How to shop JC Penney
Snooty fashionistas: don’t you dare diss JCPenney. With something like 1,000 stores, the retail giant… Read More »How to shop JC Penney
Catherine Brock
Catherine Brock is a financial analyst-turned-writer who loves fashion, food, and horses. And her husband and two kids. And money, which pays for all the above. She began wearing clothes at a young age, so those fashion credentials run deep. She's skilled at layering, avoiding navy-and-blue outfit combos, and shopping for bargains. Mostly, Brock is very opinionated about being stylish without overspending. Those opinions have earned her placements on the BBC News, USA Today, MSN Money, Fox2 St. Louis, ABC7 Chicago, CBS2 Los Angeles, WGN Chicago, WCPO Cincinnati…read more.
How to shop Kohls
From its self-proclaimed humble beginnings in 1962, Kohls department store has expanded to now posses… Read More »How to shop Kohls
How to shop Ulta Beauty like a pro
At a time when prestige, mass and salon products were sold through distinct channels like… Read More »How to shop Ulta Beauty like a pro
How to shop Loft
The only thing better than getting to tell everyone, “Oh, I just threw this on”… Read More »How to shop Loft
Celebrity style deconstructed: Tina fey
Tina Fey style amazes us on so many levels. She’s been extremely successful in the male-driven… Read More »Celebrity style deconstructed: Tina fey
How to shop Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s, the creator of the legendary brown bag, got started in the late 1800’s with… Read More »How to shop Bloomingdale’s
11 easy rules for shopping gorgeous, budget-friendly mother-of-the-bride outfits
Dear Budget Fashionista: I am a soon-to-be mother of the bride. I have been searching… Read More »11 easy rules for shopping gorgeous, budget-friendly mother-of-the-bride outfits
9 online classified sites to buy and sell goods locally
Think Craigslist is the only online classified site out there? We’ve done a little digging… Read More »9 online classified sites to buy and sell goods locally
Celebrity style deconstructed: Emily blunt
There’s just something about Emily Blunt that we love. Quirky, charming and just plain cool,… Read More »Celebrity style deconstructed: Emily blunt
How to shop Ann Taylor
For many Ann Taylor is the go to mall-based store for everyday work wear, and,… Read More »How to shop Ann Taylor
How to shop Hautelook
Each day at 8 a.m. Pacific, before many west coast retail stores open, and long… Read More »How to shop Hautelook
Victoria’s secret: Shopping tips & channeling your inner Angel
Victoria’s Secret is like the Holy Grail of sexy. Maybe it’s because your BFFs Alessandra… Read More »Victoria’s secret: Shopping tips & channeling your inner Angel
How to shop Gilt
A fashionista gets excited about the small things when she’s shopping– the gilded lettering above… Read More »How to shop Gilt
How to shop Brooks Brothers
Here’s a bit of fashion trivia for you beauty-and-brains bearing fashionistas out there: In 1818,… Read More »How to shop Brooks Brothers
How to shop Shopbop
Dolce & Gabbana, Diane Von Furstenburg, Herve Leger…there is a magical place where you can… Read More »How to shop Shopbop
Black tie dress code on a budget!
Feeling high anxiety because you have a black tie event on your calendar but a… Read More »Black tie dress code on a budget!
Fashion advice: How to dress like a rock Star
Dear Budget Fashionista, I am vocalist of an alternative band and my image is supposed… Read More »Fashion advice: How to dress like a rock Star
How to make flat shoes comfortable 6 ways
Dear Budget Fashionista, Please tell me how to make flat shoes comfortable. Here is my… Read More »How to make flat shoes comfortable 6 ways
How to shop Talbots
When most shoppers think of Talbots, thoughts of boring grandma separates often come to mind.… Read More »How to shop Talbots
What happened to Wet Seal?
The headlines hit the wires in January 2017: Teen fashion retailer Wet Seal had shut… Read More »What happened to Wet Seal?
