The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

New Year's Sales, Bargains and Deals

Kohls: Two-Day New Year's Sale. Prices good Tuesday and Wednesday only.
UrbanOutfitters: Take an additional 25% off what's already on sale. Offer ends Sunday.
Bloomingdale's: The After Christmas Sale. Extra 50% off a great selection of already reduced merchandise in Sales & Values through January 1st.
Neiman Marcus: Take an extra 50% off sale items during their After Christmas Sale. Ends 1/4/08 at 8 AM CT.
E.l.f.: Get a free Candy Shop lip tin in Cherry Bomb with your next purchase of $25 or more now through January 15th. Enter code EGTINBM
ALSO Enjoy a one-year subscription to Working Mother magazine included with your purchase of $20 or more, a $9.99 value.
Target: Last chance to shop GO Designer Erin Fetherston, departing 1/5/08.
Aerosoles: Through 1/1/08, get $20 off any footwear purchase of $100 or more with promo code GFT2X7. Plus, save up to 70% on end-of-season clearance items and get free shipping on every order.
eLuxury.com: Take an additional 30% off all sale items.
Nordstrom: Online winter savings of 33% off or more.
Macy's: After Christmas Sale, save 20-65% off select styles.
Anthropologie: Annual Boxing Day Sale, save on apparel, accessories, shoes and more.
Shopbop: Shop new markdowns in their sale department and designer boutique.
JCPenney: Save 50-70% off during their after Christmas clearance sale.

Plus, don't miss these upcoming Gilt Groupe sales (Aren't a member yet? Get your exclusive Budget Babe reader VIP invite here.):

  • Hollywould footwear on January 8th at 11:00 a.m. EST

  • Earnest Sewn denim on January 9th at 12:00 p.m. EST

  • Natori lingerie on January 10th at 11:00 a.m. EST.


New Year, New You in 2008

At the start of the New Year, it's customary to pause and consider where we've been and where we'd like to go. New Year's resolutions come into play as we set a course for a better and brighter future - and that includes upping the ante when it comes to our personal style, health and beauty. Why not pledge to make this year your most fabulous year to date? Here are a few suggestions to help get you inspired:

  • Reduce your credit card debt. We all know what it feels like to have a hefty credit card balance looming over you - it makes you anxious, upset and less able to enjoy shopping when you know you shouldn't be. So why not tackle it once and for all? Begin by paying more than the minimum payment required each month, on time. Cut up your current cards or hide them so you won't be tempted to use them (just don't cancel your accounts as you'll still need these to build good credit).

  • Quit an ugly habit like nail biting or smoking. We know it's tough and won't happen overnight, but offer these suggestions: Go for manicures to lessen the temptation to bite your nails. Find a support network to help you kick that smoking habit for good. Replace your bad habits with something positive instead.

  • Experiment with new fashions or beauty routines. In addition to the usual style ruts to which we all succumb, many of us feel obligated or pressured to dress a certain way all the time - perhaps it's what others expect of us, or the sole way that we imagine seeing ourselves. Give yourself permission to branch out and be fearless with fashion, even if it means ruffling some feathers and getting questioned by family and friends.

  • Adopt one healthier eating habit and one healthier exercise habit. Rather than set yourself up for failure with some unrealistic fitness goal, why not take just one small step (that will yield big results over time) towards better health? For instance, consider eliminating soda from your diet, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work.

  • Organize your closet. Was there ever a more daunting obstacle? Overcome this Herculean task with the proper storage containers - shelving, shoe bins, padded hangers and the like. Take stock of what you own and then edit, edit, edit!


  • ...and of course, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

20 Best and Worst Fashion Trends of 2007

As in years past, 2007 delivered a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows in the realm of fashion. Some styles made us laugh, some made us cry - but when all was said and done, it was all fabulous fun (not to mention it was an exceptionally good year for budget fashion lovers everywhere!) We took an informal poll of some friends and family, and here's what they had to say about the best and worst fashion and beauty trends of the past year (scroll down to check out our list)...


The Best Fashion Trends in 2007
1. The Dress
2. Natural looking makeup; Mineral makeup
3. Eco-friendly fashion
4. Purple
5. Great GO Designers for Target
6. The clutch
7. Patent leather
8. Flats
9. Bangs
10. Sequins
11. Return to stylish modesty (ultra-low rise jeans were out, menswear-inspired fashion and higher waist jeans were in)
12. Twelve by Twelve from Forever 21
13. Christian Louboutin knock-offs
14. Oversized handbags
15. Simply Vera for Kohl's
16. The sweaterdress
17. Metallics
18. iPods & accessories
19. Headbands
20. Statement coats

The Worst Fashion Trends in 2007
1. Celebrity fashion lines
2. Celebrities sans underwear
3. Leggings (we like them but we're in the minority)
3. Pajamas as streetwear
4. Writing on the seat of pants
5. Velour tracksuits (when will they go away!?)
6. Crocs (except for kids)
7. Bold head-to-toe prints
8. Imitation UGGs
9. Skulls on EVERYTHING
10. The word "fugly"
11. Skinny jeans on the not-so-skinny
12. Louis Vuitton knock-offs
13. Wide Belts worn tightly under ample bosoms
14. Turbans
15. Small dogs as accesorries
16. Orange fake-n-bake
17. Accessorizing with your Starbucks beverage
18. Flip-flops with legwarmers
19. Designer cellphones
20. Manis and pedis for men

Loeffler Randall for Target

Target has teamed up with CFDA Award winner Jessie Randall, designer of the celebrated Loeffler Randall label, for their most recent limited-edition accessories collaboration. The Loeffler Randall for Target collection is already available online at Target.com and will be available at select Target stores nationwide December 30, 2007, through March 23, 2008 (via the Target pressroom).

After our disappointment with the Hollywould for Target collection, Loeffler Randall's sweet and sophisticated designs have us rather excited - let us know what you think in the comments!


Loeffler Randall Chain Handle Clutch - available in Rose Gold or Black, $24.99


Loeffler Randall Rosette Ballet Flats - available in Black, Gold, Brown or Rose Patent, $29.99


Loeffler Randall Satchel - available in Cream or Brown Patent, $49.99


Loeffler Randall Clutch - available in Gold, Rose, or Brown Python, $19.99


Loeffler Randall Cinch Flats - available in Brown, Rose, Gold or Black Patent, $29.99


Loeffler Randall Tote - available in Brown or Cream, $39.99


Loeffler Randall Woven Clutch - available in Cream or Brown, $19.99

Party Dresses Under $45 from Delia's

Have a fun and fancy free New Year's Eve in one of these three festive frocks from Delia's. Slip one on and you'll be ready to ring in the new year in style - and since each dress costs just $44.50, you'll be able to keep your New Year's resolution, too (ya know, to spend less and still live richly!)

Shine in this metallic one shoulder knit dress with removable tie belt (not shown). Great for showing off the ever-alluring collarbone. Designer Catherine Malandrino recently created a similar, asymmetrical sequin dress which sold out just about everywhere, so you know it must be a hot look!


This sultry chiffon halter dress with a ladylike lace underlay has center back smocking for better fit. The halter neckline draws attention up to your face while visually narrowing broader shoulders.


A gorgeous allover blue print dress is perfect for flaunting great legs while disguising, how shall we say, problem areas. Long sleeves are also figure flattering and very in this season.