Yesterday afternoon, a small and unexpected package showed up on my doorstep. Inside was the prettiest mint nail polish — and when I turned the bottle over, I noticed a label with my name on it.

Happy Friday! I'm sooo excited to share this coupon code with you guys today! The lovely boutique owner over at HarmonyBelle.com has generously extended a 40% off coupon exclusively for Budget Babe readers! The code to use at checkout is BUDGETBABE40. Expires in one week, so don't delay. Take advantage of this fabulous deal to shop for pretty spring dresses, baubles, separates, handbags and more - already priced mostly under $50! Three cheers for Harmony Belle!

Some of my favorites:
1. Bubble Plum Bubble Necklace, $40
2. Peplum dress, $30.40
3. Pinking of You Cross Over Bag, $34

Looking for a boutique that you saw featured on this blog? Check out my Ultimate Shopping Guide for a complete list.

Drawstring linen shorts will keep you feeling and looking cool this summer, whether you opt for a pair from Vince ($145, shopbop.com) or Gap ($44.95, gap.com). See if you can spot the designer pair by clicking either image below!

I bought a super cute skirt at Target on clearance - A-line and short, with a cool, almost retro patterm (see image at right). Now that I have it home I have no clue what to pair with it. I tried it on with a plain white tank and my favorite sandals, but that seems blah! Could a military-type blazer work? Should I try a contrasting color? No clue! I'd hate to return it! —Erin

A printed a-line skirt is a summer essential, so I'm really glad you asked this question! I'm not a big skirt person myself so I scoured the web for inspiration and discovered a few common themes - it's all about finding the right proportions, and mixing-and-matching those wardrobe staples.

Here are three ways to wear your skirt using items you probably already own:

1. With a black scoopneck top and boyfriend blazer, like Lauren Conrad. Note how she's tucked her top, which is fitted and has a flattering scoopneck, then topped her look with a boyfriend blazer that hits her mid-thigh. She's also rolled the cuffs for the cool factor and finished her look with strappy sandals. I think ballet flats would work with this look, too.

2. With a chambray shirt (long sleeve or sleeveless would work), tucked or untucked, and nude heels or sandals. Oh So Glam nails this look. Add a pop of color with a clutch or bag that matches one of the colors in the print.

3. With a white blouse and wedges. Eva Mendes' skirt is longer than yours but I think the same principles apply. Just be aware of proportions - by tying her blouse, Eva shows off her waist. You could also try tucking a white blouse. I love the rolled-tab sleeves for summer. Add casual wedges (espadrilles would work nicely too) and you're ready to go.

P.S. I really like how you styled your skirt with a white tank top! I might add a denim jacket and pop of color with something like red ballet flats, plus a crossbody bag.

What advice would you share with Erin? Let her know in the comments.

I am going on a cruise this summer with some family and friends to celebrate my husband's big birthday. What should I pack and wear? I want to look adorable and fun, but when I travel I often end up looking plain and practical. I'm 5' 4" and I love Cameron Diaz's style but I don't have her height. My body type is more like Hayden Panettiere but I'm brunette and not as thin. Other celebrity styles I admire are Victoria Beckham and Blake Lively. —Katie

The celebs you've named may have very different red carpet styles, but they have a lot in common when it comes to their casual, summer styles. You'll see them in breezy dresses, comfortable flat sandals and cool accessories that give them a pulled-together yet effortless look.

The inspiration:

• Pack a colorful scarf and little white dress like Blake Lively for the perfect day-to-night cruise look.
  


• Take a cue from sexy girl-next-door Cameron Diaz and pick up the perfect denim jacket, fab fedora and wear-with-everything shorts.
  


• Pack at least one maxi dress - Victoria Beckham's sleek style lends itself to a black maxi dress - it's so sophisticated yet casual and easy to dress up or down with a few pieces of jewelry or metallic sandals.
  


• Think boho tunics and vibrant bikinis for lounging poolside or walks on the beach, like Hayden Panettiere. Your tunic can double as a top with shorts or a cotton skirt.

Now that you've got your inspiration, here's a practical list of 15 essentials to pack for your summer cruise. Best part, everything's under $60! Inject your own personality by picking the colors, prints and silhouettes that speak to you.



1. Neutral tank top
2. Denim jacket
3. Flat sandals
4. Twill shorts
5. Striped shirt
6. Chambray shirt
7. Straw hat
8. Cotton skirt
9. Maxi dress
10. Linen pants
11. Sunglasses
12. Wedge sandals
13. Scarf
14. Print bikini
15. Crossbody bag

What advice would you give Katie? Let her know in the comments!