Kate Middleton’s fascinator hats — 8 looks to love
Kate Middleton has been rocking the fantastic fascinator hats for years — long before the… Read More »Kate Middleton’s fascinator hats — 8 looks to love
Top group buying sites for local deals
Group buying sites like Groupon aren’t as powerful as they used to be. But still,… Read More »Top group buying sites for local deals
How to clean suede
One of the downsides of being a fashionista: Your clothes are bigger divas than you… Read More »How to clean suede
How to shop Ashley Stewart stores and website
Plus-sized women everywhere can thank real estate investor Joseph Sitt for bringing Ashley Stewart stores… Read More »How to shop Ashley Stewart stores and website
Five tips for getting a haircut on a budget
A good hair day puts you in a great mood, and a good hair day… Read More »Five tips for getting a haircut on a budget
Celebrity style deconstructed: Penelope Cruz
It doesn’t get any more gorgeous than new mom Penelope Cruz. The Spanish beauty is… Read More »Celebrity style deconstructed: Penelope Cruz
Petite, plus-size dresses: 5 styling and shopping strategies
When you have more curves and less height, shopping for a dress can be daunting.… Read More »Petite, plus-size dresses: 5 styling and shopping strategies
How to dress for your boy shaped body
Back in high school, you saw curves show up on the other girls in your… Read More »How to dress for your boy shaped body
How to get Jessica Alba’s style
We’re pretty much always obsessed with Jessica Alba. The absurdly gorgeous star has been capturing… Read More »How to get Jessica Alba’s style
Best bras: The nine bras every woman should own
A bra is probably the most crucial piece of apparel in a woman’s closet. The… Read More »Best bras: The nine bras every woman should own
Panty lines: What causes them and 6 ways to avoid them
Call ’em VPLs (visible panty lines), panty lines, panties line, or panties lines — whatever… Read More »Panty lines: What causes them and 6 ways to avoid them
Where to find great plus size bras
Looking for sexy, supportive plus size bras? Good news: Gone are the days when plus… Read More »Where to find great plus size bras
How to figure out your bra size
For most women, bra shopping is a chore. Running through the department store and buying… Read More »How to figure out your bra size
How to use a color wheel to find your personal colors
Color is the cheapest way to camouflage figure issues. It’s significantly cheaper than plastic surgery… Read More »How to use a color wheel to find your personal colors
8 ways to dress for success on a budget
People always tell you to dress for the job you want, not the job you… Read More »8 ways to dress for success on a budget
What is a manufacturer suggested retail price (Msrp)
The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), is the price at which the manufacturer suggests that… Read More »What is a manufacturer suggested retail price (Msrp)
Suave professionals: Product review
What: Suave sent TBF a sneak preview of the Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo, Suave Professionals… Read More »Suave professionals: Product review
Diane kruger style deconstructed
We’ve been wowed by Diane Kruger style for nearly two decades. Bring more elegance and… Read More »Diane kruger style deconstructed
Up your sex appeal: This is how to dress sexy without taking things too far
Here at Budget Fashionista, we want you to know something very, very important: You. Are.… Read More »Up your sex appeal: This is how to dress sexy without taking things too far
Celebrity style deconstructed: Sofia vergara
“Bodacious” isn’t a term you hear very often any more. One, it’s kind of a… Read More »Celebrity style deconstructed: Sofia vergara
3 essential quick tips for dressing your pear shape
Let’s talk about dressing your pear shape. Or J-Lo-shape, rather. Bottom-heavy. Junk in the trunk.… Read More »3 essential quick tips for dressing your pear shape
Celebrity style deconstructed: Halle Berry
Halle Berry is perfect. From head to toe, the 44-year-old actress is so beautiful, she… Read More »Celebrity style deconstructed: Halle Berry
Style deconstructed: Jennifer love hewitt
It seems lately that Jennifer Love Hewitt is getting more attention for her infamous figure… Read More »Style deconstructed: Jennifer love hewitt
Annette bening: Celebrity style deconstructed
With a resume as long as the U.S. Constitution and a marriage that’s equally impressive,… Read More »Annette bening: Celebrity style deconstructed
Work shoes: What to wear and what not to
Ready for a low-down on work shoes? This is a no-nonsense guide on which shoes… Read More »Work shoes: What to wear and what not to
How to be your own stylist
There’s a reason you associate Taylor Swift with sparkly cocktail dresses and Gwyneth Paltrow with… Read More »How to be your own stylist
Is your gucci bag fake?
1. The Retailer The Gucci store, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney’s: these are the types of… Read More »Is your gucci bag fake?
Thank oprah for plus-size bras and panties
In 2011, Women’s Wear Daily wrote about “The Oprah Effect,” detailing how Oprah Winfrey kicked… Read More »Thank oprah for plus-size bras and panties
A closer look at suze orman’s clothes and style
For this very special edition of celebrity style reconstructed, we break down the personal style… Read More »A closer look at suze orman’s clothes and style
Is your fendi bag a fake?
The name “Fendi” is synonymous with Italian luxury, so it’s no surprise that women the… Read More »Is your fendi bag a fake?
Is your coach bag a fake?
