Affordable Accessories

Anya Hindmarch has partnered with Target to launch a limited edition handbag collection priced from around $22. You can preview the affordable and stylish collection now at www.anyahindmarch.com, and purchase the bags there beginning October 8th. It will then be available at most Target stores from October 12 through December 26th.

I'm glad I put off purchasing a new fall handbag because this collection looks hot. I've wanted something from the English designer ever since her "I'm not a plastic bag" reusable shopping totes created a fashion tidal wave, spurring millions of fashionistas to get their own, thereby inadvertently generating even more of an ecological disaster than was caused by the plastic bags she sought to make extinct (I'm totally kidding! But it sure does make you wonder...)

Anya says, "I have always been interested in mixing high end designer pieces with more mass market finds. I think that confident women are comfortable, and even proud, of doing this." Yup, I'm sold. Are you looking forward to this line? P.S. Thanks to alert reader zeus' mom for the tip on this story!

We have a winner! Congratulations to... #70 Kristy, who writes "Favorite Bird? Probably a screech owl... I've only seen one once, I was traveling and laying on the rooftop of my hotel with a hot Austrian boy one night watching the stars... romantic and peaceful, right? It was, until a screech owl came soaring over us again and again... although it interrupted the moment (and was quite frightening at first), that bird was so huge and fantastic, that we didn't seem to mind."

Special thanks to our winner, the fabulous Miss Misa, and to all 127 people who entered! Keep checking back for more great giveaways.



Please note: This contest is now closed.

Whooo doesn't love owls - especially when they're in the form of jewelry? Today's Budget Babe giveaway prize is this gorgeous, vintage-look Emerald Green Owl Ring from Miss Misa jewelry. The ring features a swavorski crystal brow and adjustable ring band with a delicate flower and leaf etching. Retail value: $35

Misa, the lovely creator of Miss Misa jewelry, uses vintage and retro charms, chains and semi-precious stones to create one-of-a-kind priceless jewelry. She also features other items from talented artists around the world, so be sure to check out her shop. Use code "owl" at checkout to get 20% off your purchase!

To enter our giveaway, tell us what your favorite bird is in the comments section below.

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 Thursday September 25 to be eligible to win. One lucky winner will be chosen at random, and will be announced on Friday September 26.

Special thanks to Misa for making this giveaway possible. Good luck everyone!

Well, well, well. Look at which A-list actress loves her some bargain fashion! Yes, Katie "Peg-Leg" Holmes was seen on September 9th entering her "All My Sons" rehearsals in NYC wearing the City Style Plaid Trench by New York & Company. Many of you should be delighted to see that the trend-setter selected this jacket, with it's figure-flattering, feminine cinched waist, AND she decided to forego her slouchy, boyfriend jeans and the rolled cuff which you all seemed to despise, and instead tucked her classic denim into amazing equestrian style boots. We love plaid, and we love the prices at NY & Co. so really, what's not to love?

Are you joining the love-fest or what?

[1] Steve Madden Sunglasses at BonTon.com, $24
[2] City Style Plaid Trench at NYandCompany.com, Was $74.95 Now $52.46
[3] Simply Vera Vera Wang Tie-Neck Blouse at Kohls.com, Was $54, Now $32
[4] a.n.a. Braided Hobo at JCPenney.com, Was $52, Now $39.99
[5] Boots at NineWest.com, $189
[6] "Diva" Jeans at OldNavy.com, Was $29.50 Now $25

I don't really know that much about super model Miranda Kerr except that she's a Victoria's Secret Angel and she happens to be dating actor Orlando Bloom at the moment. What I do know is that I like her look: The Aussie beauty makes a tee shirt and jeans look sexy and chic, without trying too hard. I'm not saying great style doesn't take effort (or great genes) - because it does - but she makes it all look so easy. It helps to have a classic quilted leather purse, black blazer, and black ballet flats always at hand so you can add them to any outfit you might toss on, and pull it all together. I'm a big believer in finding fashion formulas, if you will, that work for you and help you get dressed - and this is certainly one of them.

Thoughts on Miss Kerr's style?

[1] Gold-Filled Tag Necklace at tags-n-stones.com, $40
[2] Equestrian Blazer at Urbanoutfitters.com, $88
[3] American Apparel Deep V-Neck Tee (3-pack), $52
[4] Skinny Jeans at Forever21.com, $22.80
[5] BCBG Flats at FamousFootwear.com, Was $69.99 Now $29.99
[6] Quilted Purse at Baghaus.com, $49

A well-made leather belt elevates the style quotient of just about any look, and it's well-worth the investment since you'll have it for years. If you're looking to add just a few key accessories for fall, the double-buckle belt is a fabulous option and few designers craft one quite like Linea Pelle. Above left, we have the Linea Pelle waist belt with leather covered studs, which costs $300 at CoutureCandy.com. If you're not sure how you feel about this look, or don't have a spare $300 lying around (I know I don't...) - never fear. Plenty of other stores are carrying similar double-buckle styles. The fantastic belt on the right is from New York & Company, also comes in brown, and it's on sale for under $20. Use your double-buckle belt to cinch a dress, jacket or tunic to instantly define your waist...and your look.

Luxe on left: Linea Pelle Leather Studded Belt at CoutureCandy.com, $300
Less on right: City Style Double Buckle Belt at NYandCompany.com, Was $22.95, Now $18.36

We really want to like the alice + olivia for Payless collection, we really do, but so far this designer collaboration has had far more "misses" than "hits." Remember the goofy looking polka-dotted clown flats back in Spring '08? I rest my case. And so it was with some trepidation that I perused the Fall 2008 offerings, and what did my eyes behold? This red patent monstrosity (shown above) called the alice + olivia for Payless Rivington Ankle Boot, $48. The product description says it will "take your style to new heights" - but I'm afraid it will sink them to deep, dark lows. Part of me appreciates the space-age styling, zip front closure and funky little shield that snaps on one side, all of which make this ankle boot rather fierce. But another part of me fears the staggering 4.5" wedge heel with an additional 1" platform makes this shoe seriously tranny, or possibly just plain fug. And the provocative peep-toe (provocative in a bad way) certainly isn't helping, either.

Am I alone in thinking this ankle boot is a tranny "nay"? Help me out: Fierce or tranny?

Browse the entire alice + olivia for Payless Fall 08 collection here.

Peeptoe booties are all the rage, as they say, but they leave many fashionistas wondering: Is it a shoe or a boot? Won't your toes get wet when it rains? How do you keep your feet from sweating and your toes from freezing? Well, I don't have all the answers, but I have found a solution to at least one of the aforementioned conundrums: Slip your tootsies into some toeless socks before donning your trendy toeless shoes for comfort and style you can count on! The toeless socks above can be purchased at Nordstrom.com on sale now for just $4.90. One word of advice: Unless you're, say, under 18, do not wear your toeless socks with a skirt or dress - please wear them under a nice pair of wide-leg slacks or bootcut jeans. I realize the shoes shown above are more like peeptoe oxfords, but the socks work well with peeptoe ankle boots, too. Additionally, you can wear your peeptoes barefoot, or with seamless-toe tights. And now, I'm feeling pretty peep-toed out.

How do you wear yours? Are you a fan of the peeptoe?

Above: Nordstrom Lace Top Toeless Socks, $4.90