The Budget Babe

It's not difficult to look gorgeous when you're built like Charlize Theron, but humor me: I think she's nailed a look here that we can all learn a little something from. The former supermodel and Oscar-winning actress has a style that's glamorous, sexy and yet - that adjective that seems to epitomize great style in this modern era of ours - effortless. Here, she mixes a number of trends with such finesse that you hardly notice the clothing, but you certainly can't help but notice the woman wearing them. What caught our eye: The soft, flowing chiffon dress juxtaposed with a fitted, tailored blazer. Gold accessories that glow without being gaudy. And on a practical note, that chic blazer is the perfect layer for transitioning from warm days to chilly nights. Plus, add tights and booties to this look and you'll be ready for fall.

Are you inspired by Charlize's style?

[1] Clutch, NYandCompany.com, $16.95
[2] Tiered Ruffle Dress, Expressfashion.com, $49
[3] Sunglasses, Forever21.com, $5.80
[4] Necklace, BananaRepublic.com, $39
[5] Blazer, NYandCompany.com, $41.96
[6] Stone Hinged Bracelet, BananaRepublic.com, $39
[7] Gold Sandals, Ninewest.com, $59.99

Target hits the mark when it comes to serving up fresh bargain fashions that suit just about every woman's style. So which in-house fashion brand at our favorite big box is most "you"?



Featured above: Mossimo Valentina Peep-Toe Booties in Dark Pewter $26.99; Isaac Mizrahi for Target Ariel Patent Oxford Booties in Black $34.99; Merona Elaina T-Strap Pumps in Brown/Cream $24.99; Xhilaration Sharon Peep-Toe Pumps in Red Patent $22.99. The Budget Babe would like them all, thank you!

Dear For Love 21,
Your weekly must-haves are truly seductive. Might you consider offering free shipping on "The One Item I Need to Get This Week"? The Caron Faux Leather Handbag would make the perfect purse for transitioning from summer to fall, and it is sitting patiently in my shopping cart. Yet it's hard to justify paying shipping charges on top of the $29.80 price tag for one, simple bag (as lovely as it may be). Just say the word - that you'll ship it free - and I'll hit "buy."

Yours truly,
BB

>> Caron Faux Leather Handbag, $29.80 (plus shipping)

Katie Holmes has been taking a lot of heat lately for wearing her rolled-leg boyfriend jeans just about everywhere (or did she raid Tom's closet?). Personally, I love the look, and the more people judge and criticize her, the more appealing she becomes. How's that for odd fashion inspiration. Katie's got a good head on her shoulders and if she prefers to dress in a classic, modest manner rather than flashing her goodies around town for the whole world to see, that's her business. So, back to the jeans: This look has always been popular in places like Europe (hmmm...I see you're still grimacing), and it's a refreshing alternative to skinnies, which have reigned supreme for so long - although recently I've started rolling my skinnies, and I love that, too. Katie keeps the rest of her look simple and chooses neutral hues for a laid-back look that still manages to be sophisticated and chic.

So let's hear it, ladies: Do you love Katie's style or does it make you wince?

[1] Fedora, Bananarepublic.com, $59
[2] Sunglasses, Target, $12.99
[3] Black crewneck tee, Nyandcompany.com, Was $14.95 Now $10.46
[4] Studded Belt, $19.80
[5] Boyfriend jeans, Urbanoutfitters.com, $58
[6] Primo Limited Costa Bag, baghaus.com, $50
[7] Jessica Simpson flats, 6pm.com, Was $63 Now $36.45

Please note: This contest is now closed, check back tomorrow for the winner!

Today's giveaway is MAJOR (as in, it'll give the winner a major head-start on her fall wardrobe!): We're giving away a $200 gift certificate to be spent at Regent's Secret, a private, members-only retailer that offers leading fashion brands to its members at discounts of up to 70% off retail prices! To enter, simply answer this question in the comment section below: What are you most looking forward to about fall fashion?

To join Regent's Secret, click here.

Be sure to use a valid email address and include info(at)thebudgetbabe.com in your address book so we can contact you if you're the winner. Comments must be posted by 12 noon ET on Tuesday August 26 to be eligible to win. One lucky winner will be chosen at random, and will be announced on Wednesday August 27. You must be a member of Regent's Secret in order to use your gift certificate (please use the link above to join.)

Featured above: Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, on sale at Regent's Secret from 08/25/08 - 08/27/08. Special thanks to Jackie for making this giveaway possible. Good luck everyone!

BFFs Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore have both been spotted carrying the Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Tote in black quilted patent leather with a wickedly stylish crocodile pattern. No doubt each star probably has her own, but it got me thinking...what if you and a trusted gal-pal were to go halfsies on a bag you both desired? You split the cost, and split the time each of you gets to bag-sit. Trouble may arise if you both need the bag on the same evening, or if you go absolutely everywhere together, but those are details that could be worked out. Anyways, I'd never suggest you co-own the original YSL bag, which costs a whopping $1,395.00, meaning you'd each pay $697.50 if my math is correct. Instead, get a similar-looking faux-leather croc tote from Accessory Bug (above center). At $51.99, you can each afford to get your own.

>> Black Tribute Faux Patent Croc Leather Tote at Accessorybug.com, $51.99. For a limited time, use coupon code skool08 for an additional 10% off any purchase. Offer ends October 31st.

Cowl-Neck Dress, $34.50; Silk Ruffle Top, $29.50; Denim Pencil Skirt, $32.50; Color-Block Top, $26.50, "Diva" Wide-Leg Denim Trousers, $32.50

Old Navy Women's Plus is no longer carried in stores, a move that alienated a lot of their customers. Instead, it's now offered exclusively online and features the latest fashions designed specifically for sizes 16-30. The good news is that the online store provides an expanded selection of fashion apparel that help stylish gals go from work to weekend and day to night – all at great, Old Navy prices. A classic, feminine vibe prevails throughout the new Fall Collection, which includes comfortable, sophisticated wide-leg trousers, chic tops with interesting details, and jewel-box colors that range from inky blues and purples to green and bold citron. Shop the entire line at: www.oldnavy.com/plus


Ruched-Neck Dress $36.50; Flutter-Sleeve Top $29.50, Lace Jersey-Knit Cami, $12.50, "Flirt" Flared Jeans, $32.50; Pleated-Shoulder Top, $29.50, "Diva" Denim Trousers, $36.50.


3/4-Sleeve Silk Top, $32.50, "Diva" Clean-Front Jeans, $36.50; Burnout-Stripe Cardigan, $22.50, Waffle-Knit Tank, $16.50, "Flirt" Wide-Leg Denim Trousers, $36.50; Ruffle-Collar Top, $22.50, Pleated Skirt, $36.50