The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

5 Under $50: Pretty Pastels

Spring 2013 Fashion Trend: Pretty Pastels

Some things in fashion require a leap of faith - like wearing neon at the office or wearing mixed prints head-to-toe. But pastel hues for spring? Total no brainer. Here are 5 pretty pastel picks under $50 that I'm loving right now:



  1. Joe Fresh Aqua Blouse, $39: This 100% silk shirt comes in girly hues like aqua, pink and pale yellow, while the classic buttoned up shape lends an air of sophistication.


  2. Kardashian Kollection Mint Jeans, $29.99 (down from $68): Everyone needs this irresistible shade of mint green denim in their closet. Try code SAVENOW! to get an extra 15% off through April 1, 2013.


  3. Candy Bubbles Earrings, $15: These lilac baubles are exactly what the name suggests: Candy for your ears! The simple shape has a chic retro vibe, too, that's so on-trend for 2013.


  4. "Pinking of You" Bag, $34: From new-to-me boutique Harmony Belle comes this delicious pale-coral crossbody-bag that will add a subtle pop of color to your spring wardrobe.


  5. Payless "Jordyn" T-Strap Pumps, $26.99: These ladylike heels will be easy to pair with skirts, dresses and ankle pants for spring. The tough part will be choosing between yellow, mint or pink.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter

Just wanted to wish everyone who is celebrating a very Happy Easter!! Hope it's filled with the joy that comes from spending time with loved ones and eating lots of chocolate. xoBB


On the Go with My HP ENVY x2


HP Envy x2

As much as I enjoy working from home, sometimes I need to get out of the house and go work somewhere that's noisy and bustling with the energy of other people. Since teaming up with HP as a blogger ambassador, I've been toting along my HP ENVY x2, a sleek and ultra-thin tablet/laptop hybrid that's perfect for working on the go. I can easily check emails and draft blog posts in the laptop mode, then switch to the tablet when I need to do research (or free up some table space for lunch - equally important!) On the go or in my home office, the HP ENVY x2 helps me get work done without missing a beat.

My HP ENVY x2 Diaries: The HP x Project Runway Viewing Party


HP x Project Runway Viewing Party with Style Coalition

Last night, I attended The Art of Fashion viewing party of Project Runway presented by HP at the Style Coalition lounge in NYC. As a blogger ambassador for HP, I've been using - and loving - my HP ENVY x2, which was also featured in last night's episode of Project Runway.

The HP ENVY x2 is not just a powerful notebook but rather its great design was created to meet people's technology needs in any situation necessary, utilizing itself not only as a notebook, but also as a tablet. HP and Intel have always been about innovation, and the HP/Intel Challenge provided the designers a way to create their own patterns using the HP Touch Smart Desktop.

Bloggers and guests at last night's party got to get in on the Project Runway action with our own design challenge, which was definitely the highlight of my night! We had to drape a dress inspired by mid-century art, so I created a coral and blush colorblock frock and accessorized with my own necklace. It's harder than it looks! The best design won the latest HP ENVY x2. Scroll down to see the winning look.

You can view all the designs using #HPprojectrunway on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest (here). See all the gorgeous photos from last night on the Style Coalition Facebook page (here).

Thanks to HP and Style Coalition for hosting such a fun, fashionable evening!

Ask BB: YSL Tribute T-Strap Sandal Look for Less

For a year now I have been on a desperate search for a pair of shoes that are close to looking like the coveted YSL tribute t-strap sandal. I am so in love with them, but the $700+ price tag is a bit high for me. Please help!!!!! —Desperately Seeking YSL

YSL Tribute Sandal


The YSL Tribute Sandal ($850 at Nordstrom.com) continues its reign as one of fashion's most coveted shoe styles. Here's the best budget-friendly look-a-like on the market today:


YSL Tribute Sandal Knockoff
"Lianca" by JustFab Sandal in Wine, $49.95 at heels.com


Got another recommendation for Desperately Seeking YSL? Let her know in the comments!