Recently, we became a proud member of Coutorture, a fashion blogging community that gives fashion lovers news and commentary in one great location. Why did we join? Because we long-admired Coutorture's incredible, high-caliber content as well as their mission and purpose to gain greater visibility for its members and give fashion bloggers a stronger voice in the fashion community.

We also joined in hopes of learning more about making our blog a success, connecting with other style-obsessed writers, and expanding our readership. Most of all, we joined in hope of being able to offer our readers more cool stuff. Happily, Coutorture is helping us in all of these arenas. Note, for example, the awesome weekly giveaway in our right nav, courtesy of Coutorture. It's something we could not have offered our readers without said blissful association - so be sure to take advantage and ENTER!

We are just beginning to explore the possibilities that Coutorture has to offer its members, and by extension, our readers. Thanks to all our fans for your support - and here's to bigger and better things at The Budget Babe.

xox,
The Budget Babe

I love winter, but I hate being cold. The simplest way to stay warm and stylish is with what I like to call a "winter uniform" - a few classically chic pieces that can be mixed and matched and worn just about every day, everywhere - ALL winter long.

This winter, my uniform consists of a black wool peacoat (distinguished by antique star-shaped bronze buttons and a colorful satin lining), black knee-high leather boots with a short heel, a black oversized faux-leather handbag, and dark wash skinny jeans. Fabulous gloves and scarves round out the look and add a personal touch, not to mention more snuggly warmth.

Strolling around town this weekend, I noticed I was certainly not alone in my thinking - seems like every fashionable gal was wearing some combination of the following:

• Dark colors: Strategically mixing black, navy and brown is no longer a fashion faux-pas


• Large leather purse and coordinating knee-high boots: Nothing too matchy. Make sure boots are comfy and waterproofed. Big purses are a fashion statement - don't overpack.


• Dark tights: Along with gray, black and navy, deep purple or blue work well, as do textured styles.


• Scarves, especially the pashmina kind are everywhere - and they are fab.


• Black: It's always in style.


• Wool coats: All you need is one great fitting, warm wool coat. Look for one with a belt (or add your own) to create a slimming silhouette. In addition to black, I love wool coats in red or houndstooth.


• Flat or low-heeled knee high boots in dark brown or black leather: Choose wisely according to how much walking you do; pick a heel that can withstand ice and snow.

The best part of having a winter uniform is that all its essential components (listed above) can be purchased at reasonable prices. You also can't go wrong spending a little bit more on pieces you'll wear season after season, say, a black wool coat or sturdy leather boots. Buy inexpensive accessories like scarves, tights, gloves, hats, leg warmers, belts and yes, even handbags, at budget fashion shops like H&M, Forever 21 or Target. These add instant character and renovate your look.

Share details of your winter uniform in the comments.

Here are some pics I snapped to showcase a classic "east coast" winter uniform. The first two photos demonstrate this pretty well.




Looks like these girls were going out; as temps drop, I'm guessing they'll add tights and boots, too...

Gilt Groupe has just extended 100 VIP invitations to Budget Babe readers to register for their invite-only private online community!

Gilt Groupe provides its members with access to coveted fashion and luxury lifestyle brands at sample sale prices. We just signed up - and we're lovin' what we're seein'!

Gilt Groupe handpicks both established and up and coming brands. Each Gilt Groupe Shopping Event is designer-specific and held over a one day period. The Gilt Groupe production team creates a short video reel so members can learn about each designer and brand before shopping. Joining Gilt Groupe is FREE, and membership is by invitation only.

To register, use this link:

http://www.gilt.com/invite/budgetbabe

The vest is making a strong showing this fall as it fits nicely within the menswear-inspired fashion trend. But make no mistake: Rich fabrics like velvet, taffeta, sequins and satin give this look an up-to-date and decidedly feminine attitude. Here are a few budget-friendly vests that caught our eye...

[1] Satin Tuxedo Vest, $17.80 [2] Taffeta Vest, $19.80


[3] Hinkley Pinstripe Vest, $22 [4] Velvet Vest, $17.80


[5] Victorian Velvet Vest, $19.80 [6] Tartan Velvet Vest, $17.80


Vests inspired by the runway...


Left: Ann Demeulemeester Fall 2007 Ready-to-Wear runway; Right: Twelve by Twelve sequin vest, $26


Left: Wool Blend Vest, $19; Right: Rag & Bone Fall 2007 runway

Styling options with vests seem limitless...dress them up or down, for day or night, work or play. What do you think, will you be rocking a vest this winter?

See even more great vests - or waistcoats as they're called in the UK - at Topshop.com.

Dear Budget Babe,
Where can I find cool holiday gifts for my man that won't break the bank?
Sincerely,
Peaches

TBB: Men may not covet the latest shoe or handbag like us girls, but their costly hobbies (think electronics, cars, photography or sports) can often make gift-giving an expensive, not to mention confusing, endeavor. The trick is to be observant (take notes if necessary) and get inside your sig-o's head to understand what would really make him happy. When in doubt, go for anything edible or anything that requires batteries. But if beef jerky is all that comes to mind, heck, that's fine too. Resist the temptation to give him a wardrobe makeover or buy him beauty products. And whatever you do, DON'T buy him a tie.

With that in mind, here are some great places to start shoppin':

ThinkGeek.com: Geeky toys, gadgets and whatchamacallits
NewEgg.com: Computer everything
Target: Video games, electronics, socks, tees, boxers, PJs, candy & gourmet junk food
SierraTradingPost: Apparel and more for the rugged outdoorsman
REI: Camping and hiking gear - we recommend the manly Gerber Gator Combo Axe.
Threadless: Awesome logo tees that are sure to please plus irreverent slogan tees that say things like "Shakespeare hates your emo poems."
Hammacher Schlemmer: Unique and bizarre gadgets & gifts, like the World's Largest Crossword Puzzle.
Peet's Coffee.com: One-stop shop for coffee lovers. We recommend buying him a French press for brewing (buy one for under $30 on Amazon.com).
Calumet Photo: Everything for the avid photographer. Wallet-friendly options include memory cards, a mini tripod, camera or lens case, high-quality photo paper, or an enlargement of one of his fave prints.
Zappos: Laptop bags, camera bags, shoes, leather accessories. We heart everything by Timbuk2.
Lego.com: The Lego Ferrari will appeal to his inner child - and it's a helluva lot cheaper than the real deal.
A Collage a Day blog: Get an original work of art by Randel Plowman for $25. He'll dig it.
American Grassfed Beef: Yummy gourmet natural beef jerky - no preservatives and it's made from lean, grass-fed beef (he won't know it's good for him.)

Need gift ideas for a foodie on your list? Check out our favorite food blog wasabigelatine's holiday gift guide here.

Share your ideas for great gifts for gents in the comments!