The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Lunch Hour Shopping: Gifts Under $50 at Gilt




When it comes to gift giving, I think less is more. Meaning, I'd rather get a few nice small gifts (they don't have to be expensive) rather than a bunch of things I don't really need, can't use or don't like. Sorry to sound like Scrooge but it's true! And that's why I like shopping for gifts at places like Gilt.com. They've got dozens of stylish and affordable gifts, many priced under $50. With family and friends around the country, I can just pick out the perfect gift and have it shipped directly to them - another huge plus. Today's sales include Rebecca Minkoff everything, Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry, as well as on-going curated holiday gift shops. Sort by price and see what catches your eye! Just make sure the item you're buying is guaranteed to arrive by Christmas. Visit Gilt.com to shop.

{Editor's picks: Kate Spade iPad sleeve, $19; Rebecca Minkoff iPhone case, $19; Kenneth Jay Lane insect pints, $29-$39}

Timex's 'Mix it. Switch it. Love it!' Collection at Target


Timex has a new collection called "Mix it. Switch it. Love it!" available exclusively at Target that lets you to personalize your wristwear. Just mix and match timepieces and straps for a look that's uniquely you. Chic and colorful strap options include croco, lizard, python and animal prints as well as metallic and patent leather. I was drawn to the colorful display at my local Target and think these would make a great gift. Watches are $39.99 and straps are $9.99, or you can buy a watch that comes with two straps for $49.99. The “Mix it. Switch it. Love it!” collection is available exclusively at Target.

Click through for more pics. Which color combo would you choose?

December Highlights at Free Beauty Events.com

Here are highlights of this month's best events that are being featured on freebeautyevents.com:

At all Walgreens stores on December 15th, you can try the latest Sally Hansen products for their SaturDate with Beauty from 10:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. Beauty Advisors will be showing customers how to apply Sally Hansen’s new InstaGel Strips, as well as giving away $2 coupons. They are also having another SaturDate with Beauty for Coty fragrances on December 22nd. Beauty Advisors will be giving away samples of David Beckham Homme, Shakira Elixir, Shakira Florale, Playboy VIP, and $1 coupons for any Beyonce or David Beckham fragrance. And, there is a free gift with purchase, a free Shakira purse with any Shakira purchase. This is a great time for customers to get help picking out a fragrance for the holidays.

Plus, don't forget to enter the monthly giveaway! Ten winners will receive a prize consisting of Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara, Bio-Oil, and Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Overnight Hydrating Cream. The Contest runs from 12/1/2012 to 12/31/2012, winners will be chosen on 1/1/2012 and notified by 1/15/2013. To enter, all you have to do is go to http://www.freebeautyevents.com/contest and supply your name, email (only used to contact winners), and zip.

Street Peek: Fall & Winter Trends


It's time for more Style Coalition TV, a YouTube channel featuring original programming by independent fashion bloggers! This week's edition of Street Peek is all about fall and winter trends. Julia Dinardo of Fashion Pulse Daily asks stylish New Yorkers to share their go-to fall/winter color choices, transitional outfits and favorite makeup looks.

Check out more Style Coalition TV (including my show!) and subscribe to your favorite shows at stylecoalition.tv.