The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: Isabel Marant 'Basley' Boot Look for Less


Celebs love the Isabel Marant Basley boot

I saw this pair of Isabel Marant boots - The Basley perforated suede wedge ankle boot - on Goop.com and fell in love. But $600 shoes so do not fit my budget. Can you work your magic and help? —Diane



It's moments like these when I kinda wish I could drop $600 on a pair of shoes because The Basley is seriously awesome - it looks uber comfy and cool, and I know I'd get a lot of wear out of it. But I'm right with you, Diane, a $600 shoe purchase would be irresponsible for me, so let's look at some budget alternatives, shall we?

These boots at Target have a similar vibe - low heels, slouchy taupe suede, perforated detailing. They don't have the same "Ugg" gene as the Basley (which you could argue is a good thing) but it's the closest thing I've seen so far. At $34.99, the "Paka" is a sound buy:



There's also the Mossimo "Katelyn" available in tan, brown or black for $34.99 - the low heel and perforated detailing makes these a great wear-with-everything summer boot:



Have a suggestion for Diane? Let her know in the comments!

Shown above: Celebs love the Isabel Marant Basley boot, including (from left) Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Garner and Cameron Diaz.

Ask BB: Kim Kardashian's Fit and Flare Leather Skirt Look for Less

I would love to find this skirt for a reasonable price. I love the hem…it takes the harshness away from a leather mini. Any ideas where I might find it? —Karen

I think you perfectly described the hard-meets-soft appeal of Kim's Givenchy fish-tail ruffle leather skirt, which retailed for $1,383 at mytheresa.com. Here are some look for less alternatives:

Ask BB: Taylor Swift's Sheer Panel Dress Look for Less


Taylor Swift's sheer panel insert dress by Elizabeth & James

I was wondering if you could use your skills to track down a similar dress/shoe combo (shown above). I am in LOVE with this outfit but it's a bit out of my price range! —Abby

At Tim McGraw‘s Superstar Summer Night, Taylor Swift wore a sheer panel dress by Elizabeth & James ($375)...



...and Jean-Michel Cazabat heels ($320):



Here are some under-$100 look-for-less options that might work for us babes on a budget:

1. Boohoo.com Lilly Mesh Exposed Top And Side Bodycon Dress, $40
This UK online fashion store has lots of affordable options - search by keywords like "mesh," "bodycon," "sheer panel" or "cut-out."
Boohoo.com sheer panel dress


2. Blaque Market "Reach For The Stars" Dress, $25.95 (down from $58)
Karmaloop's new women-only site Miss KL carries lots of little hot numbers similar to Taylor's like this dress with demure long sleeves plus racy cut-outs and mesh panels.


3. ASOS Midi Dress With Sheer Detail, $49.88
It's hard to beat ASOS' selection when it comes to cute, cheap and on-trend dresses. They have lots of sheer mesh panel bodycon dress options but this one is my favorite because it's seductive yet covered up at the same time - the perfect soft/hard mix!


4. BEBE Lace Inset 3/4 Sleeve Bodycon Dress, $69
This sultry dress by Bebe plays up the sheer paneling with feminine lace.


5. GUESS Ponte Mesh-Insert Dress, $89
If you can spend a little more, this dress by Guess offers better construction and might help hide minor figure flaws a bit better, too. It's unique yet versatile enough to wear mays ways depending on how you accessorize.


As for the heels, try Sole Society's "Stephanie" for $49.95 which has a similar cage cut-out feel and sexy high heel:

Sole Society Stephanie


Have a suggestion for Abby? Let her know in the comments!

Ask BB: Troubadour 'Cap Cana' Dress for Less

Pink Cap Sleeve Dress

Where can I find a cheaper version of this darling dress I just found on Troubadour Clothing? (shown above, Cap Cana Dress, $345 at troubadourclothing.com) —@MB_Hamilton on Twitter

From the blush pink hue to the cap sleeves to the circle cut-out detailing in back, I can see why you've fallen for this gorgeous spring dress. Here are some more affordable lookalikes that might work in its place:

Option 1: At $220, Ted Baker's cap sleeve skater dress is the closest facsimile and will save you $145:



Option 2: Topshop's cap sleeve skater dress is more coral in color but still flirty and fun ($100):



Option 3: ASOS' cap sleeve skater dress has a similar hue though it lacks the full skirt, but at $25.77, it's a steal:



Have a suggestion for @MB_Hamilton? Let her know in the comments!