Coach… sigh. Design, quality and durability make them the quintessential handbags. Unfortunately, for many of… Read More »Is your coach bag a fake?
Is your Kate spade bag fake?
Is your Kate Spade bag or wallet fake? That’s the question at hand. Playful sophistication… Read More »Is your Kate spade bag fake?
Retro fashion: 10 budget-friendly accessories + essential style tips
Trends come and go but there’s always place for retro fashion in my heart. Why?… Read More »Retro fashion: 10 budget-friendly accessories + essential style tips
Clothing swaps online: Do they still exist?
Clothing swaps online were popular during the last recession — but many of those online… Read More »Clothing swaps online: Do they still exist?
Bonanza.Com site review
Our Review: Bonanza seriously has everything. Our prior experiences with other massive, user-run e-commerce sites… Read More »Bonanza.Com site review
Temple st. Clair for target collection
What: Target has partnered with renowned fine jewelry designer Temple St. Clair for a limited-edition… Read More »Temple st. Clair for target collection
Got thick calves? Try these shoes tricks
We all have “problem” areas, a part of our body, whether based in fact or… Read More »Got thick calves? Try these shoes tricks
Goodbye alwaysfits.Com, the quirky, budget-friendly gift shop
In 2023, AlwaysFits.com closed up shop after 13 years of selling goofy, irreverent, and funny… Read More »Goodbye alwaysfits.Com, the quirky, budget-friendly gift shop
Walgreens return policy
The Budget Fashionista provides this content on Walgreens return policy for informational purposes only. These… Read More »Walgreens return policy
Neiman Marcus returns made simple: Deadlines, refunds, and tips
Shopping at Neiman Marcus is always a treat. Whether you’re investing in a designer bag… Read More »Neiman Marcus returns made simple: Deadlines, refunds, and tips
Saks Fifth Avenue return policy: What to know before you ship it back
The Budget Fashionista provides this review of the Saks Fifth Avenue return policy for informational… Read More »Saks Fifth Avenue return policy: What to know before you ship it back
T.J.Maxx return policy: What to know
The Budget Fashionista provides this review of the T.J.Maxx return policy for informational purposes only.… Read More »T.J.Maxx return policy: What to know
What happened to Payless ShoeSource?
Payless Shoes and its nonstop commercials popularized “BOGO” deals and made cheap, cute shoes available… Read More »What happened to Payless ShoeSource?
What happened to Barneys New York?
This used to be a post about the Barneys New York return policy — but… Read More »What happened to Barneys New York?
Nordstrom return policy: What to know
The Budget Fashionista provides this review of the Nordstrom return policy for informational purposes only.… Read More »Nordstrom return policy: What to know
Sonia rykiel for H&M knitwear collection (2010)
Once upon a time, Sonia Rykiel — the “queen of knitwear” — designed a budget… Read More »Sonia rykiel for H&M knitwear collection (2010)
Use these DIY fixes for your damaged hair
Has broken-down hair been stressing you out? You’re losing sleep at night wondering how to… Read More »Use these DIY fixes for your damaged hair
The Pam Beesly wedding dress from David’s Bridal
It was Season 6 of The Office when Jim and Pam Beesly finally got hitched.… Read More »The Pam Beesly wedding dress from David’s Bridal
Booksy review: Boon or bust for beauty appointments?
Back in the day, this post was originally a Lifebooker.com review. But alas, Lifebooker is… Read More »Booksy review: Boon or bust for beauty appointments?
