Nothing says summer like palm leaf prints on a cute pair of shorts, skirt or romper. Just take a peek at fashion blogger Song of Style's palm-print shorts and button-down shirt look, or Bows & Sequins' palm-print shorts and blazer outfit for inspiration. Rebecca Minkoff's adorable Valencia shorts are $198 at rebeccaminkoff.com, but you can get a taste of the tropics for just $29.94 elsewhere (plus 35% off regular priced styles with code PERFECT). Can you guess which shorts cost more? Click a link below to find out!


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Recently a reader asked me for stylish alternatives to the hoodie, that closet comfort we all reach for when we want to feel cozy. The short answer is this: Denim jackets, boyfriend blazers and leather jackets are all easy, chic options when you need a cover-up but don't want to look frumpy or like you're headed to the gym. Then, I spotted supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio wearing a fringed poncho and it struck me that this lightweight knit is the perfect choice for summer, especially if you're feeling the season's irresistible bohemian vibe. Layer a poncho with denim cut offs and boots for outdoor summer festivals, or pair one with skinny white jeans and heels for a night out. Ready to try the look? Here are 8 options under $50 to help you do just that:

The blogger behind Sincerely Jules created a line of cool message tees, including the 'Célfie' tee you see here ($49, revolveclothing.com). Basically, everyone has/wants/needs one. Recently I spotted a look for less at my favorite big-box store (and yes, I confess, I bought it) that retails for $12.99 and comes in plus-size, too. (Use code MEM30 to save 30% off the lookalike.) Can you spot the real from the steal above? Click a link below to find out!


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P.S. Browse my Memorial Day sales round-ups here and here!

One trick I often see celebs and stylistas employ to turn even the most casual of looks into something fashion-forward is to add leather pants. It doesn't matter whether you're wearing a sweatshirt or button-down on top, heels or sneakers, just add leather pants (or faux) and the outfit instantly goes from blah to bangin'. Here, Gwyneth Paltrow uses this technique (or maybe she invented it) and you can, too, using the affordable finds we've rounded up below! Too warm outside for pants? Try a pair of faux leather shorts or a skirt instead.

Welcome to our weekly linkup party! This week we're chatting chocolate curls, crisp white shirts, and giving away a $50 Nordstrom giftcard (just in time for their epic Half Yearly Sale)!

Want to be featured as our Funday Linkup Fave of the Week? Add your links using the InLinkz widget at the end of this post. We're posting our top pick weekly on all three of our blogs + Facebook! Share this post with fellow partygoers on social tagging @budgetbabe #FundayLinkup

Visit my co-hosts Bon Bon Rose Girls and Fab Fatale for more inspiration.