The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Zac Posen for Target: What Did You Buy?


Zac Posen for Target: What Did You Buy?

The Zac Posen for Target collection went on sale late last night, and by this morning, a few of the items were already sold out! I try not to get caught up in the shopping frenzy, but honestly, who am I kidding?! Target knows how to get a girl excited and I am powerless to resist. So what did I buy? Well, this morning I didn't actually get anything because the item I wanted most—namely, the tuxedo blazer—was not yet available online. But when I returned to my computer this evening, the tuxedo blazer was up—YAY!—so I bought that for $49.99, as well as the black ruched skirt ($34.99), and the tie-dye tank dress ($29.99). Not what I'd consider the "standout" pieces by any stretch, but I went for items that I felt I would actually wear —pieces that would work with my figure, my style and my budget. I hope they fit, and if not, I can always return them! So. What did YOU buy?

Related Deal: Spend $75, Save 20% on Women's Items - 8/18-8/21 Only! at Target.com

Trendspotting: Bow Print Tops





Reese Witherspoon, Nicky Hilton and Taylor Swift show casual ways to wear a bow-print tee or tank.


Bows lend a playful air to basic tees and tanks, whether made of actual ribbon or printed on for a tongue-in-cheek effect. I love anything with bows, a motif that's almost impossible not to love, like stripes or polka-dots. And the styling possibilities are endless: Toss on a bow-print top with a mini skirt and ballet flats for a sweet look, or pair a bow-print tunic with ripped jeans and heels for an edgier ensemble. So easy! Get in on this trend with one of the many affordable options in stores now:

LOFT Fall 2010 Collection Preview

LOFT Fall 2010 Collection Preview

This past Wednesday, I was invited to the LOFT Fall 2010 Preview Party at the Bowery Hotel in New York City to preview the Fall 2010 collection and check out the launch of LOFT Style Studio—a collaboration with four leading fashion stylists: Alia Ahmed-Yahia, Kate Young, Tina Chai, and Joanne Blades. The collection included separates, dresses, outerwear, shoes and accessories, with each item priced under $100, except for the shoes. I need the over-the-knee leather boots ($198, of course I go for the most expensive item in the entire collection!).

Ask BB: Cute Denim Shorts for Grown Ups

Cute Denim Shorts for Grown UpsHello. First let me say I love your blog! I was hoping you could help me with something. Every year I do this dreadful search for denim shorts that are not Bermuda shorts nor are they Daisy Dukes! I work for the postal service so I am allowed to wear shorts but not short shorts. I have to wear tennis shoes so I do not like to wear Bermuda shorts not to mention it gets too hot! (I deliver in Florida.) Looking for like a 5"-6" inseam but they don't seem to exist. Every once in a while I come across a pair and I get all excited all to try them on and they make your butt look horrible. I'd appreciate any advice you could give! I'm sure there are more women in my position. P.S. I'm 29 so I'm stuck in between looking not too young, not too old and also trying to stay cool in the hot Florida sun.

If you're past the Daisy Dukes phase of life, but not quite ready for Bermudas (will you ever be?), here are some stylish denim shorts you'll want to wear: Each has a rise of 5" or more, in a contemporary cut and modern wash.



Dear Readers: Where have you found flattering denim shorts on a budget?

Inspiration Board: Fashion Against AIDS at H&M


Inspiration Board: Fashion Against AIDS at H&M

H&M will launch its third Fashion Against AIDS collection, available May 20 in stores and once again supporting youth HIV / AIDS awareness and education.

For the first time ever, the Fashion Against AIDS collection offers guys and girls "festival themed" items that encompass the entire festival experience – from clothing and accessories to tents and sleeping bags.