Paris on a budget: Shopping tips and more
News from a BFF: Marilyn Machlowitz, Budget Fashionista Friend and Manhattan headhunter, recently returned from… Read More »Paris on a budget: Shopping tips and more
How to shop Neiman Marcus
Want to learn how to budget shop on the Neiman Marcus website? Yeah, us too!… Read More »How to shop Neiman Marcus
How to shop K-mart
Attention K-mart shoppers! If that phrase conjures up images of the masses running towards the… Read More »How to shop K-mart
Scroll smarter: How to shop Forever 21 now
Sure, you love Forever 21 as much as the next fashion‑obsessed, financially stressed woman. Sadly,… Read More »Scroll smarter: How to shop Forever 21 now
Anna wintour goes budget (Well, in theory)
Anna Wintour, editor In chief of American Vogue (and possibly an undercover Walmart shopper) gives… Read More »Anna wintour goes budget (Well, in theory)
Dana buchman kohl’s line: The good and bad
When the Dana Buchman line of accessories hit Kohl’s in 2009, we weren’t impressed. Back… Read More »Dana buchman kohl’s line: The good and bad
Discount designer lines: A comprehensive list
Discount lines by top designers (known as “bridge”, “mass market” or “diffusion” lines) were once… Read More »Discount designer lines: A comprehensive list
Shop overstock.Com like a pro with these 6 power tips
Looking to shop Overstock.com? Overstock is just what the name implies, an online outlet for… Read More »Shop overstock.Com like a pro with these 6 power tips
How to shop Walmart for fashion
I can hear the collective groan from all of the fashionistas who turn up their… Read More »How to shop Walmart for fashion
How to shop Walgreens online
Back in the prehistoric era, this post was titled how to shop Drugstore.com. And yes,… Read More »How to shop Walgreens online
Redress NYC is closed, but here are other places to shop plus size fashion in New York
In 2008, we reviewed Redress NYC, a slamming new consignment shop and vintage boutique for… Read More »Redress NYC is closed, but here are other places to shop plus size fashion in New York
I test drove 8 price comparison sites and here’s what happened
Comparing prices is the hallmark of a smart bargain shopper. Sadly, the act of price… Read More »I test drove 8 price comparison sites and here’s what happened
See a label with the designer Name famous maker? Here’s what it means
One of our reader asks: I was perusing on Smartbargains and noticed that all of… Read More »See a label with the designer Name famous maker? Here’s what it means
Knit cuff boots: How to wear them
A reader asks: My sweet hubby recently went online and purchased a really cute pair… Read More »Knit cuff boots: How to wear them
How to thrift store shop: 12 tips
Times are tight. If there was ever a good time to learn how to thrift… Read More »How to thrift store shop: 12 tips
Looks to love: Gingham
Gingham aka checkers has been updated with bright colors and modern cuts — meaning they’re… Read More »Looks to love: Gingham
Fish tank recycling: 5 ways to recycle your fish tank
We want to give credit where credit is due. So the idea for this post… Read More »Fish tank recycling: 5 ways to recycle your fish tank
Honey heel glaze by farmhouse fresh + 3 alternative products
Strappy summer sandals: cute. Calluses and blisters: Not so cute. Is Honey Heel Glaze by… Read More »Honey heel glaze by farmhouse fresh + 3 alternative products
How to stop jewelry from turning skin green
Dear Budget Fashionista: How can I stop jewelry from turning my skin green? I love… Read More »How to stop jewelry from turning skin green
The look for less: Architectural salvage
One of the best ways to and uniqueness to your home is by using architectural… Read More »The look for less: Architectural salvage
Expert advice: Best bras for large-chested women
A reader asks: I need some serious help! I have huge breasts (size 44J) and… Read More »Expert advice: Best bras for large-chested women
Best jeans for petites: 9 brands to shop now
Short ladies wear jeans too, right? So the fashion industry as a whole hasn’t been… Read More »Best jeans for petites: 9 brands to shop now
Make up expiration dates: When to toss your cosmetics
According to a March 9, 2000, FDA report (revised October 15, 2002), “Consumers should be… Read More »Make up expiration dates: When to toss your cosmetics
Sales vs. Clearance — do you know the difference?
You’re no stranger to shopping, and you could probably find your way blindfolded to the… Read More »Sales vs. Clearance — do you know the difference?
10 stylish coats and jackets for women with big arms
Fashion designers aren’t always great at delivering clothes that fit any body. Case in point:… Read More »10 stylish coats and jackets for women with big arms
The $10,000 coach legacy alligator bag: Coach has lost it’s #$% mind
You never forget your first…. For my 16th birthday, I received my first designer handbag,… Read More »The $10,000 coach legacy alligator bag: Coach has lost it’s #$% mind
Gwen Stefani sues Forever 21
Gwen Stefani has long been a trendsetter – who can forget her signature brand of… Read More »Gwen Stefani sues Forever 21
Designer-inspired bags: Where to buy them
Editor’s note: This post was originally about Baghaus.com and its designer-inspired collection of handbags. Sadly,… Read More »Designer-inspired bags: Where to buy them
Remembering the little brown dress project
Imagine wearing the same dress, day in and day out, for one year. Pretty hard… Read More »Remembering the little brown dress project
Dress styles to flatter your inverted, triangle shape body
If your shoulders are broader than your hips, you may have an inverted triangle body… Read More »Dress styles to flatter your inverted, triangle shape body
Melted makeup is gross! Keep your beauty products cool with one of these darling insulated cosmetic bags
You may not need an insulated makeup bag at home, but they’re an essential for… Read More »Melted makeup is gross! Keep your beauty products cool with one of these darling insulated cosmetic bags