Budget Fashion

Friday, November 20. 2009

6 Under $60: Fair Isle Sweaters

Another perennial winter fashion favorite of mine is the Fair Isle sweater, that Nordic-style knit which conjures up images of Aspen lodges and hot toddies sipped on bearskin rugs before crackling fires. Pair yours with leggings, edgy boots and simple silver jewelry (like Hilary Duff) to balance proportions and keep your look modern. Keep reading for 6 super affordable Fair Isle-inspired sweaters under $60. Which would you wear?

Continue reading "6 Under $60: Fair Isle Sweaters" »

Posted by

The Budget Babe

in Budget Fashion, Trends Fall/Winter 2009 at 07:27 | Comments (9) | Trackbacks (0)

Wednesday, November 18. 2009

Fresh New Takes on Tweed for Fall

There's something about tweed—a thick woolen fabric which originated in Scotland (thank you Wikipedia)—that makes one think of wintertime.

This cozy fabric with a classic menswear appeal looks chic, not stuffy, when juxtaposed against anything really feminine (think Chanel's iconic tweed jacket worn with pearls).

Stylehive has a round up of some decidedly modern, on-trend tweed fashions and accessories that are calling my name. See their slideshow here, and check out my tweed fashion-finds below for further inspiration!

Posted by

The Budget Babe

in Budget Fashion, Trends Fall/Winter 2009 at 17:39 | Comments (8) | Trackbacks (0)

Tuesday, November 17. 2009

Off the Rack: Winter Coats at Target

Merona Wool Topcoat in Gray Plaid, $59.99

If there's one thing I love as much as boots, it's winter coats. While I won't hesitate to forgo style in lieu of survival, there are ways to look good while staying warm—and having a chic wool coat in your arsenal is one of them. Now to be completely honest, I'm not sure a Target coat will have what it takes to withstand a New England winter, but they sure are looking good this season. So I bought one as a sort of test. My gut says it won't be warm enough (I grew up in Chicago, after all), but we shall see! If you're looking for a second coat that you can wear with certain outfits, then definitely check out the offerings at Target. Here are some highlights, photographed by yours truly so you can compare the product photos with "real life." (Click any image to go to Target.com.) Who's loving Target's coats this year?

Merona Hip Length Wool Jacket in Black/White Houndstooth, also available in Camel/Gray. ($50)

Mossimo Black Wool Hooded Jacket in Dark Blue, $59.99. Also available in black, brown, black/navy and possibly other colors.

Continue reading "Off the Rack: Winter Coats ... »

Posted by

The Budget Babe

in Budget Fashion, Shopping, Target, Trends Fall/Winter 2009 at 17:48 | Comments (22) | Trackbacks (0)

Friday, November 13. 2009

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

Foolproof Fall Outfit 4a by The Budget Babe featuring Converse shoes

Foolproof Fall Outfit 4b by The Budget Babe on Polyvore.com

Foolproof Fall Outfit 4a by The Budget Babe on Polyvore.com

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.

Posted by

The Budget Babe

in Budget Fashion, Outfit Ideas, Trends Fall/Winter 2009 at 18:54 | Comments (6) | Trackbacks (0)

Tuesday, November 10. 2009

Your Fall/Winter 2009 Wardrobe Checklist

The Fall/Winter 2009 season is well underway, but I've received a number of requests for a wardrobe checklist from readers (and honestly, I needed to put one together for myself anyways), so here goes! Let me know what I missed in the comments.

Your Fall/Winter 2009 Wardrobe Checklist

Long sleeve layering tees in neutral hues with different necklines, ie. scoopneck, v-neck, turtleneck. These will go under everything from button down plaid shirts to dolman sleeve sweaters to blazers.
Cardigans: Look for the latest shapes like open front, cascade (really drapy), cocoon, or boyfriend.
Jeans: As long as you have some great dark skinnies and dark bootcuts, you're covered.
Jeggings: Denim leggings, great for pairing with short dresses, tunics and tucking into boots.
Chunky scarf: Infinity scarves (aka circle or loop scarves) are big this season, as are stripes, subdued animal prints, antique florals, faux fur and paisley.
A warm coat you love that fits great: A wool peacoat or trench looks sharp, flatters all figures, and you can wear it to the office then out to dinner afterwards. This season, consider something with military detailing, an interesting collar, or even a ruffle.
For going out: A sequin tank; any top with an embellished neckline or ornamentation on the shoulders; a statement necklace. If you have these items, you can wear them a million ways. Pair that sequin top with jeans, heels and a blazer. Ditto with the embellished top—or, tuck that tee into a pencil skirt and toss on some ankle boots. Lace tights are another budget-friendly way to get dolled up: Add these to your fave LBD from last season, and you've got yourself a whole new look.
Already in Your Closet: You should already own a fab white blouse, fab pencil skirt, black blazer (velvet, tuxedo style or boyfriend) and black platform pumps to reach for when creating new combos.
On Your Feet: One pair of riding boots, one pair of black knee-high "dressy" boots, one pair ankle boots.
On Your Nails: Dark polish, like pewter, indigo, green.
On Your Shoulder: Saddlebags, big bags, studded bags, faux-croc, faux-snakeskin, chain details—whatever catches your eye!
Wild Cards: On-trend pieces to try out this season may include a faux-fur vest, leather pants, sequin leggings, zipper embellished anything, something red, something leopard print. Be brave and pick at least one thing that's outside your comfort zone!