The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Look for Less: Yves Saint Laurent Necklace



Yves Saint Laurent at ShopStyle


This Yves Saint Laurent Glass Pearl necklace available at at Net-a-porter.com would make a dramatic statement paired with a strapless gown. Then again, your credit card statement would create just as much drama once you saw the $1,495 charge at the end of the month.



Forever 21 at ShopStyle


While this Midnight Beaded Necklace available at Forever21.com lacks the charm of the velvet ribbon tie which graces the designer piece, it's a chic substitute costing a mere $12.80. (Click any image for details.)

Marshalls: Desperate to Get You to Shop the CUBE!





The folks over at Marshalls have teamed up with crazy comedian Liam aka Kelly from the popular YouTube video OMG! Shoes to help spread the word about spring fashions at the Cube. I wasn't too impressed with the Fall/Winter offerings at my local Cube, but after watching this insane video I'm kinda tempted to go back and see if it's gotten better. FYI, the Marshall's shopping madness starts around the 2:30 minute mark in this vid.

Kelly's latest song is available to download for FREE on this CUBE Facebook application, along with EXTRA exclusive Kelly content. Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/CUBE


Ask BB: What to Pack for a Las Vegas Vacation

I'm wondering if you have any suggestions for outfits/essentials for my first trip out to Las Vegas. I am 25 years old and will be headed out there with my boyfriend and a group of our mutual friends this June. It will be our first time and we are staying at the Bellagio! —Jess, Brookfield, IL

Ok, first of all, I'm so jealous. I have never been to Vegas ::sniff sniff:: I feel so deprived! However I think my inner party girl can be of some assistance. Here's what I'd pack:

What Are the Best Budget-Friendly Hair Care Products for Curly Hair?



Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm straightens hair without harsh chemicals. ($26 for 3.3 oz at Sephora.com)

I have naturally wavy hair so it takes a bit of work for me to make it look good curly (and even more work to make it straight!). The gels and mousses I've been using from the drugstore are either too light and leave my curls frizzy and fluffy, or they're too hardcore and leave my curls crunchy and stiff-looking. Do you have any budget-friendly recommendations for a product that will leave my curls defined but still looking natural? Thanks! —BK

I'm a fan of all the Sunsilk products because they're cheap and work well (read our review here). If I want to splurge, I'll get Phytodefrisant Botanical Hair Relaxing Balm ($26 for 3.3 oz at Sephora.com), which was recommended to me by a shi-shi hair stylist years ago. A little goes a long way!

As for curls, I'm no expert as my hair is fine, slightly wavy and prone-to-frizz in the summer, but not curly. Funny, I always wanted curly hair. But I digress: L'Oreal has two new products that I've heard are good, Glossy Curls Mousse and Glossy Curls Spray Gel. Maybe you've seen the ads with Penelope Cruz?

Now I'll open the convo up to my amazingly knowledgeable readers: What hair care products would you recommend to boost BK's curls and tame the wave?

Reader Request: ToyWatch Look for Less



Toy Watch USA at ShopStyle


If there's such a thing as an "it" watch, then TOYWATCH watches are definitely It. These fun timepieces come in a wide range of colors and styles, and have been spotted on the wrists of everyone from Madonna to Oprah Winfrey (TOYWATCH even made her Favorite Things list in 2007). Fans of these Italian-made chronograph wristwatches can find them at Toywatchusa.com ranging in price from $175 to as much as $495.

Not ready to spend the big bucks on a neon plastic watch? Keep reading for 10 affordable TOYWATCH look-alikes that you can test drive before you splurge. (Click any image for details)