The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Zac Posen Is Designing Affordable Wedding Gowns for David's Bridal

Zac Posen for David's Bridal

Zac Posen is teaming up with David's Bridal to create a collection of budget-friendly wedding gowns called Truly Zac Posen. The six-gown collection called goes on sale online and in 50 stores February 2014. Prices for the gowns will range from $850 to $1,350, in sizes 0 to 26.

Expect to see elements of the designer's sartorial signatures, including figure-flattering corsetry and pintucked, herringbone-like seaming.

Five social occasion dresses, in neutrals and one lavender-threaded silvery jacquard print, will also be part of the collection and will sell for $195 to $225.

Zac joins the ranks of Vera Wang who as you know has had a line of affordable wedding gowns with David's Bridal called White by Vera Wang for 2 years now. If Zac's collection is anything like Vera's (that is - AMAZING!) then brides on a budget around the country will be in for a real treat.

I can't wait to see this collection in person. I really love Zac Posen - not that I know him personally, but things like observing him backstage at one of his shows during New York Fashion Week and watching him as a judge on Project Runway have given me an appreciation for his intellect and genuine personality. I expect he'll put a lot of thought and craftsmanship into his collection for David's Bridal, just as Vera Wang has done with hers. David's Bridal's designer collabs have been very hands-on - they don't just slap a designer's name on some generic gowns - so I'm very excited to see what Truly Zac Posen will bring.

John Frieda Volume and Gloss Shine Shape Hot Air Brush Review, Plus A Giveaway!

John Frieda Shine and Shape review

My hair has two main "seasons": Winter hat head and summer frizz! Yes, it's good to be my hair - a finicky crop of strands that tend to be neither curly nor straight nor wavy - but somewhere in between - for about 365 days out of the year. So when I heard about John Frieda's new Volume & Gloss Shine Shape hot air brush, I jumped at the opportunity to review one - and I snagged another one to give away to one lucky reader!

Keep reading for my review, then use the Rafflecopter widget below for your chance to win a John Frieda Volume & Gloss Shine Shape Hot Air Brush:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Crushing On Yoana Baraschi's Pre-Spring 2014 Collection


A look from the Yoana Baraschi Pre-Spring 2014 Collection

The Budget Babe contributor Vanessa Williams Stevenson of Leather and Lollipops brings us an insider look at the latest designs from designer Yoana Baraschi, known for her use of feminine silhouettes with bohemian embellishments and intricate embroideries. —BB

by Vanessa Williams Stevenson
Earlier this week, Bucharest-born designer Yoana Baraschi presented her collection for Resort/Pre-Spring 2014 in New York City. The collection includes a range of dresses and separates available at specialty boutiques such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Intermix and Anthropologie. Yoana was formally trained as sculptor and her designs absolutely reflect her artistic background. The pieces incorporate subtle vintage references, high detail and contrast. The cutouts and zippers add fun to the designs which don't take themselves too seriously, and make them easy to grab and go. The Budget Babe takeaway? Neons and neutrals are here to stay. And splurging on a special occasion dress (like the cap-sleeve pink and silver brocade number you'll see after the jump) is always in fashion. —VWS

What I'm Wearing: Low-Wedge Cork Sandals from Aerosoles


"Yet Again" cork wedge sandals by Aerosoles

Aerosoles, a shoe brand known for creating comfortable footwear, recently reached out to me to share some of their latest summer styles. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. You see, one of the lovely side effects of pregnancy coupled with warm weather is swollen ankles and feet.

Now in my 40th week of pregnancy, I jumped on the opportunity to test drive a pair of Aerosole's cute yet comfy sandals, and found the perfect pair called "Yet Again." I was immediately drawn to the unique cork material and low wedge. I'm finding a little heel can actually be more comfortable than a rigid flat these days (although I tend to alternate).

The "Yet Again" looks almost like a nude sandal against my pale skin, which helps to disguise my puffy feet. But even if you're not preggers, you'll love these shoes. They have a soft padded footbed and minimal two-strap design that makes these perfect for pairing with skirts, shorts or dresses.

You can find them for $49.99 (down from $69) at aerosoles.com.

Disclosure: I received the shoes featured in this post complimentary of the brand for review purposes. All opinions are my own.