The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Splurge vs. Steal: Kendra Scott 'Elle' Earrings


Splurge versus Steal Fashion: Kendra Scott 'Elle' earrings look for less

A bold earring can easily make an entire look come together, especially when it's Kendra Scott's unmistakeable "Elle" earrings. While I think her original designs are totally worth it (I've gotten amazing deals on her jewelry on sites like Gilt), Groopdealz has a look for less that's hard to pass up. For just $5.99, you can pick up a pair in magenta (shown above) plus another pair in black, red, teal and white! They've also got another pair that's a perfect dupe for Kendra Scott's "Skylar" earrings, too. Either way, you can't go wrong!

Splurge: Kendra Scott 'Elle' Earrings at Neiman Marcus, $52
Steal: Gem Drop Earrings, $5.99

Suddenly Everywhere: Black and Brown Bags (on a Budget)


Two Tone Bags on a Budget for Fall 2014

Now that it is officially fall, I am wearing boots almost every day. Most of my boots fall into two categories: black or brown. With black boots, I will typically wear gray, black, or maroon. With brown, I go for lighter colors like beige, white, or cream. One thing I always struggled with was a handbag. I never wanted to commit to one fall bag because it wouldn't match all my boots and outfits. However, I've noticed a trend on the shelves and I am in love: black and brown bags. It is so nice to be able to wear any color boots and know my bag is going to look great (I bought #4 from Target a few weeks ago, and I haven't use another bag since!).

1: Mossimo at Target Bag, $49.99

2: Calvin Klein Modena Satchel, $114.00

3: Sole Society at Nordstrom Faux Leather Tote, $54.95

4: Merona at Target Top Handle Bag, $39.99

5: Chaps at Kohl's 'Angelina' Bag, $47.40

Get more fall fashion inspiration on my blog, Life with Lyss!

The Look for Less: BDG Flat Lace Up Ankle Boots

Here's a look for less requested by an anonymous reader: BDG leather lace-up ankle boots ($89, UrbanOutfitters.com). These boots are probably just as comfortable as sneakers but make a much more stylish statement paired with your favorite jeans or tights and skirts for fall.


Black ankle boots


Here are some more affordable options I found, including one pair made of genuine leather that was originally $129.95 but is now marked down to $89.90 at Nordstrom.com, making these a great value:


Black ankle boots under $50


1. Forever 21 Faux suede lace-up booties (also in cognac or red), $32.80
2. Boohoo.com 'Holly' Faux Suede Lace Up Flat Ankle Boot, $44 (Also in regular faux leather or brown), Use code SAVE20 for 20% off, end midnight PDT 10/26
3. H&M Boots (also in beige), $29.95
4. Sam Edelman leather 'Mare' Boots, $89.90

Fab Rugs Under $100


Stylish rugs for the budget decorista

In this weekly column, I'm sharing home decor tips and tricks for the budget decorista. This week we're chatting rugs. Visit my blog A Vintage Splendor for more style inspiration.

Not only does a rug help define a room in your house, it helps bring warmth into the space which is nice during the holiday season. If you have a small space, a rug can help serve as the statement piece of the room as well as a transitional piece between different aesthetics (modern and rustic or traditional and glam). In a large room, the placement of the rug will create and define multiple spaces while bringing unity to the overall space. This is a great solution for large rooms that can be divided into living and dining spaces. When it comes to buying and decorating with a rug, I follow three simple rules:

5 Sites Like J.Crew But Cheaper (For Clothes!)

5 sites like J.Crew for clothes (but cheaper!)

Every time I get a new issue of the J.Crew catalog in the mail, I immediately start ripping out pages, tacking them to my (extremely disorganized and messy) inspiration board in my office and then hit the web in search of budget-friendly items that will help me recreate those coveted looks on a real girl's budget. I'm all for shopping at J.Crew for sale items and special pieces but building an entire wardrobe from this pricey retailer isn't for everyone. So here are the top 5 spots I like to shop for J.Crew-esque clothes on the cheap!