The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: Rag & Bone's Harrow Boots for Less

Do you know where I can find these in about the $100 range? —Hayley



Rag & Bone's "Harrow" suede biker boots are $495 at Net-A-Porter. Pretty much perfect, except for the price.

To get the look for less, check out the Dolce Vita "Java" ankle boot, now $129 at urbanoutfitters.com in black, tan or brown.



Can't wait for a sale? Try these Sonoma Life + Style ankle boots to get the look for less instead, just $38.99 at kohls.com (down from $74.99). Choose from gray, black or tan. Wear them with just about everything.



Ask BB: How to Wear a Collar Necklace

Recently I was given a very beautiful detachable jeweled collar. Are they still in and what are the multiple ways I can wear it? —Maria

Are they ever! Embellished collars are the ultimate accessory this winter and holiday season, whether "built-in" or detachable like yours. There are also dozens of DIY tutorials out there in case you want to make your own (like this one from FabSugar). I recently purchased this jeweled collar at Jewelmint and have been looking for ways to wear it, so I actually created a Pinterest board dedicated to embellished collars. I think the key is to experiment!

Let's look at some ways to wear your jeweled collar. Kate Mara styled her Dannijo collar necklace by pairing it with a long-sleeve dress with a simple scoop neckline. The necklace sits comfortably on the fabric, and adds an element of surprise to her look.




Ask BB: Kate Spade 'Kimmy' Wedge Look for Less

I'm looking for the Kate Spade "Kimmy" (camel and black spectator wedges) on a budget. Any ideas? —Laura




Ladies love their Kate Spade wedges because they offer that elusive combination of style and comfort. The best price I could find on the "Kimmy," should you be willing to splurge, is $199 at neimanmarcus.com (click the image above).

Ready to get the look for less? The best dupe I've found is the "Claudia" two-tone wedge, $49.95 at solesociety.com:

Ask BB: Where Can I Find Affordable Wrap Dresses?

I just discovered you (kid number four is 5 months old, forgive me for being distracted) and I adore your blog. Can you help me with something tricky? Let's leave politics out of this and just focus on fashion. I saw a picture of Ann Romney in the paper and loved her print dress (shown at right). ... I'm a nursing mom and could totally wear a nursing tank under it. I even emailed the Romney campaign to see if they would tell me who made it. (No luck.) Multiple Google searches turned up only a few options, so I'm hoping you have better ideas on how to search for print wrap dresses. I gladly welcome your suggestions! —Clare

Ann Romney's purple swirl-print wrap dress is by the queen of wrap dresses herself, Diane von Furstenberg, who also happens to be an outspoken Democrat. I'm guessing that, politics aside, Mrs. Romney just really likes a good wrap dress. Who doesn't? This timeless dress style is ultra flattering and easy to wear, dressed up or down.

Here are some affordable wrap dress options mostly under $50 for you to consider:

1. Robbie Bee Wrap Dress, $35 at jcp.com (also available in plus sizes)