The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: Pour La Victoire 'Edie' Look for Less




I have been drooling over the Pour la Victoire "Edie" Dusty Peach patent wedges (above right), but not only are they out of reach budget-wise, they are apparently completely and utterly unavailable!! I like the J.Crew "Martina" patent wedge also (above left), in apricot mist...but they, too, are $228! I love the light pink/peach nude color of both these shoes, the patent finish and the 3-4 inch wedge heel. I feel like they could be the most versatile shoe around if I could get my hands on an affordable doppelgangor! If you would be up for helping I would beyond appreciate it! —Zina

Both of the shoes you lust after are actually budget-friendly styles inspired by the Jimmy Choo "Allen" wedge pump ($595) or the Christian Louboutin "Ron Ron" ($695) - but I know that's little consolation! Fortunately a few other brands have more affordable look-a-likes that might work for you.

My favorite look for less is the Franco Sarto "Impell" pump ($99.95) - it's a cool taupe leather wedge with a sleek almond toe and demure 3 1/4" heel.





If you don't mind a suede finish (which I agree with you is probably less versatile than the patent), then Ivanka Trump's "Linear" wedge pumps ($113) might fit the bill. Also available in purple or black.





Finally, if you're willing to forego the peach color for something in black, red, purple or faux snake, then you'll love the Cosmopolitan for JCP "Emily" wedge pump - it's only $37 and comes in lots of fall-perfect colors.





UPDATE: Thanks to tips from readers Kris and Mary Beth, we have another amazing option - the best one yet! It's the Sole Society "Kelly" and it's just $49.95. If you're not already a member, you'll have to join first (it's free), then search for "Kelly". First time customers can use code OCT20 to get $20 off their purchase, but hurry, this coupon expires at midnight tonight!





H&M Fashion Family Fall 2012 Collection


This fall and holiday season, H&M is releasing a special collection for men, women and kids that will make you and yours the best-dressed family on the block. With both casual and dressy options, the H&M family line is probably the most stylish and most affordable way to look good for all your outings and parties, not to mention the annual family portrait. Check out some of the pieces in the cute video above, and shop the clothes at select H&M stores nationwide.

Off the Rack: Nate Berkus for Target




In between picking up supplies for Sandy, I made a quick trip to Target this past Saturday to check out the newly launched Nate Berkus Home Collection. The store I visited didn't have a huge selection, but what they did have was definitely very nice: Bath towels and bath accessories that looked luxe, a few classic rugs and some modern bedspreads and pillows. The collection overall leans more masculine, and everything had a subtle global flare (Nate loves to travel), from prints like ikat to the rich textures of jute rugs. Since I wasn't in the market for bed or bath accessories, I didn't pick up anything on this trip, but I've spied a few pieces online - like the lacquer tray and the chevron urn - that I hope to find in another store soon.

Have you checked out the Nate Berkus for Target home line yet? What did you think?

Retail Bootcamp: Think Like A Merchandiser


It's time for another edition of Style Coalition TV, a new YouTube channel featuring original fashion and beauty programming by independent bloggers - such as myself! In this episode of Retail Bootcamp, I share tips to help you think like a merchandiser (that is, the people who decide what a store sells and how to sell it) so you make smarter shopping decisions as a consumer. Find Retail Bootcamp and more from SCTV at stylecoalition.tv.

Past episodes: