The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Sneak Peek: Tracy Reese Spring 2013


As we bid farewell to summer's tank tops, shorts and sandals, designers are already deciding what we'll be dying to wear next spring. I've asked Tracy Reese what she'll be sending down the runway in just a few short days at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. Here's what to expect:

"For Spring 2013, Reese combines a variety of textures, patterns and details for an effortless collection of versatile silhouettes. Inspired by the rich range of hues found in David Hockney landscapes, Reese's palette focuses on foliage-inspired greens, complimented by cool blues, lilacs, tangerines and neutrals.

'I played with the juxtaposition of organic and technical, soft and structured and sporty and feminine for an unexpected and refreshing collection,' said Reese. 'A quilted silk jacket in pert layered over a black burnout gauze shirt and a mentholescence stretch linen trouser, and paired with fringed sandal and clutch, creates an effortless look that is sophisticated yet relaxed.'"

See my coverage of the Tracy Reese Fall 2012 runway show.

Beauty Box 5: A Review




Recently, I had the chance to review a complimentary box from Beauty Box 5, a cosmetic sampling program that delivers a beauty box with 4 to 5 beauty samples once a month for $12 ($30/quarterly, $100/yearly). Like many subscription services, Beauty Box 5 aims to introduce customers to the latest in hair care, skin care, makeup, fragrances, and anything beauty related. The goal is to introduce you to products that fit your lifestyle so you don't end up buying tons of products that just end up unused in your drawers or medicine cabinets. Subscribers receive products from brands of all scales to include luxury, organic, boutique, and more commonly known brands. Beauty Box 5 includes packet samples, deluxe, travel size and full size products, too.

I know I'm late to the party on this one, but here's what I thought. I'd love to hear your thoughts on Beauty Box 5 or any other subscription service you love!

What I'm Wearing: Lucky Brand Jeans and Tuxedo Florals




Earlier in the season, I had the chance to preview the new fall denim styles from Lucky Brand jeans. Each guest was gifted her choice of jeans, and I chose the Cate Skinny Stacks aka my new favorite blue jeans. Seriously, I've been living in these. The fabric is supersoft and the dark wash makes them easy to dress up or down. Typically you'll find me wearing my Cates with a striped top and flats, but I discovered that they look equally great with a funky blazer and heels. Hopefully you can look past my unglamorous deck (pretend I'm in Paris or something) and get inspired to style your fave jeans a bit differently this fall.

{What I'm Wearing: Lucky Brand Cate Skinny Stack jeans, Joie silk tee via Hautelook (similar), LC Lauren Conrad floral tuxedo blazer, LC Lauren Conrad platform pumps, Forever 21 triangle necklace (similar), Zara leather handbag, Gorjana leather wrap bracelet via Gilt}


Please note: This is a follow-up to a sponsored post. Thanks again to Lucky Brand for the fab jeans!

Sneak Peek: Pamella Roland Spring 2013


Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is just around the corner, and soon the entire fashion world will have their eyes fixed on New York City as designers showcase their spring collections for 2013. Here's a sneak peek at one of my favorite red carpet designers, Pamella Roland, who has dressed such celebrities as Jennifer Hudson, Emily Blunt and Mena Suvari, to name a few.

"For Spring 2013, the Pamella Roland collection is inspired by the iconic American artist Ellsworth Kelly. His stark black and white paintings are part of a body of work that resonate in particular because of their clean almost severe lines that speak to a harmony between the shapes that they create." —Pamella DeVos, designer of Pamella Roland

Peep more one sketch after the jump.