The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: Chan Luu Bracelet Look-a-likes at Target


Chan Luu knockoff looks for less at Target

I went to Target today in hopes of finding some Temple St. Clair jewelry—which they didn't have—but I did find some cool Chan Luu inspired bead bracelets (actually there are many designers making these stackable, leather wrap bead bracelets but Chan Luu is probably the most well-known of the bunch at the moment, having recently collaborated with Banana Republic on a limited-edition line). I found an assortment of colors and styles, each for $7.99. My favorite was a dark purple silk-look chord with gold-tone beads. Best part is that the closure features an easy-to-adjust slip knot so you can customize the fit to suit your wrist. Brilliant! Browse Chan Luu bracelets below for reference.

Runway to Real Way: Michael Kors Fall 2010

Here's a reader request: Recreate this sumptuous look from the Michael Kors Fall 2010 runway—for less. Key pieces? A deep v-neck sweater in gray, button-front camel pencil skirt, snakeskin belt, slouchy suede boots and fur clutch. So sexy yet sophisticated!

Click through to see the budget breakdown.





1. CROSSOVER V-NECK SWEATER, $44.90, express.com


Express at ShopStyle




2. CITY CLASSIC CAMEL PENCIL SKIRT, $59.50, loftonline.com


LOFT at ShopStyle




3. SNAKESKIN BELT, $50, shopbop.com


Elegantly Waisted at ShopStyle




4. BROWN SUEDE 'ASHLEY' TALL BOOT, $44.90, alloy.com


Alloy at ShopStyle




5. 'PEEKABOO' FUR BAG, $59, ninewest.com


Nine West at ShopStyle






Off the Rack: LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Early Fall Offerings




I stopped by Kohl's the other day to check out the early fall offerings from the LC Lauren Conrad collection after loving the Fall lookbook photos. I saw a bunch of summer items on clearance, lots of flower embellished tees, and a few solid fall pieces including a pleather motorcycle jacket, gray jersey blazer and black slim-fit pants. My sister bought a gray t-shirt with a parrot tulip design. I didn't buy anything on this trip but I'll be back for the bomber, it's cute but not the most practical piece as I doubt it provides any real warmth. For your reference, keep scrolling to see how the size 4 blazer fit me (reg. $60, it was on sale for $41.99) as well as the size S bomber (reg. $72, sale $49.99). Have you purchased any fall clothes yet?

BB's Weekly Fashion Link Round-Up




Stylelist has a sneak peek at Payless ShoeSource's new fall beauty lines.

MyStyle takes a trip down memory lane with their Emmy fashion flashback slideshow.

Bloomingdales gives us a preview of the upcoming designer collab Vena Cava for Aqua.

Fashion.Style.Beauty. has the 411 on Levi's Curve ID, a new fit process and denim line for women.

College Candy is getting geared up for fall with affordable dorm wear.

Kitten Lounge shares her Fashion Week beauty essentials that are great for any girl on the go.

Minkette reports Rebecca Minkoff is launching shoes for Spring 2011.

Newport News enlists Marie Claire fashion editor Nina Garcia to pick key leather looks for fall.

Nicole Richie shows off her new blonde bob.

StyleIT is loving KnockOut's Flatte Polish in Plaster on her nails.

The Gracious Gaze finds the perfect handbag under $40 (and it's got built-in cup-holders!)

What's hot to shop:
  • Temple St. Clair jewelry at Target