This popular Mulberry Oversized 'Alexa' leather bag costs $1,250 at Net-a-porter.com.


For fall, Fossil has re-issued a number of bags including its Vintage Messenger Bag, modeled after iconic silhouettes from the past (so it's by no means a knockoff of the Mulberry, rather a similar style from a bygone era). It's available in black, brown or camel leather for $168, which still isn't cheap, but you'll getting Fossil-quality for much less than a designer bag like Mulberry and you'll enjoy it for years to come. Click the image if you want more info.

I was so inspired by J. Crew's Fall 2010 Lookbook that I paid a visit to my nearest store this weekend to see what was on the racks. Window display signage read "Utility chic" and that pretty much sums it up: A casual-meets-charming late-summer mix of lightweight button downs, embellished tees and tanks, denim shirts, cargo pants, plaid and more, all meant to be mixed together and layered for that effortlessly put-together vibe J. Crew does so well. I loved all the subtle contrasts, blouses with pleated necklines paired with tailored blazers, studded belts with tweed skirts, bow-tie Italian leather flats, essie nail polish colors like jazz and mucho dinero, and the texture and shine of chunky chain-ribbon-pearl necklaces. A few things on the sale rack caught my eye but I've seen better deals online. Most items are out of reach full price ($70 for a lightweight cotton cardigan, $130 for the ballet flats) but that doesn't mean I can't look, draw inspiration and save up for a piece or two down the road. More eye candy after the jump!

Forget the official August 10th launch date: Target's latest limited-edition collab, Poketo for Target, is in stores now. The collection includes wallets, laptop bags, totes, umbrellas, luggage tags and other accessories featuring original artwork priced from $4.99 to $29.99. I snapped a photo of the display and uploaded it to Twitter using my Motorola Backflip. Moments later, @Poketo tweeted me back: "@Poketo @budgetbabe Awesome. Can't wait to see what you buy. Please model them and post them on http://bit.ly/6jP0et Thanks!" Snaps for the social media tie-in! Granted, I didn't buy anything on this trip (nothing shouted "buy me!"), but now we know you can upload your Poketo for Target photos to the Poketo Facebook page to win cool stuff. Click through to see more close-up photos of the collection. Did you buy anything yet?

DEAL: Spend $125 on select sales and receive a $25 credit toward future purchases.
WHERE: Gilt.com
DATES: Select sales in August

Nitro:licious recently shared a sneak peak from the upcoming Tucker for Target by Gaby Basora collection posted by Sarah Parlow, revealing a fleece jumpsuit ($44.99) and signature print dress ($39.99) with reversible quilted vest ($24.99). It's just a tiny morsel from the upcoming collection by the NYC- based designer, which will be available from September 12 through October 17, but it's a delicious morsel at that! I bet Gretchen from Project Runway would approve. Can't wait to see more.