The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: What to Wear While Sightseeing in Italy

I'm getting married in Positano, Italy in early September of this year and will be spending 5 days in Rome as well. It is supposed to be in the mid 80's. Could you please give me some outfit ideas for sightseeing? I'm 25 years old, 5'3" and 110 lbs. —Megan

First of all, congratulations! I can't think of a more romantic place to say "I do." Regarding sightseeing, I'm picturing an equally romantic combination of casual skirts and feminine tops, paired with comfortable shoes and a small crossbody bag. Bring a lightweight cardigan that you can toss over your shoulders when you're in a museum or touring a cathedral. I was in Old Navy the other day and saw lots of stylish items under $30 that will work well for your trip, and I've included some of them in the outfit ideas below. Click on any item for shopping details. Buon viaggio!

Outfit idea #1: Italians have a reputation for being stylish but you'll see a wide range of fashion tastes represented on the streets of Rome. Blend in by wearing this white ruffle top and blush skirt - both are supremely comfortable yet pretty.



Material Girl for Macy's Expands for Fall to Include Beauty, Bras and More


Madonna and Lola are expanding their Material Girl collection this Fall, adding new product categories including beauty, intimates, denim, outerwear and social dresses. Trend-driven items include fun nail polish, frilly dresses, acid wash jeans, lace underthings and more for a new generation of teens who might not be familiar with Madonna's music but they like the look she's selling. There's a faux shearling bomber jacket that I can see myself wearing (no shame shopping the teen section). Watch for these latest Material Girl products to roll out in stores from now through October, priced from just $5 for intimates to $89.50 for outwear. Material Girl is available exclusively at Macy's and macys.com.


What I'm Wearing: LC Lauren Conrad Ruffle Racerback Dress




Included in a recent press package from Kohl's was this adorable LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's ruffle racerback dress, and it just so happened to be my size so I'm keeping it! The coloration makes it unique - a cherry red with contrasting pale grey trim - while the defined waistline and knee-length hem makes it flattering (I'm 5'8" for your reference.) The fabric drapes beautifully and doesn't wrinkle easily (it's polyester) and although it's on the thin side, it works well for summer. My birthday is coming up so I'm planning on wearing this out with heels and a clutch but I think it works equally well with flat sandals and a crossbody bag.

If you like the look, you can click the image below to shop this exact dress at Kohls.com. It's available in sizes 4-14 for $45 (down from $60). Also, get 30% off any order with code SAVEATKOHLS for a limited time (not sure when this code expires).



{What I'm wearing: LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's dress, Steve Madden sandals (purchased on this trip to Marshalls, Mimi Boutique messenger bag}

FTC Disclosure: The dress written about in this post was given to me free of charge from Kohl's. The decision to write about it and the opinions expressed above are entirely my own.

Lunch Hour Shopping: Summer Sandals, Ali Ro and more at Swirl




Today's sales at Swirl provide the perfect relief to summer's sweltering heat: Sandals starting at just $29, casual summer basics starting at just $9, plus gorgeous dresses by Ali Ro (great for outdoor summer weddings) up to 70% off. Grab an ice coffee, plop yourself down in front of a fan and grab these deals before they're gone.

Shop it online:
Summer Sandals, Ali Ro and more at Swirl