The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

LL Cool J for Sears

Don't call it a comeback (sorry, couldn't help it): Rapper LL Cool J is teaming up with Sears to do a line of casualwear for juniors, young men's, girls' and boys' that will roll out in September.

The collection will retail on the higher end of Sears' mix in juniors—from $22 for a graphic T-shirt to $50 for a pair of jeans.

As much as I loved the man and his music waaay back in grade school, all I can say is: WHY? Does Sears honestly think they can boost their sluggish apparel sales with more boring hoodies, tees and jeans "designed" by a has-been celebrity?

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Celebrities are just a cheap substitute for good quality and design. The least Sears could do is humor us by hiring a real designer to do a diffusion line. Neeeeext.

The Nature-Inspired Necklace


Jewelry inspired by nature is perfect for summer, which is what makes these agate slice necklaces with treebranch charms so irresistible. Both beauties are affordable, but only one is a bargain. Can you tell which is which?

Cool Whites for Your Warm Weather Wardrobe


Memorial Day used to mark the start of the season when self-respecting ladies could wear white once again. That fashion convention has pretty much been blasted by today's "anything-goes" attitude, but we figured now was as good a time as any to mention this perennial summer favorite. Just remember...

  • White won't make you look bigger - it's the fit, cut and fabric that matters, not the color.

  • White won't get dirty after one wear. Unless you live with my dog, in which case, your whites will get covered in mud and drool in under 5 seconds. But that's what washing machines are for, right?

  • White will keep you cooler. It reflects sunlight...or something. Trust me, you'll feel cooler wearing it.

  • White will match everything in your wardrobe. Winter has black; summer has white. You can't go wrong.


Shown above are just a few ways to wear white for less green:
[1] Cotton Lace Trim Top at Forever21.com, $22.80
[2] Soutache embroidered surplice dress at Newport-News.com, Was $79 Now $49
[3] Style&co. Belted Wide-Leg Linen Capri Pant at Macys.com, Was $44 Now $30.80

Spring Trend: Snake Charmer




Indiana Jones may disagree, but we think snakeskin is the perfect pattern to spice up Spring accessories. On sexy heels, demure flats, or chic clutches, serpent scales add a touch of timeless exoticism. After Dolce & Gabbana whet our appetite for python, we scoured our favorite shopping destinations and found plenty of snakeskin within our budget. Sssso very tempting.

[1] Exotica Hinge Wallets at UrbanOutfitters.com, $20.00
[2] Gianni Bini "Ali" at Dillards.com, Was $69.00 Now $41.40
[3] Black Enamel Snake Bangle at Asos.com, $26.17
[4] Isaac Mizrahi for Target "Riley" Snake Pumps, Was $29.99 Now $20.99
[5] Eden python printed ballet flat at NineWest.com (also available in fuchsia, yellow or bark), Was $69.00 Now $39.99
[6] Cobra flat at Forever21.com, $18.80
[7] Oversized Snake Print Clutch at Asos.com, Was $26.17 Now $13.09
[8] Snake and Leather Patchwork Pump at BakersShoes.com (also available in black or turquoise), Was $69.95 Now $49.99