The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Deal du Jour: Stila Winter Sale

Stila cosmetics, a favorite among fashionistas and celebrity makeup artists, is having their Winter Sale (in case you're wondering, it's pronounced STEE-la). Save up to 50% on some of stila's most sought-after and hard-to-find favorites.

Click here to see what all the excitement is about.

To throw more love your way, here are 2 bargain boosters to sweeten the deal:

FREE Shipping on any order of $50+
Just enter the coupon code STILALOVER during checkout.

And better yet...

FREE Shipping and a FREE Belle of the Ball Palette! It's yours for FREE on any order of $75 or more. Just enter the coupon code BELLE during checkout! (This offer is only valid while supplies last)

Featured above: Nail polish duo, $20 $10


Beauty Review: LashBlast Mascara

Cover Girl's new LashBlast Mascara promises "a blast of lush, volumized lashes! LashBlast's patented volume-boosting formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max-out each and every lash, leaving you with the ultimate big lash look."

So does LashBlast live up to its claims? We tried the non-waterproof formula in Black, purchased at Target for $7, and here's what we found...

Packaging: 1 out of 5
While the bright, mod orange hue is different and fun, the tube is waaaay too big, clunky and unwieldy. The shape tries to be futuristic but ends up looking cheap.

Performance: 3 out of 5
On the plus side, LashBlast delivers a nice, rich black formula that glides on smooth and adds some volume, but not much. Certainly not as much as they claim (although we gave up on that fantasy long ago).

Lashes stay surprisingly flexible even after 2 coats. So far, we haven't experienced any flaking, smudging or discomfort even after sleeping with this stuff on (yeah, we know that's a big no-no but it was for the sake of science...or something!)

On the negative side, the rubber-bristled wand is too large to effectively reach those inner lashes, or get close to the base of the lashes. Not good. There was also no remarkable lengthening of the lashes.

Scent: Has an unpleasant chemical odor, however, this is not uncommon among mascaras so this attribute alone isn't a deal breaker.

The verdict: Because there was nothing extraordinary about LashBlast's performance, and the ugly packaging is such a turn-off, we're going to have to take a pass on this product. Besides, at $7 a tube, it ain't cheap enough.

Isaac Leaving Target, Joining Liz Claiborne

Everybody stay calm: Isaac Mizrahi is ending his five-year deal with Target, and has been named creative director for Liz Claiborne.

From Reuters: "The apparel company said it hired Mizrahi to help 'revitalize' the Liz Claiborne brand. He will oversee the design and marketing functions for women's apparel, accessories and licensing.

His first collection for Liz Claiborne will arrive in stores in spring of 2009, the company said.

Mizrahi's apparel, accessory and shoe designs have been sold at Target since 2003. His Target collection will be available through the end of 2008, Target said in a statement."

While this comes as shocking news for budget fashion lovers everywhere, we must remain optimistic. Target is sure to tap other design talents, while Liz Claiborne might actually make a much-needed comeback.

But what do you think? Does this spell disaster for fashion at Target? Can Isaac bring Liz's clothing line back to life?

Get the complete story at WWD >>

Jewelry Trend: Pretty Pachyderms

Long revered in Asian cultures for their strength, power and intelligence, elephants continue to be celebrated symbols of wisdom, longevity, royalty, happiness, and good luck.

The white elephant was chosen by Buddha as one of his many incarnations, while in Hinduism, the elephant-headed god Ganesha is worshiped as the lord of success, knowledge and wealth, among other things. As the national symbol of Thailand, the elephant is tied to the success and the prosperity of the nation.

Historically, the elephant probably made its way into the popular culture of the West around the time of British colonialism in India. Later on in the 1930s, lucky elephant charms and figurines were all the rage in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

In recent times, however, it is the elephant who has needed our protection as an endangered species. For me, therefore, the elephant represents perseverance, and seems to encompass all the majesty and beauty of the natural world in their soulful eyes, floppy ears and curious trunk.

Add it all up, and it's clear to see why the elephant is the perfect animal to artfully adorn your wardrobe in the form of a treasured piece of jewelry. Who knows, an elephant trinket might just be your ticket to good luck - and good style - in 2008! Here are ten suggestions to fit every budget:



[1] Rhinestone elephant necklace, $7.80
[2] Kenneth Jay Lane elephant necklace, $59.00
[3] Janna Connor gold/silver elephant necklace, $60
[4] Lucite elephant necklace, $6.80
[5] "Life" necklace, $4.80
[6] Jade-look elephant charm necklace, $6.00
[7] Lacquer elephant necklace, $7.80
[8] J. Crew elephant charm bracelet, $125
[9] Aldo elephant necklace, $15.00
[10] Wood and metal elephant necklace, $12.50

Beat the Cold War in a Red Coat

Someone must have been an especially good girl in 2007, because this past Christmas, the man in the red suit gifted me with a gorgeous red coat. While red is perfect for the holidays, it's also a classic, eye-catching shade that never goes out of style and looks fabulous on every complexion. Try the look for yourself this chilly winter season by bundling up in one of these affordable options.

Red Coats Rock

What to wear it with: Everything! Red actually acts like a versatile neutral. Pair red with basics like white, black, camel or cream for a timeless look. Or take an unconventional approach and mix red with colors like pink, purple, or teal. Houndstooth and plaid pashminas or scarves look especially posh with a red coat. Share your styling tips in the comments.

[1] Mixit wool belted coat, sale $36.99
[2] Mango wool coat, sale $73.99
[3] INC International Concepts ruched-collar coat, $139.00
[4] McQ By Alexander McQueen wool toggle coat, sale $289.99
[5] Ann Taylor Loft funnel neck swing coat, sale $69.99
[6] Calvin Klein trapeze coat, sale $165.90
[7] Lux Bauhaus coat, sale $39.99