The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Guest Blogger: BunnieXOXO from BSugarCoated Shares Her Fun Floral and Polka-Dot Mani

Flowers and dots spring manicure tutorial

Recently the folks at Pure Ice nail polish reached out to share some of their spring polishes - so I turned to my longtime Twitter friend and nail art expert @bunniexoxo from bsugarcoated to see if she would work her magic and create a special nail art design that showcases the vibrant hues. I couldn't be happier with her design - it's fun, chic and simple enough for me to imitate (a definite plus!) Keep reading for the easy step-by-step tutorial and be sure to check out more fabulous nail art inspiration over at bsugarcoated by @bunniexoxo. —BB

BB Exclusive: 40% Off at HarmonyBelle.com

Get our exclusive 40% off coupon code for HarmonyBelle.com

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.

Ask BB: How to Wear a Printed A-Line Skirt

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.