The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: New Year's Eve Party Dresses on a Budget

I need your help on finding the perfect New Year's Eve dress! My boyfriend and I will be attending the same party as his ex-gf so I must look fabulous! —K

BB's got your back. Here are some hot little numbers that will make your bf swoon and make his ex weep!

One way to grab everyone's attention is to make like a human disco ball in an all-over sequin dress. This one's got unique stripes and it's only $32.99 at Charlotte Russe:



Charlotte Russe at ShopStyle



Not loving the stripes? The following dress available at Wet Seal comes in solid pink, gold or black. Still lots of sequins, slightly less dress:



Wet Seal at ShopStyle



If you want to reign in the shiny a tad, but still seek drama, you will love this sophisticated LBD with amazing embellished shoulders. Just $22.80 at Forever 21. My style all the way!



Forever 21 at ShopStyle



If your style is more girly than glam, consider this one-shoulder dress from the LC Lauren Conrad collection for Kohl's which features an artsy floral print and feminine ruffle neckline, on sale for $39.99. Very sweet:



Lauren Conrad at ShopStyle



Of course, one doesn't need sequins or ruffles to get noticed. ModCloth.com has a huge selection of fabulous party dresses, like this Strangers on a Train Dress ($67.99), that will get you noticed for your good taste and air of sophistication:



Another great source of elegant party dresses under $100 is The Limited. The selection on their website is, well, limited so check stores for the best selection. I'm loving this red dress for its rich color and sleek silhouette (it's $89.50 and you can use code 779 at checkout for 25% off all purchases):



Alloy.com is another unexpected source of cute cheap party dresses, most under $40, like this lovely purple frock that's sure to please the boy because it's subtly sexy without being over-the-top:



Alloy at ShopStyle



Whatever dress you choose, make sure YOU feel good wearing it so you can have fun, feel carefree and ring in the New Year with confidence!

Ask BB: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding - Under $50

I am going to a semi-formal January wedding in Boston. I want to be warm without sacrificing style. I have a very limited budget because of the holiday season. How can I look cute without being too cold and while staying under $50? —Erin

For winter-wedding attire that won't break the bank, check out Target's Limited-Edition Dress Collection, where you will find 34 styles under $39.99, like the classic Audrey, the festive gold-jacquard Claudia or the vivacious red-satin Taylor.





Three looks from Target's Limited-Edition holiday dress collection.



If you're wondering how you will stay warm, there are a couple things you can do. First off, go ahead and splurge on a long, black, wool-blend coat. You may only wear it once or twice a year, but if you live in a cold climate, it will be well worth the investment. I bought mine at Filene's Basement for around $250 and it was worth every penny (I'm from Chicago, now living in New England, so I don't mess around when it's cold). Pick a clean, simple, classic design and it will never go out of style...something like this:



DKNY at ShopStyle



With a coat like that, you can wear a skimpy sequin cocktail dress underneath without freezing to death. A vintage fur is another route to take if you like. Other winter must-haves include leather gloves lined in cashmere and a cashmere scarf. You can find these on sale at department stores at the end of the season or off-price retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls.

It goes without saying that most formal dresses are not warm—a fully lined, floor-length velvet dress may be marginally warmer than say, a slip-dress—but if you're in a heated hotel or restaurant, you should be fine while mingling and dancing. Bring a pretty wrap, faux-fur stole, velvet bolero, or dressy shrug to keep shoulders warm while dining (or if you get seated by a draft).

Something like this sequin shrug will add a tiny bit of warmth and a lot of glamour:



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Alternatively, you can just shop for inexpensive accessories that will help you update an oldie-but-goodie LBD (see this post for ideas).

Ask BB: How to Look Cute and Stay Warm



Apostrophe Cable Cowl Neck Sweater Dress, sale $24.99 at sears.com

I am a newly single 35-year-old in New York, and I'm spending a lot more time going out in the city. But I am stuck in a rut—I usually wear jeans (either boot cut with heels or skinny tucked into boots) with a black top and a statement necklace. How can I mix it up in an age-appropriate way, without being too dressed up, and without freezing this winter? —Brigitte

Toss on a cozy yet stylish sweaterdress when you want to look nice—but don't want to freeze. If you're worried about bulk, avoid chunky knits and turtlenecks, and go for v-necks and 3/4 length sleeve styles. Any neutral will be a versatile choice, but a rich purple, blue or red will make things more fun.

I prefer styles that are fitted, not clingy, which fall just above the knee so you're not overwhelmed by your dress. Add solid or textured tights, ankle booties or tall boots, and you're good to go! If you want to dress it up even more, add a cool belt, pendant necklace or other jewelry.

You can find sweaterdresses for cheap at many stores, but the best selection online right now has to be Victoria's Secret. They have dozens of styles including sale items as low as $19.99. Browse the amazing selection below to get some ideas!


Ask BB: Red Hot Heels on a Budget



BDG at ShopStyle


I've been searching for the perfect pair of red heels, strappy or pumps. Every girl should have a pair, but I don't…yet! Any advice? —Julia

Your question couldn't have come at a better time. With the holidays fast approaching, a new pair of red hot heels might be the only thing you need to dress up. I've been eying these BDG Suede Pumps (above, $48, urbanoutfitters.com); the brilliant hue says party time, while the rounded toe and low-yet-flirty heels suggest these beauties would be comfortable enough to wear for hours. For more affordable options, check out my red-shoe selections using the widget below.