The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Botkier for Target Handbags Hit Target


Botkier handbags for Target hit stores today (run, there's still time to check them out!). OK, so we haven't seen them in person yet but the offerings online look pretty amazing. There will always be the haters who say they're not real leather, the craftsmanship isn't there, yadda yadda, but let's keep things in perspective, shall we? These purses are extraordinarily affordable. They were designed, at least in part, by a real designer with talent. They look expensive, and they cost a fraction of the price of the authentic designer originals which honestly, who really buys that stuff anyways? 1% of the population? Who cares? All a girl wants is a cute purse to hold her cell, lip gloss and wallet. We're not asking for the Sistine Chapel. Finally, before I descend my soapbox, let me remind you that Botkier for Target purses are just as good as their competition, namely, Steven Madden or Guess purses which cost 2 or 3 times more for purses that are no better in quality, taste or style. In fact, they probably all come from the same factory in Asia. What I'm trying to say is these purses are stylish and cheap, so check them out and tell me what you think.

Featured above: Botkier for Target Metallic Wristlets, $19.99 each

One Dress, Three Ways

When you're on a tight budget, it's important to buy versatile items that will go the distance in your wardrobe and take you from day to night and beyond. Inspired by this reality, and by a spread titled "One Dress, Three Ways" in the August 2008 issue of InStyle (pp. 108-109), I decided to see how I could stretch one simple PLEATED SHIFT (which I purchased for $14 at Target!) in three different directions. Here are the results.

1. Sweet Charm Simple and chic for a day of shopping and lunch with friends. SHOES Dark brown faux-leather gladiator flats, Forever 21, $19. PURSE Blue Patent Leather, Sigred Olsen. BELT Brown faux-leather, Forever 21, $13.50. BRACELETS (featured in all three looks) Gilded rubber bangles, Urban Outfitters, $5


2. Downtown Diva An edgy look for work or girl's night out. SHOES Black leather peep-toe Mary Janes, Aerosoles, $19.99. JACKET, Zippered biker jacket, Bebe, $39. LEGGINGS Twelve by Twelve, $18.


3. All Glammed Up Dolled up for dinner and dancing. SHOES Metallic leather slingback heels, Nine West via Marshalls, $28.99. NECKLACE Vintage faux pearls, Rummage sale, $1. PURSE Quilted Eggshell Leather Clutch, BCBG Max Azria via Marshalls, $80. BRACELET Black leather & gold cuff, Givenchy via Filene's Basement. BELT Thin black suede belt, Forever 21. BLACK TIGHTS.