Budget Footwear

J. Crew's notoriously pricey duds are now on sale and at prices we can afford! Take an additional 20% off FINAL SALE items at the preppy-chic retailer, now through Sunday January 20. Here are some deals we spotted...

Save big on a fantastic selection of elegant dresses - if you're a fast-acting bride-to-be, this Sophia short silk dress would be a stylish option for your bridesmaids. Now just $139.99 (plus an additional 20%), it's still available in sizes 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10!


Heck, if you're a bride on a budget - or simply a bride with better things to spend her hard-earned cash on than a dress she'll wear once - this Goddess Long Dress is gorgeous and looks like it was meant to be a wedding gown! It's on sale for $159.99, plus an additional 20% off when you add it to your cart.

And, remember our earlier obsession with the Balenciaga blazer? Well now you can get J. Crew's version, the Double-faced wool Lexington jacket, on sale for just $99.99 (plus 20% off).

Take your pick of gray or ivory. This piece will never go out of style.

Here's another great buy that will always be fashionable: classy and comfortable Brewster leather high boots, on sale for $99.99 (plus 20% off). Also available in extended-calf sizes, these boots were made for walkin'.




There are a ton more great deals, especially on cold-weather must-haves like cashmere sweaters, cable-knit cardigans, plus cozy hats, gloves and scarves - so be sure to check it out - the sooner the better!

Over the weekend, I went to my local Tar-zhay to run a few errands - pick up some paper towels, scope out the new Global Bazaar section, hit the sale racks in clothing and accessories, try on a few pairs of shoes, mosey through the makeup aisle...ya know, the usual chores. So much to shop for, so little time - yet with so much still on clearance, so little money was spent! Here's what we bought...

Heavily Discounted LBD: When I spotted this Isaac Mizrahi for Target Taffeta Couture Bodice Dress on sale for just $12.48 (marked down from $49.99), I tossed it into my cart without hesitation. Tried it on at home and the fit is perfect. Made me feel like a ladylike Audrey Hepburn, although I plan on giving it some edge with layers of pearl necklaces, hot heels and bold makeup.


Fond Farewell: The Erin Fetherston for Target collection seemed to fly by, didn't it? Feeling nostalgic for this retired line - as well as the pull of a great deal - I decided to give this lovely Bonjour L’amour shirtdress a home. It was the very last one on the rack, you should have seen the look it gave me ("Pleeease take me! Don't leave me here all by my lonesome!") Originally $49.99, I paid just $12.48.


Puppy-Proof Boots: My boyfriend and I recently became the proud parents of the most adorable boxer puppy ever! Therefore, I was on the lookout for some cheap boots that I could wear during our many oftentimes messy walks in all kinds of crappy weather. Thankfully, I found just the ticket: These Mossimo Gillian Riding Boots are comfy, stylish (at least from a distance), and for just $17.48 (marked down from $34.99), they can take a beating (claws, mud, rain, slush, drool, chewing) and I won't have to worry one bit.

Though the weather outside is frightful, our winter fashion needn't be - stay warm and stylish in Aerosole's leather ankle boots with faux shearling trim, leather laces and stitching accents. Wear with your favorite slacks or tony tights and a skirt. Originally priced at $130.00, they're now just $39.99. The tough part will be choosing between brown or black (but at this price, why not get both?)

UPDATE: And the winner of our Airwalk contest is.......Jennifer Gann!! Congratulations, Jennifer, and a great big thank you to all 244 people who participated.

PLEASE NOTE: This contest has ended.

Kick off the New Year in some free kicks! Tell us whether you prefer shoes that slip on OR lace up in the comment section below and one lucky winner will be chosen at random to receive this brand new pair of women's SIZE 8 Airwalk sneaks! (Note: This is the only pair - no other sizes or styles are available for this giveaway.)

This fresh Limited Edition Airwalk style features a red heart-n-dagger emblem on the toe with a ribbon banner that reads, "1986 - Airwalk," commemorating the year that the popular boardsport fashion brand got its start.

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. Contest is only open to residents living in the United States or Canada. Comments must be posted by 12 noon ET on January 4 to be eligible to win. The winner will be announced on January 5. Good luck!

Special thanks to Eileen from Turner PR for making this contest possible!