The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Sweet Nothings

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Fashion is sweeter,
When we share it with you.

Happy Valentine's Day! —XOXO, BB



Lucite Heart Necklace at Forever21.com, $8.80


Bandolino 'Xandy' Wedge Sandal in Red Patent, Orig. $59.00 SALE $39.00


Loungefly Retro Heart Shopper at Asos.com, Orig. $57.03 SALE $22.81


Cut Work Back Top at TopShop.com, £25.00 (48.85 U.S. dollars)


I Heart U Pillowcase Set at UrbanOutfitters.com, $24.00


NYC by Perlina Patent Clutch Handbag at Target.com, Orig. $34.99 SALE $24.49


Philosophy Candy Hearts Lip Gloss Trio at Sephora.com, $25



Pink Satin Bustier at CharlotteRusse.com $29.99 Plus 15% Off

Luxe vs. Less: Gold Gucci Heels


Gucci knows how to get a girl's heart pumping - but they could also send her into cardiac arrest should she succumb to paying $695 for the killer gold heels on the left. Keep your cool and still sizzle with the similar-looking gold Nine West sandals featured on the right. For $89, they're equally fierce, but will give you significantly less stress.

Left: Gucci Sevigny High Heel Sandal, $695.00
Right: Nine West Olavera, $89.00

Tara Subkoff Creates Collection for Bebe

Bebe's fashion sensibility as a store has really slipped in recent years (it's overpriced and kinda skanky to be completely honest), and yet, whoever's in charge of their marketing is doing a first-rate job. For starters, they enlisted starlet Mischa Barton to model the brand, followed by Rebecca Romijn and Eva Longoria, and now they've teamed up with Imitation of Christ's Tara Subkoff to produce a limited edition exclusive collection.

The lookbook certainly makes a statement, but we wonder if these clothes will uphold their glamorous edge once you remove the gorgeous model with blood-red lips from her stark white environs. The prices also leave something to be desired (the dresses hover around $120). With the whole heart theme, it smacks ever-so-slightly of Erin Fetherston's GO collection for Target. And frankly, we'd rather pay Target prices for so-so pieces that may lose their luster after one season.

Scroll down and tell us what you think!

From bebe.com: "Subkoff's style signature is her effortless blend of avant-garde trends with retro glamour - definitely seen in her collection with bebe. Calling it 80's Feminist meets 40s Hollywood Glam, Subkoff mixed dramatic black, white and red hues with sexy heart-print patterns and flirty ruffled trims."


















* Editor's Pick: So very Elizabeth Hurley in Bedazzled!





Jovovich-Hawk Next Up for Target's GO

Model-cum-designer friends Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk are partnering with Target to create the next limited-edition collection for GO International. Arriving just in time for spring, Jovovich-Hawk's exclusive collection for Target launches at Target.com/go and at most Target stores nationwide beginning March 2, 2008.

While Jovovich and Hawk's L.A.-based namesake label is popular among the socialite/Hollywood set, the pair often receives lukewarm reviews from fashion heads. But that's not to say the stuff isn't cute or that these young designers don't have good taste - because it is and they do. Previously, Jovovich-Hawk collaborated with Spanish-based Mango and the line was decidedly young and hip.

Also worth noting: Milla is one bad-ass actress (not to mention mama-to-be!). We think she cemented her status as a fierce fashionista when she rocked Jean-Paul Gaultier's out-of-this-world costumes as "Leeloo" in the science-fantasy flick The Fifth Element (which was a great movie, btw, co-starring Bruce Willis. Gautier designed 954 costumes for use in the film. Better than Devil Wears Prada for the fashion, imo).

So yeah, we're super excited to check out this collection in person. (When are we not jazzed about a new GO designer?!) The smocked dresses look especially promising...

From the Target pressroom: "The Jovovich-Hawk for Target collection offers a variety of flowing, graceful dresses and tops touched with whimsical details. Floral print dresses and lace-detailed blouses add to the elegance of women from coast to coast, while flirty swimwear is ideal for spring getaways. The collection ranges in price from $12.99 to $39.99, including must-haves such as smocked dresses, printed vests, active shorts, denim jeans and miniskirts.

Standout pieces include a denim linen vest, scoop-neck sweater cover-ups, floral bikinis and a gold lurex minidress. Accessories include an oversized linen bag in navy, as well as a perfect beach-time black floppy hat. Eyelet dresses and cropped jackets are perfect pieces to stay on trend this spring.
"

Scope out the pics below and tell us what you think!














Image Source

Best Sheer Fashions for Spring

Sheer fabrics are a hot commodity for Spring. Here are a few of our favorite picks for this revealing trend:


Style&co. Poppy-Print Top at Macy's, $49.00
A sophisticated, slightly sheer top in abstract floral print.


Ruffle Blouse By Tara Subkoff, $59.00
Sheer top with a ruffle front and keyhole neckline. Designed exclusively by Tara Subkoff for bebe.


Twelve by Twelve Embroidered Mesh Turtleneck, $20.00
Stylish sheer mesh turtleneck top with floral embroidered designs on sleeves, shoulders, and front.


MANGO Silk sheer blouse (search for BLOUSON BL- ESPIRAL6 ref. 61213448 at Mangoshop.com), $79