The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Fall Fashion: Heeled Oxfords

Old-school Oxfords can be any low shoe that is laced or tied over the instep. But this fall (as in seasons past) the classic Oxford is being reinvented with a high heel and feminine details that take this menswear-inspired shoe to a whole new, ladylike level. Wear heeled Oxfords with anything from suits and pencil skirts, to wide-leg trousers and fall frocks, or even tights and tailored shorts in a cold-weather fabric such as wool or tweed. Keep reading for our budget-friendly finds...



Delia's Maggie shoe is a sort of spectator/Oxford hybrid; $34. Looks a lot like Betsey Johnson's "Walsh" shoe but at a fraction of the cost.


Top Shop's lace-up trouser shoe in magenta will have them talking. Also available in black or silver. £65.00


Naturalizer has really stepped up their game lately, and that means fashionistas who value comfort will benefit. These "Retrolook" heeled Oxfords look so comfortable, you might actually wear them every day. Also available in black or dark brown leather. $83.95


Gorgeous black patent leather makes these Alfani "Bess" heeled Oxfords perfect for day or night. Also comes in brown at Macy's, $79.00


Trust a label called "Made By Elves" to really nail the heeled Oxford look. Also available in black, $88 at Urban Outfitters.


Ann Taylor Loft's "Sabrina" is a standout heeled Oxford that will still be stylish for years to come. $79


The Steve Madden's "Reilly" heeled Oxford is a good pick for those who love plaid. $89.95 at Nordstrom.


The shape of the Nine West "Naso" heeled Oxford is reminiscent of some of the high-end designers who set the trend in the first place. Get yours in wine, black (or gray at Macy's), $109.99 $79.99.

Fall Fashion: Fair Isle Friends

Nothing says cozy quite like a Fair Isle sweater…which may very well explain why modern takes on this classic knitting style can be found season after season. Around 1850, authentic Fair Isle sweaters were made famous by knitters on Fair Isle, part of the Shetland Islands, Scotland, for their brightly colored, patterned knitwear. Today's Fair Isle-style knits make a ski-lodge chic statement on tunics, sweater dresses, and more. Pair these pieces with dark tights and knee-high boots for an updated look that pays homage to this rich, textile tradition. Here are eight affordable ways to hook the trend:






[1] Roxy 'Hot Chocolate' Short Sleeve Sweater, $48
[2] Delia's Fair Isle henley, $48.50
[3] Heritage 1981 Telluride sweater top, $26
[4] Lux Fairisle sweater dress, $58
[5] Lands' End vintage ski design sweater, $49.50
[6] Alloy Fair Isle babydoll, $29.50
[7] Sweater Project Fair Isle sweater dress, $34.00
[8] Mossimo Fair Isle sweater tunic, $24.99

An Homage to the Balenciaga Blazer

BalenciagaSince making its appearance on runways in Paris this past March, the Balenciaga piped blazer has been called the must-have statement piece for winter among the fashion elite (props to designer Nicolas Ghesquière).

But with mile-long waiting lists and a pretty price of £1,300 (2,660.71 USD), you'd be hard-pressed to get your gloved hands on the real deal.

Fortunately, it's the funky-preppy styling that truly sets this look apart—an androgynous get-up marked by military, equestrian and ethnic references—and it can be effortlessly achieved with a few carefully selected items.

Here's how to do it:


  • Two words: Go thrifting. Scour your favorite secondhand shops for vintage blazers, ethnic print scarves and antique buttons.


  • Check your closet. Chances are you already own a blazer that you can dress up with the right scarf or update by sewing on those new buttons you scored at the thrift store.


  • Consider investing in a new blazer. This timeworn piece will take you far into the fashion future with ease, thus bringing down the eventual cost-per-wear.


If you opt to shop for a new blazer, here are four budget-friendlier homages to the original:




[1] Mango Tercio Jacket, $89
[2] J. Crew Double-faced wool Lexington jacket in gray, $250
[3] J. Crew Lexington jacket in ivory, $250
[4] Lux Exeter blazer, $68

Fall Fashion: Jewel Embellishments

Dust off your BeDazzlers, because rhinestones are making a comeback.

Fabulous faux-gemstones dazzle in up-to-the-minute asymmetrical patterns—from the top of your head to the tip of your toes…and on every neckline, handbag and wrist in between.

Flaunt these jeweled flourishes to show off another facet of your fashion personality >>



[1] Delia's Jeweled Headband, $12.50
[2] Forever 21 Rhinestone Taffeta Top, $34.80
[3] Forever 21 Bijoux Jeweled Miniskirt, $39.00
[4] Forever 21 Diana Bracelet, $7.80
[5] Delia's Erin Clutch, $19.50
[6] Target's Xhilaration Stretch Jeweled Bracelet, $11.04
[7] Forever 21 Jackie Ballet Flats, $18.80