The Budget Babe

12 Beauty and Fashion Coupons for Memorial Day

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:24:00 +0000

Sales and great deals abound this Memorial Day weekend, and so I've rounded up some of the best beauty and fashion coupons for you to peruse. Keep reading to see 12 of the top deals. Also, be sure to check out my brand new coupons page (also accessible from the "Coupons" tab at the top), updated daily with the top 10 coupons from Retailmenot.com.

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Dress by Number: Jessica Biel's Bow Blouse and Midi Skirt

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Fri, 25 May 2012 11:27:00 +0000

While grocery shopping at Whole Foods, Jessica Biel wore a sleeveless blouse tucked into a breezy midi skirt paired with flats. Copy her ladylike look for less with affordable finds from Ann Taylor, Alloy, Bluefly and more.

More Alloy...

T.J. Maxx and Marshalls Fall 2012 Preview Event

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Thu, 24 May 2012 22:50:00 +0000

Earlier this week I attended the T.J. Maxx/Marshalls Fall 2012 preview in New York City to scope out the trends that we'll be seeing at the end of summer. While you're gearing up for the Memorial Day weekend in shorts and flip-flops, retailers are showing magazine editors and bloggers their finest riding boots and cozy coats.

So here's what to expect for fall: Ladylike pieces with an edge, call-of-the-wild animal prints, jewel tones, and colorblocking. Easy enough, and easy on the wallet since most of last year's trends will be back!

The T.J. Maxx/Marshalls team reiterated the fact that all their merchandise is brand new, top-notch, designer names, current and in-season trends that just happen to be priced 20-60% less than what you'd pay at department stores. Thousands of new items arrive weekly in each store, sourced by buyers who scour the globe in search of the best items at the best prices.

Keep reading to see some highlights from the event. I will be honest, I wasn't wowed by the styling but there were many individual pieces that I loved, like Dolce Vita loafer flats, a BCBG wrap dress and a Vince Camuto leather handbag. You can see even more photos from the event on my Facebook page. Let me know what you think in the comments!

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What I'm Wearing: Sorrelli Sparkle + Tweets for Treats Giveaway!

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:06:00 +0000

Sorrelli jewelry let me pick out a few of my favorite spring pieces to wear and share with you guys! Have you heard of Sorrelli? I was familiar with the brand after seeing their jewels on some of my favorite bloggers but had never owned any Sorrelli of my own. It's all really unique antique-inspired heirloom jewelry made with things like Swarovski crystal.

I gravitated towards the Sugary Sweet Necklace in Andalucia ($112.80), Ring in the New Year necklace in Andalucia ($74.40) and Ring in the New Year bracelet in Andalucia ($57.60) because they're shiny but also subdued, so you could wear these pieces layered with a t-shirt and jeans or with a cute summer dress. Or you can wear them as I've done, with man-repellant high-waisted paisley harem pants and a blazer. Oh yes.

These pieces are more expensive than what I'd normally pay for costume jewelry but I've been told these pieces last and they are worth the price for special occasions, gifts or (drumroll please) this fabulous giveaway! One lucky BB reader will get to win the exact pieces that I'm wearing in these photos (valued at nearly $250!!). So let's get started!

How to Enter to Win my Sorrelli Spring Picks:

Visit www.sorrelli.com, then tell me what's your favorite piece in the comments section below.
Tweet about the pieces I've selected or your favorite spring piece. Tweets should include
@budgetbabe, @sorrelli, #sorrelliluv and #MiMiluv. Leave a separate comment per tweet (5 max).

That's it! Good luck & shine on.

{What I'm Wearing: LC Lauren Conrad Blazer c/o Kohl's, H&M Harem Pants, Forever 21 Camisole, GLO Wedges c/o Kmart, Jason Wu for Target Clutch}

Continue reading "What I'm Wearing: Sorrelli Sparkle + Tweets for Treats Giveaway!"

Dress by Number: Minka Kelly's Coral Blouse and Platform Sandals

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:35:00 +0000

Minka Kelly was spotted in Beverly Hills looking cute and casual in a coral blouse, flare jeans and tan platform sandals. Recreate her laid-back look for less with these fashionable outfit ingredients.

More Dolce Vita...

UPDATE 5/25/2012: Minka is wearing Tucker the Blouse in coral available at Shopbop.com for $297.

Off the Rack: H&M Summer/Swim 2012

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:51:00 +0000

Yesterday I visited the H&M showroom in New York to check out the latest summer and swim collections which are in stores now. The benefit of visiting the showroom is that I have permission to photograph anything I please, and I am nothing if not thorough, combing through each rack, piece by piece, taking my sweet time, savoring the fabrics, textures, colors and well, you get the picture. All you need to know is that H&M has everything you need for a stylish summer, starting with this Memorial Day holiday weekend (do you have your outfits planned yet? I don't!). We're talking dayglow swimwear, tropical print coverups, embellished denim cut-offs, wedge sandals, floppy hats, clear plastic totes - basically everything to take you from a BBQ to the beach without missing a fashionable step. Hope you find some inspiration here, and if you'd like to see more of my photos from my trip to the H&M showroom, check out this album on my Facebook page.

As always, let me know which items are your favorite in the comments, H&M is listening too...

