The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Nothing to Wear Series: Foolproof Fall Outfit #4

At the start of the season, youlookfab.com posted 10 foolproof outfit formulas for girls on the go, and I've been recreating each style recipe using budget-friendly items to help you get these looks for yourself. With formulas #1, #2, and #3 behind us, it's on to #4. Oh, and there's a spin! Each look consists entirely of items from the ever-affordable Target.com.

Jeans + tunic sweater + leather or pleather jacket + ankle boots








As you can see, you can modify the formula by using longer shirts or blouses and swapping fashion sneaks or other comfy shoes for the ankle boots. The possibilities are endless. For more inspiration, check out Angie's ideas here.

Ask BB: What to Pack for a November Trip to the Bahamas

I'm a 16-year-old girl going on an 8-day vacation with my family over November break to the Bahamas—and I have no idea what to pack whatsoever. Any way you could help me out?! —Anon

I've never been to the Bahamas, so hopefully my readers can jump in and offer some tips! My advice would be to consider the types of activities you'll be doing while vacationing and then plan outfits accordingly. The weather should be sunny most of the time and pleasantly warm, however you should always be prepared for rain, chilly air conditioned spaces and unexpected temperature changes. You'll need your bathing suit, of course, comfy jeans and shoes for daytime activities, plus some cute tops and relaxed dresses for any evening activities, like going to a nice restaurant or catching a show.

This floral-print dress has a definite Bahamas-feel. Literal? Yes. Lovely? No doubt:



Forever 21 at ShopStyle



Here's another dress that looks inspired by the islands:



Forever 21 at ShopStyle



On a practical note, don't forget a jean jacket and cardigan for covering up, sandals, flats and sunglasses. While you're there, consider picking up some inexpensive jewelry, a hat or a scarf as a fashionable reminder of your trip. Send us a postcard!

Ask BB: Birthday Outfit for Atlantic City

I was wondering if you could suggest an outfit for me? I'm going to Atlantic City, New Jersey, to celebrate my 25th birthday with some friends and my boyfriend. We're gonna be dancing and gambling all night. I am going crazy trying to find the perfect outfit and shoes to wear. —Courtney

Great question, Happy Birthday in advance! You are going to have a fun night :-)

So when I need a party outfit, I usually head to Forever 21. Do you like their stuff?

If you like to be comfy, you could pair this amazing top:



Forever 21 at ShopStyle



...with your fave dark-wash jeans and some black boots. Carry a black open-front drapy cardigan that you can toss on when you're cold, then bunch up in a ball and toss in your purse when you don't need it.

If you want something more girly, try this dress:



Forever 21 at ShopStyle




or this dress:



Forever 21 at ShopStyle



...wear with dark opaque tights, comfy black boots (like these) and top with a black blazer that you can keep on or take off depending on the situation.


Clutches are fun but you might forget it someplace, so I'd opt for a fun evening bag with a strap so it stays close by. You could always wrap your cardi or blazer kinda over the bag to keep hands free.

Dear readers: What did you wear to celebrate your last birthday?

Nothing to Wear Series: Foolproof Fall Outfit #3

We've been working our way through youlookfab.com's 10 casual Autumn formulas, interpretting each of Angie's simple style recipes using budget-friendly items from around the web. We've covered Formula #1 and Formula #2, now it's on to Formula #3:

Casual dress + tights or hose + tall boots








Be sure to check out Angie's interpretations of style formulas #1, #2 and #3 for more inspiration!