The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Betsey Johnson Fall 2012 Runway Show




I still have a few New York Fashion Week shows to cover, not the least of which is Betsey Johnson. It was my first time seeing this iconic designer present at Fashion Week and I actually teared up during the show - I mean, it's Betsey Johnson! The theme was Betsey of the 1960s, and with a neon glowing "Betseymania" sign illuminating the runway and Beatles tunes setting the mood, models positively strutted their stuff in a mix of modern-retro clothing. Amidst my excitement, I was able to discern a lot of faux fur, a lot of pink and orange (swoon), ladylike coats, funky round shades, dapper hats, bright tights and sexy party frocks. It was everything you'd expect a Betsey Johnson show to be - full of energy, attitude and fun. The finale included models waving pom-poms and Betsey's signature cartwheel which really got the crowd cheering. Backstage after the show, I listened in as Betsey talked with fans and members of the press, always smiling, eyes sparkling - exactly how you'd expect her to be. Guests of the show got a little goody bag with a card announcing the Betsey Johnson for Sephora by OPI Nail Polish Collection, too, so look for that in March (see the colors at Glamour.com). Whatever your style, I think we can all get inspired by this free-spirited fashion legend.

Mossimo for Target Spring 2012 Lookbook




Hopefully you've had enough Oscar talk and you're ready to turn your attention to a different red carpet, namely, the red carpet at Tarjay. Here we have the Mossimo Spring 2012 lookbook, which showcases the trends you'll be seeing from both the Mossimo Black and Mossimo Supply Co. labels at your local Target stores and online at Target.com. The so-called trends are extremely subtle this year, which isn't necessarily a bad thing: Kimono and butterfly sleeves give a subtle nod to the East-meets-West influence, while belted tunics, peasant tops and flowy dresses echo the bohemian vibe that always seems "in" when the weather warms up. For colors, expect everything from pastels to soft brights, along with florals, graphic and nature-inspired prints. I'm drawn to the colorful denim and cotton dresses; the shoes also look promising. I'll leave the short-shorts to the teens. I wish the floral shorts came in a pant version, too.

MOUSE OVER ANY IMAGE for details on pricing and availability.

What do you have your eye on? Does this lookbook inspire?

Oscars Best Dressed: Who Gets Your Vote?


The 2012 Oscars have come and gone, so naturally it's time to vote for our favorite looks from the red carpet. My best-dressed stars include Gwyneth Paltrow who brought the drama in an ivory Tom Ford gown with a unique cape that made it utterly memorable; Michelle Williams in a red Louis Vuitton gown for its standout color and subtle eccentricities; Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli because she radiated confidence (and because I love a good bow); and Jessica Chastain in McQueen, which was overly elaborate and yet somehow totally worked. There were too many gorgeous gowns to mention here but I've narrowed it down to my top 15. If I missed your favorites, let me know in the comments. Were you wowed or bored by this year's Oscar looks?


Art Deco Nails Video Tutorial


Here's my take on the popular "Art Deco" manicure, a tri-color scalloped edge design that recalls the glamor and artistry of 1920s Paris. With a little patience and just a few tools, you can easily accomplish this stunning design that looks great on short or long nails.

What I used:

  • Zoya "Dea" (mocha creme)

  • China Glaze "Midnight Kiss" (gold shimmer)

  • Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure "Pat on the Black" (almost-black plum)

  • Seche Vite top coat

  • small eyeshadow brush (disposable is best)


Let me know if you try this in the comments, and please share your suggestions to help me improve my videos. Thanks for watching!

Special thanks to my Twitter pal @Lindstr for introducing me to this cool nail art design as seen on The Beauty Department.

Kmart Fashion Spring 2012 Lookbook




Kmart Fashion's spring lookbook is out, showcasing some of the highlights from clothing brands like Attention, Route 66, LYS, Sofia Vergara and Jaclyn Smith. My eye is drawn to the bright blue blazer, coral jeans and colorblock top - pieces that aren't overly trendy but feel fresh for spring. Nothing's over $35 and you can shop many of these pieces now in stores and online. Navigating the Kmart website for fashion can be a bit daunting, however, so I recommend starting with fashionblog.kmart.com and going from there. See anything in this lookbook you need to have?