The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Blogger Challenge: Rockin' The Stripe Trend with T.J.Maxx


T.J.Maxx has a fun campaign going on now where they're enlisting bloggers to show off their spring style inspired by some of the latest trends on the streets. They've teamed with street style photographer Amy Creyer of Chicago Street Style, who's been snapping stylish fashionistas then recreating the looks using affordable fashions from T.J. Maxx. Above, you can see one example - on the left is the street style look, and on the right is the "inspired by" look using fab pieces from T.J. Maxx.

Here's a detail of the standout piece, a blouse that normally retails for $60 but can be found at T.J.Maxx for just $29.99 (I actually saw these at my store in both the hot pink and a periwinkle stripe).





With a complimentary giftcard in hand, I headed to my nearest T.J.Maxx to put together my own spring stripe look. Keep reading to see what I came up with!

Off the Rack: Target April Highlights


Off the rack highlights at Target

Yesterday I headed to my happy place, aka Target, to pick up some contact solution. No seriously, they have the best price on Boston Simplus! And since I was already there, I decided to stroll around and see what caught my eye for spring. I spied something covetable in just about every department, from the latest Nate Berkus arrivals (that sea urchin will be mine), to everything Threshold (it's like Restoration Hardware on a budget), to some eye-catching striped clutches in the gift wrap/party favor aisle (shown above) - swoon!

I ended up leaving with 4 long-sleeve Liz Lange for Target maternity tees on clearance for $4.48 each, a bunch of dollar bin goodies (check my Instagram for those), a set of three mini Moroccan mirrors for my guest bathroom, and of course, the contact solution. And, I left feeling happier.

More photos after the jump...see anything that's making you smile?

Win Cool Stuff: $100 Kohl's Gift Card


Win a $100 Kohl's Gift Card

The Derek Lam for DesigNation collection hits Kohl's stores and kohls.com this Friday, April 5th, so to celebrate, I'm giving away a $100 Kohl's gift card to help one lucky reader shop the collection! Get your hands on some of the enticing spring looks we've seen on celebrities such as Blake Lively, Ashley Tisdale, Kate Bosworth, Megan Hilty, Shay Mitchell and Emmy Rossum - and make them your own!

Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter...good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


The Look for Less: Giuseppe Zanotti Stone Suede Toe Ring Flat Sandals

Giuseppe Zanotti's stone suede toe-ring flat sandals were $650 at shopbop.com (currently sold out).

Giuseppe Zanotti toe ring sandals


Celebrity fans include model and actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who paired hers with a simple white tee and J Brand's 8711 Roz in Vintage.


Rosie Huntington Whiteley wears Giuseppe Zanotti toe ring sandals


Get the look for less with these Colin Stuart sandals instead, $48 at victoriassecret.com.



Kardashian Kollection for Sears Fall 2013 Preview


Kardashian Kollection Fall 2013

This past Thursday, I attended a press preview for Kardashian Kollection's Fall 2013 line sold exclusively at Sears. These are the pieces you'll see beginning in late summer, and they revolve around four themes: "Drama Queen" is inspired by 1940s shapes in a palette of dark rose, black and houndstooth prints. "Modern Military" takes traditional military colors like army green, then adds a dose of neon and blood orange for an updated twist. "Uptown Gypsy" is all about lace and leopard, with ruffles, dramatic shoulders and flared sleeves. And finally, "Black on Black" channels chic sophistication with simple, clean lines and a palette of celestial blue, black and white, plus tweed jersey and white tiger print.

The bottom line? These pieces truly reflect the personal styles of Khloe, Kim and Kourtney, the collection's celebrity designers. And whereas most celeb clothing lines demonstrate a huge disconnect between the star and the product (at least in my humble opinion), there's no denying these designing sisters are truly involved in the design process for their cheap-chic Sears brand. Chatting with the PR team confirmed this - I was told all the girls really put a lot of effort into the line, and it shows. My favorite pieces included the sheath dresses that are great for day to night and work for all body types. Also loving the new line of premium denim that will be coming out for fall and the luxe-looking handbags. Are you a Kardashian Kollection fan?