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Off the Rack: The Webster at Target Accessories

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Wed, 23 May 2012 21:53:00 +0000

Earlier I posted photos of the women's apparel from The Webster at Target collection, now here's a look at some of the accessories. I didn't see any shoes, unfortunately. But the bags, jewelry, scarves and straw hats that make up this Miami-inspired line were all plentiful. It's not because these items don't look good - they do - I just think they get lost amidst Target's other equally fun summer offerings from brands like Mossimo, Merona and Xhilaration. My favorite detail had to be a gold flamingo pendant which adorned two of the cool, casual totes in vibrant prints. More photos after the jump - did you pick up any Webster at Target accessories?

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Celebrity Style: Jessica Alba's Express Jean Leggings

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Wed, 23 May 2012 15:42:51 +0000

I didn't intend on blogging two Jessica Alba posts back-to-back, but this outfit just had to be shared right away: Jessica was spotted wearing her Stella jean leggings in Tropic Blue from Express with a white tank and red leather-look vest. She finished her casual ensemble with colorful blue sunglasses and silver Toms shoes. This would make a fun Memorial Day outfit, don't you think? Click the image below to view or shop Jessica Alba's exact jeans, $79.90 at Express.com.

Stella Color Jean Legging - Blue

Dress by Number: Jessica Alba's Maxi Dress and Gladiator Sandals

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:32:00 +0000

Jessica Alba was spotted grabbing coffee in a maxi dress and denim vest, one of her go-to casual outfits for spring (seen earlier here). Give this outfit idea your own unique spin with inexpensive fashions from Bar III, Mango, Steve Madden and more.

More Mango...

UPDATE: Jessica is wearing Heartloom's Anthea dress (www.heartloom.com).

The Look for Less: Dolve Vita Archer Sandal

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Tue, 22 May 2012 20:30:00 +0000

The Dolce Vita Archer sandal is so right for summer in its bold simplicity. Available in black or white at Shopbop.com for $69. (See it featured in this dress by number post.)

Dolce Vita Archer Flat Sandals

Target does it again! Get the look for less with their Mossimo "Poeske" sandal, which comes in black, off-white, hot pink or mint for $14.99.

Women's Mossimo® Poeske Flat Sandal - Assorted Colors

Dress by Number: Olivia Palermo's Leatherette Shorts and Woven Pumps

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:27:00 +0000

Walking her dog in Brooklyn, Olivia Palermo sported pull-up leatherette shorts, a lightweight white sweater and white basketweave pumps. Give this look a try for yourself with the wallet friendly finds below.

3. Target Straw Tote $24.99

Items 1, 2, 4, 5 & more:

More Topshop...

UPDATE 5/23/12: Olivia is carrying the Gerard Darel Sac 24 heures Woodstock raffia bag, available at select Bloomingdale's stores.

H&M for Water Complete Lookbook

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Mon, 21 May 2012 22:11:00 +0000

Later this month, you'll be able to shop a resort wear collection at H&M stores with 25% of the proceeds going to support WaterAid, an organization which helps provide clean water and sanitation to some of the world's poorest areas. Dubbed H&M for Water, the Hawaiian-inspired line boasts fashionable attire for the entire family, from palm-print skirts and dresses to retro swimwear and an amazing range of accessories, like bandanas and see-through beach bags. For gents, you can pick up printed shorts, sunglasses and sandals. What's more, the H&M for Water collection includes garments made of organic cotton and other sustainable materials, something that H&M seems genuinely committed to incorporating into more and more of their products. I absolutely love the prints in this collection, which conjure up images of vintage Hawaiian travel posters and postcards, and pin-up pretty girls sunning themselves in flirty one-piece bandeaus. Shop H&M for Water beginning May 31st in about 200 stores worldwide.

Click through to see the entire lookbook (very photo heavy, FYI). Which pieces do you like?

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Ask BB: Playsuits on a Budget

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Mon, 21 May 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Any advice on [where to find] a budget-friendly bodysuit? —Mia

Thanks to boundary-pushing artists like Lady Gaga and Beyonce, the pants-less look has become more widespread and popular. Wearing a bodysuit sans other clothes is usually reserved for the stage, fashion editorials or even the beach (though not necessarily for swimming).

But if you're looking to show more flesh at a club or party scene, there are plenty of ways for you to get in on this trend without spending a lot: Search for "playsuit" on UK-based sites like ASOS.com, which readily embrace runways trends and translate them for the masses no matter what they might be. My other suggestion would be to check American Apparel as they always have an ample selection of leotards and bodysuits that can be layered for everyday wear.

Here are a couple fashion forward playsuits available at ASOS.com for under $100. Try wearing yours with tights, boots and a blazer for an edgy look that'll still turn heads.

More Asos...

{Shown above: Mia's inspiration from 1) Lana Del Rey 2) Dolce & Gabbana SS12 3) Prada SS12 4) Dolce & Gabbana SS12 5) Naomi Campbell in Dolce & Gabbana 6) Miley Cyrus}

Dress by Number: Shenae Grimes' Graphic Print Shorts and Ankle Boots

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

For The CW's Upfront presentation, Shenae Grimes wore graphic black-and-white print shorts which she dressed up with a blazer, button-front shirt and black ankle boots. Love her look? Make it your own using the affordable fashions found below.

More Forever 21...

Poll: Which Celebrity Look is Your Favorite?

nospam@example.com (The Budget Babe) — Sun, 20 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

This week we saw casual spring looks from Tiffani Thiessen, Zoe Saldana, Miley Cyrus, Solange Knowles, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Let me know which outfit was your favorite by casting your vote below.

poll by twiigs.com

See why Jessica Alba got the most votes in last week's poll.