The Budget Babe

So-called fugly shoes have a long history steeped in tradition, from Birkenstocks and Doc Martens, to Uggs and Crocs. (I have personally owned and worn three of the aforementioned four styles. And I still stand by my Ugg boots because they're hella warm.)

By now we've all noticed one of the latest trends in fug-footwear, namely, garishly striped, spotted and otherwise bespattered rainboots, or Wellies as they are affectionately called, named after the original Scottish export, the Hunter Wellington rubber boot.

Fine, I thought. Fun boots for a rainy day. I even considered buying a cheap pair from Target to add some cheer to dreary, gray days when I must still brave the elements and walk my dog.

But now it seems the Hunter boot is poised to become the next official, expensive fugly shoe: Shopbop.com has 6 styles in a range of colors, all retailing for over $100 (I should mention they have normal colors like your basic black, brown and navy, too). They're trying to make Hunters cool. My question to you is, are they succeeding? Are you craving a pair of clunky silver rainboots with a can't-miss Hunter label emblazoned on the front as if to say, "I know these are ugly...but they were expensive!"?

Only time will tell...I'm pretty impressionable, especially when Shopbop tells me something is chic. But IF I cave, I'll get something like these "Zetta" navy rainboots from Target.com, just $24.99.

Wild Wellies: Fug or fab?

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!

The Budget Beauty Babe investigates whether the bright red fruit of the pomegranate is good for more than just juice. —BB


by The Budget Beauty Babe
Earlier this year, Burt’s Bees released a new line of products with their feature ingredient being the pomegranate. Like so many in the health food/beauty industry Burt’s Bees has smartly decided to have the power of the pomegranate work for them, joining the ranks of ever famous juice giant POM wonderful promoting the magical pomegranate. So now you can drink pomegranates, and smear them on your face as well.

Always a sucker for a new line of anything, especially when it has lovely packaging and very enticing ingredients (pomegranates sell for a reason, they call to mind Greco/Roman myths, sensuality and the exotic) I decided to try out the new Naturally Ageless Line Smoothing Eye Creme.

I think that I am pleasantly surprised by this product. I am perpetually looking for products that tame under eye issues (think bags, darkness, lines… etc. etc.) and this one does a pretty good job. Burt’s Bees claims that it will diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce the appearance of dark circles and reduce puffiness. I find that it works as a gentle hydrator for delicate under eye skin, slowly reducing lines and discoloration. Like any under eye treatment, results don’t show for weeks, they require a little patience and dedication, but with its pleasant texture and light aroma it wasn’t hard to add this product to my beauty routine.

I do not have major under eye issues, so it seems to be a product more for the prevention and treatment of only minor under eye issues. The results won’t knock you out of the water, but for something gentle and 98.99% natural I’m pleased.

Get Burt's Bees Naturally Ageless Line Smoothing Eye Creme at BurtsBees.com (0.5 oz jar, $25)

I want to own most of the pieces in Phillip Lim's Fall 2008 collection, and maybe, just MAYBE, I will end up buying a piece or two months from now on mad sale - because I can truly see myself treasuring his clothes for years to come - but in the meantime, I must settle for imitating his style, on a budget.

In this look, Lim combines a few updated classics in a way that's mature without being too severe. I found affordable options to recreate this ensemble but I would recommend buying the best possible pieces you can afford if you like this look. A gray blazer, denim pencil skirt, and black leather boots will last for seasons to come. You can swap out just about any tee, belt, bag, scarf and tights. However, make sure they interact visually. Lim's purple scarf and red clutch really add an element of interest and it's those two colors which, when combined, make a big impact overall.

Tee: Cheap Monday Tina Tee in Black at RevolveClothing.com, $20
Blazer: Urban Renewal Vintage Ladies Blazer at UrbanOutfitters.com, $48
Scarf: Simply Vera Waffle Weave Ribbed Scarf at Kohls.com, $24
Belt: Madisson Croc Belt at Forever21.com, $8.80
Skirt: Bisou Bisou Dark Denim Pencil Skirt at JCPenney.com, $17.99
Boots: Mossimo "Kat" Tall Boots at Target.com, $34.99