The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Best Bets at Rue La La This Week: Hunter Boots, Bare Escentuals, A.B.S.




This week, Rue La La is serving up mineral makeup from Bare Escentuals (going on now), Hunter Boots and fashions by A.B.S. Why are these my top picks? First, Bare Escentuals is everyone's favorite mineral makeup. It's the original brand known to help clear up problem skin and give a flawless finish.

Second, Hunter Boots are an all-season must-have to keep you stylish and dry in yucky weather. Many of you have emailed me to ask where/when you can score these covetable boots for less, so don't say I didn't warn you! This sale starts at 11am ET on April 1 so mark your calendars!!

UPDATE: The Hunter sale date is up in the air. I'll keep you posted as to when it's really going to happen.


Finally, I know many of you are shopping for prom dresses or special occasion dresses to wear to graduations, weddings and all that good stuff. If you are, don't miss the sale from A.B.S., a brand known for great party dresses. Sale starts at 11am on April 2.

New to the whole online limited-time, invite-only designer sale thing? Here are some tips for shopping smart:


  • The deals are for real, but that doesn't mean you should go crazy and buy things you don't love or need (or can't afford). Think about the things you really can't live without (premium denim, classic leather handbag, a fab trench) and make those a priority.

  • Plan ahead by trying these items on in stores so you know your size and your pricepoints. Then, keep track of when sales are happening via email updates (some let you add events to Google Calendar).

  • On the day of a sale you've been stalking happens, have your browser open and ready the second the sale starts. Scan the items quickly and see if your must-have is included in the sale. If it is, don't hesitate to buy. Items sell out fast.

  • If you DO NOT see your must-have, close your browser and carry on with your day. There will always be another sale, so don't waste time and money on mediocre purchases.


Need a working invitation to RueLaLa.com? Click here to get your invite.

Alias Premium Denim End of Season Sale

Alias Premium Denim End of Season Sale

During the Alias Premium Denim End of Season sale, when you buy one pair of "Sweet Dee" Jeans, you get a second pair FREE with code MARCHBOGO (just place 2 pairs in your shopping cart and enter the promo code at checkout.) This sale runs 48 hours only and ends March 31 at midnight, so act fast as sizes and quantities are limited.

In case you're not familiar with Alias, it's a small company that sells premium-look-and-feel denim for cheap ($40 a pair). I reviewed a free pair of Alias Denim jeans back in 2008 and wrote about it here. I'm really hoping they expand to include skinny jeans because the denim they use is really soft and comfy.

theOutnet.com to Mark First Anniversary with a $1 Pop-up Sale


theOutnet.com to Mark First Anniversary with a $1 Pop-up Sale

On Friday April 16th, theOutnet.com is celebrating their 1st birthday with a one-day giveaway sale where all items will be £1 / $1 / €1. Can you imagine?!

Of course, there's a limit of one item per guest, and you need to register and RSVP in order to access the sale on the day via a secret link that will be sent to you via email—but if I can score a $1 Hermes scarf or $1 DVF wrap-dress, it'll be worth the trouble! (I have no idea what kind of items will be offered, just imagining the possibilities.)

Even if you've already registered for an account at theOutnet.com, you'll still need to RSVP. Follow this link to get the hook-up!

$79 Trench Coats by MICHAEL Michael Kors Now at RueLaLa.com




Head to RueLaLa.com now if you're looking for a stylish spring trench. MICHAEL Michael Kors nails this look with updated colors like pink and blue for just $79. Similar styles are selling for over $100 elsewhere online, so this is definitely a good deal! There's also a chic selection of tops, dresses, leather bags, shoes, and shades, so check it out if you're a Michael Kors fan but can't afford his higher-priced lines.