The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Donna Karan Creates Exclusive Capsule Collection for Rent The Runway




If you've ever dreamed of wearing one of Donna Karan's signature jersey designs that have graced such celebrities as Beyonce, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Aniston and many more, then you're in luck: Rent the Runway has partnered with the iconic NYC designer to create an exclusive capsule collection featuring three gowns and one cocktail dress that are available for rent at RentTheRunway.com. Rental fees range from $275 - $400, which is still a lot, but much less than Donna Karan's retail prices.

I turned to Rent The Runway recently to put together an outfit for The Red Dress Collection fashion show (see my outfit here) because I'm pregnant and therefore between dress sizes, and I just wanted something extra special for the evening. My experience was amazing, I love how you can sort dresses by "bump friendly" and see photos of real women wearing the pieces. And it's not just dresses - I rented a gorgeous Kate Spade necklace and clutch to finish my look. The next day, I just packed up everything in the envelopes provided and dropped them off with USPS. Couldn't be easier. Have you tried Rent The Runway? What did you think?

See bigger pics of the Donna Karan capsule after the jump.

{Shown above from left: Donna Karan Deep Thought Gown: $2,495, Rent For $350; Donna Karan Prestige Gown: $2,995, Rent For $400; Donna Karan Lovers Lane Gown: $2,995, Rent For $400; Donna Karan Piano Key Dress: $1,995, Rent For $275}

5 Under $50: Holographic Accessories


Designers are turning out some eye-catching accessories featuring hologram-like finishes that range from feminine to glamorous to futuristic. Christian Siriano's Spring 2013 collection, Blumarine's Fall 2012 show and Stella McCartney's Resort 2013 presentation or Proenza Schouler's PS11 metallic hologram satchel offer major inspiration. For spring, a strategically placed holographic accessory can look light and bright on any budget. Who can resist a little iridescence? Below, I've rounded up 5 of my favorite pieces under $50 from Payless, Forever 21 and more.

NYFW Diaries: The HP x Style Coalition Lounge


Fashion week is a crazy, hectic, magical time, and if there's one thing I've learned over the years (this is my sixth season covering, can you believe it?!), you need to take time to rest, refuel and recharge all your tech gear! This season, the HP x Style Coalition lounge at The Empire Hotel was my fashion week oasis, offering bloggers a place to unwind, grab a bite to eat, and indulge in fun things like complimentary manis by Covergirl.

As a blogger ambassador for HP, I got to test out the HP ENVY x2, a powerful and ultra-thin hybrid PC with the advantages of two devices in one: Laptop and tablet. The battery life on my HP ENVY x2 was impressive (never actually ran out) but I'd use the opportunity to recharge, check emails and review the most recent runway shows. The HP ENVY x2's vivid 11.6-inch diagonal HD touch display with ultra-wide viewing angels, 400-nit brightness and IPS technology was perfect for seeing all the details from fashion week while the keyboard made communicating via Twitter and email easy.

Bloggers combine their love of fashion and technology every day, and it's encouraging to have the support of companies like HP that understand this important fusion. Thank you HP & Style Coalition for making my fashion week experience that much richer!

{Shown above clockwise from left: Tasty treats courtesy of HP & Style Coalition; HP hosted an intimate Q&A session with designer Carmen Marc Valvo. Yes, he's pointing at my bump!; Bloggers (Megan from TfDiaries and Eileen from Miss Whoever You Are) get to work on the HP ENVY x2; VIP guests of the lounge enjoy complimentary manicures by Covergirl.}


For more, visit follow HPShopping.com, and follow @HP on twitter and Facebook. The HP ENVY x2 is available in the United States and has a starting price of $849.99.

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by HP and Style Coalition.

BB Cooks: Easy and Healthy Greek Yogurt Pancakes


Here's a simple recipe I got from my sister for Greek yogurt pancakes. Enjoy!

Easy & Healthy Greek Yogurt Pancakes

In a large bowl, mix:
  • Two 7 oz. containers of plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

Batter will be thick. Spoon generous mounds into buttered, non-stick pan. Gently spread batter to form pancakes and cook over medium heat, couple minutes each side.

Serve with fresh fruit and real maple syrup. So delicious and because of the protein, you feel great for hours after eating these!

Photo credit: TheBudgetBabe.com