The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

My Cherry Blossom Nail Art Tutorial


Here's my take on another popular nail art design: Cherry blossoms! This is the perfect design to wear for spring when flowering trees are covered in gorgeous blooms. It's easy, I promise, just requires a little patience, and it will totally impress you family and friends this Easter!

Here's what I used:
Ginger + Liz "Boy Toy" (a Tiffany blue)
Wet n Wild FastDry in "Ebony Hates Chris" (solid black)
Sally Hansen Extreme Wear in "White On" (opaque white)
Essie "Tart Deco" (coral pink)
Seche Vite Top Coat

Fine paint brush
Bobby pin (or dotting tool)


For more inspiration, you can find similar designs all over YouTube and the web. My favorite by far is by blogger Kayla Shevonne, so definitely check out her amazing work here.

Special thanks to Dew Claw for composing the awesome music for my video.

If you do try this at home, send me a pic via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram - I'd love to see!




Express Launches New Loyalty Program




Express announced the launch of Express NEXT, an innovative new points-based loyalty program open to all Express customers - not just Express credit card holders. Shoppers can earn points both in-store and online, and can accumulate more rewards points as they visit different Express store locations and - get this - engage with the brand via social media platforms. Image earning points when you buy those Editor pants, and when you post a pic on Twitter. Bravo, Express! Registration is easier, too, requiring only a phone number and e-mail address for starters. Express NEXT members will also be able to do all their tracking as well as redeem points online - even with their smartphone.

It sounds like Express is really listening to customers. Yes, it will be a big incentive for Express fans to shop more but this could also prove to be a great perk for loyal customers.

Think you'll sign up for Express NEXT?

Image courtesy of Express

5 Under $50: Cute Shorts for Spring


Finding the right pair of shorts can almost be as tedious as finding the right pair of jeans, but I'm here to tell you - they're out there! Here are 5 cute pairs I'm considering purchasing this season from stores like LOFT, New York & Co. and Lands' End Canvas, where lengths are a little more generous, the fit is forgiving and the taste level is top-notch.