The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: What to Wear to a Spring Christening

I've been invited to a child's Christening in June. There will be a church ceremony followed by a party. Can you suggest an outfit appropriate for wearing at the church, while at the same time being fashionable enough to look great at the party? —Deb

It just so happens that I attended a cousin's baptism a couple weeks ago and faced the same dilemma. I opted for a floral print dress with a hi-low hem from the LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's collection, white LOFT blazer and wedge sandals. It was a feminine, spring-ready look that was modest enough for the church ceremony while still looking fun and festive for the party.

Here's an outfit similar to mine that might work for you (click on any item for details):



Ask BB: Playsuits on a Budget




Any advice on [where to find] a budget-friendly bodysuit? —Mia

Thanks to boundary-pushing artists like Lady Gaga and Beyonce, the pants-less look has become more widespread and popular. Wearing a bodysuit sans other clothes is usually reserved for the stage, fashion editorials or even the beach (though not necessarily for swimming).

But if you're looking to show more flesh at a club or party scene, there are plenty of ways for you to get in on this trend without spending a lot: Search for "playsuit" on UK-based sites like ASOS.com, which readily embrace runways trends and translate them for the masses no matter what they might be. My other suggestion would be to check American Apparel as they always have an ample selection of leotards and bodysuits that can be layered for everyday wear.

Here are a couple fashion forward playsuits available at ASOS.com for under $100. Try wearing yours with tights, boots and a blazer for an edgy look that'll still turn heads.




{Shown above: Mia's inspiration from 1) Lana Del Rey 2) Dolce & Gabbana SS12 3) Prada SS12 4) Dolce & Gabbana SS12 5) Naomi Campbell in Dolce & Gabbana 6) Miley Cyrus}

Ask BB: Unique Bridesmaid Dresses On A Budget

I am getting married this October and am on the hunt for six unique bridesmaids dresses. (On a budget of course.) My inspiration is Molly Sims' wedding and bridesmaids. Would you be able to help? —Olivia M.

I'll offer my two cents and then open this conversation up to my readers who I'm sure will have some great advice! Love your inspiration, by the way.

My first suggestion: Use Pinterest. When I was planning my wedding last fall, Pinterest was just kinda starting to go mainstream. My sister and maid-of-honor was already an avid Pinterest user, then I made the other members of my bridal party sign up so we could easily share ideas. This was especially helpful because we live in different parts of the country.

Ask BB: Cartier Love Bracelet Look for Less

Do you know of any knock-offs of Cartier's Love bracelet? —Elyssa


If you follow fashion, you've no doubt admired Leandra Medine aka The Man Repeller's gorgeous bracelet bashes which usually include her Cartier Love bracelet (here, here and here). But while the Man Repeller is able to wear a bracelet that costs thousands of dollars (God bless), she's also an advocate of less expensive bling that's just as eye-catching. It's about how you style something and make it your own, not the brand name or the price tag.

Having said that, you can search for screw bracelet on eBay to get a Cartier-inspired bracelet under $50 (although I can't vouch for quality).

Or, you can pick up this bracelet by Michael Kors that combines the Cartier buckle bracelet and love bracelet into one, chic and unique bangle. It's available in silver or gold for $85 at Nordstrom.com.



Ask BB: Mint and Coral Colored Skinny Jeans Under $50




Where can I get coral pink skinnies? I have been looking EVERYWHERE, and they are either sold out, or too expensive. I am also looking for some colored skinnies that are a pale mint green. Do you have any suggestions where I can find some? I want to spend $50 or less. (preferably less haha) —Sydney

Everyone seems to be wearing mint or coral jeans these days and yet every store seems sold out (I should know, I've tried Forever 21, Target, JCPenney, and Charlotte Russe. No one had my size!). But never fear, here are 5 places online that still stock these highly sought-after hues:

{Shown above from left: Chictopia members Fashion Coolture and The Gummy Sweet rock mint and coral denim.}