The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Look for Less: Dolve Vita Archer Sandal

The Dolce Vita Archer sandal is so right for summer in its bold simplicity. Available in black or white at Shopbop.com for $69. (See it featured in this dress by number post.)



Target does it again! Get the look for less with their Mossimo "Poeske" sandal, which comes in black, off-white, hot pink or mint for $14.99.


H&M for Water Complete Lookbook




Later this month, you'll be able to shop a resort wear collection at H&M stores with 25% of the proceeds going to support WaterAid, an organization which helps provide clean water and sanitation to some of the world's poorest areas. Dubbed H&M for Water, the Hawaiian-inspired line boasts fashionable attire for the entire family, from palm-print skirts and dresses to retro swimwear and an amazing range of accessories, like bandanas and see-through beach bags. For gents, you can pick up printed shorts, sunglasses and sandals. What's more, the H&M for Water collection includes garments made of organic cotton and other sustainable materials, something that H&M seems genuinely committed to incorporating into more and more of their products. I absolutely love the prints in this collection, which conjure up images of vintage Hawaiian travel posters and postcards, and pin-up pretty girls sunning themselves in flirty one-piece bandeaus. Shop H&M for Water beginning May 31st in about 200 stores worldwide.

Click through to see the entire lookbook (very photo heavy, FYI). Which pieces do you like?

Ask BB: Playsuits on a Budget




Any advice on [where to find] a budget-friendly bodysuit? —Mia

Thanks to boundary-pushing artists like Lady Gaga and Beyonce, the pants-less look has become more widespread and popular. Wearing a bodysuit sans other clothes is usually reserved for the stage, fashion editorials or even the beach (though not necessarily for swimming).

But if you're looking to show more flesh at a club or party scene, there are plenty of ways for you to get in on this trend without spending a lot: Search for "playsuit" on UK-based sites like ASOS.com, which readily embrace runways trends and translate them for the masses no matter what they might be. My other suggestion would be to check American Apparel as they always have an ample selection of leotards and bodysuits that can be layered for everyday wear.

Here are a couple fashion forward playsuits available at ASOS.com for under $100. Try wearing yours with tights, boots and a blazer for an edgy look that'll still turn heads.




{Shown above: Mia's inspiration from 1) Lana Del Rey 2) Dolce & Gabbana SS12 3) Prada SS12 4) Dolce & Gabbana SS12 5) Naomi Campbell in Dolce & Gabbana 6) Miley Cyrus}

Off the Rack: The Webster at Target Women's Apparel


Webster at Target

I finally got around to checking out The Shops at Target in person and boy, was I impressed! The Webster at Target has some seriously cute offerings inspired by the Miami-based boutique. I had the chance to see them at a press preview months ago but it's different seeing them at an actual store, and I was pleasantly surprised by how full the racks were and by the wide selection of items.

The white eyelet dress and colorful navy and coral print shift (shown below) were two of my favorite pieces (you can't tell from the photo but they looked really nice in person). I could see either of these dresses working for a ton of spring/summer events, from graduations to bridal showers.

The breezy cotton tops had lovely embroidered detailing (close-ups after the jump) that rival tops at other stores that cost two or three times as much. I also loved the navy blazer, navy eyelet skirt, maxi dresses and geometric print wrap dress (which was unfortunately polyester - great for traveling since it won't wrinkle but awful for hot weather).

I didn't buy anything on this trip because I was too busy taking photographs, ran out of time and had to jet. But I'll be back to scoop up a thing or two.

Have you seen and/or shopped The Webster at Target? P.S. I was equally impressed with the accessories; I'll share those photos in a separate post.

Shop it online: