. And right now they're offering free shipping, free personalization and a free mini foldover wallet in honor of today's blizzard! Snow days are the best days.

MORE: Kourtney Kardashian's Turtleneck, Destroyed Jeans and Sneakers Look for Less

Mandy Moore with Gucci Soho Disco bag

Shop the Look for Less:


H&M Fine Knit Sweater, $29.99 // H&M Boyfriend Jeans, $39.99 // H&M Long Jacket, $49.99 // GiGi New York Madison Crossbody Bag (Gucci look for less), $225 (or try this Old Navy Half-Moon Crossbody Bag, $26.94) // Stan Smith Sneakers, $79.95 // BP Sunglasses, $12 // LOFT Stud Earrings (Set of 3), $24.50 (BOGO half-off)


Mandy Moore Photo Credits: Cathy Gibson, PacificCoastNews


Off the Rack: Spring Trends I'm Loving at T.J.Maxx

See what's new for spring at T.J.Maxx.
This weekend I stopped by T.J.Maxx to scout of the new spring trends. When my friends at T.J.Maxx found out, they sent me a little giftcard to help with the hunt. What I loved most was the mix of spring brights and soft neutrals, which you can wear separately or mix and match.

In the handbag department there was an entire aisle dedicated to pink, from blush to flamingo. Over in women's clothing, I noticed a ton of spring break essentials like boho coverups and swimsuits. I'm not heading to any beachy resort anytime soon, so I moseyed on down to the misses section (okay, juniors) where I felt more in my element with essential distressed denim, updated basics and mom-iform must-haves like denim jackets.

In footwear, my heart skipped a beat when I spotted some tan patent loafers under $40, and some dusty pink sneakers under $20! Also loving the block heel trend which you can wear with shorts or dresses, and the nude sandal trend for that leg-lengthening effect.

And let's not forget accessories: T.J.Maxx has some super on-trend tassel earrings (seeing these all over Instagram), the latest sunglasses (which are either retro or futuristic) and even athleisure finds like sporty baseball caps in crushed velvet. I'm still building my spring wardrobe checklist so this was just a recon mission...as I hone in on what I really need and want I'll be heading back.

Check out all my photos below (I try not to photograph anything over $40 with the exception of some handbags, I think the scalloped pink one was $79.99) What's catching your eye for spring? Anything specific you want me to hunt down? Let me know in the comments!