The Budget Babe was mentioned in an article titled "Young, Fabulous, Broke: Budgeting Tips" in The Independent Florida Alligator, April 16, 2009. "[S]ign up for Google alerts to get updates on your favorite designers and sales. Additionally, a quick Google search for the store or designer name and the word 'coupon' can turn up wonders, 'The Budgeting Babe' blogger Dianna Baros explains. Both bloggers agree that eBay is a great resource, but they also recommend monitoring blogs like theirs where they are constantly updating sale information and offering coupons for readers." Read the full article.

Today's "look for less" was requested by a reader who says she loves these Matt Bernson Barracuda sandals, but isn't loving the price—they're $175 at Piperlime.com. Celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker, Miley Cyrus and Leighton Meester are all fans of Matt Bernson, too, a brand that distinguishes itself by blending luxurious details with comfortable styling. Each pair is hand cut leather and "soulfully made in Brazil," says their website (find out more about Matt Bernson shoes at mattbernson.com), which explains the higher prices.

For those on a budget, here are some alternatives that won't break the bank. (Click any image for details.)

My Louis Vuitton Never Full PM by ♥Teresa♥ featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs watches

It's always fun and enlightening to take a look inside someone's purse. The contents can reveal quite a bit about a person's life! So for today's hot topic, I'm inviting you to spill the beans on what you're carrying in your handbag. Feel free to share what kind of bag it is, too!

I'll go first (gulp!):

• 
  Fossil cross body bag
  


• 
  Coach wallet
  


• Cell phone
  


• Keys w/keychain from the Marc by Marc Jacobs store dollar bin
  


• Moleskin notebook
  


• Burt's Bee's Beeswax & Banana hand cream
  


• stila lip pot tinted lip balm in pecan (from BeautyTicket.com)
  


• Digital camera
  


• Business cards from moo.com; case from CB2
  


• 3 pens
  


• Thumb drive

Ok, now what's in yours?