The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Look for Less: Charlotte Olympia Kissing Lips Clutch

Charlotte Olympia Lips Clutch Look for Less
Valentine's Day might be over, but that doesn't mean it's escaped creeping into your wardrobe. I've always liked the Charlotte Olympia kiss clutch ($525). I mean, it's adorable! I'm all about sugar and spice, and this clutch is like the most awesome representation of that. I feel like I always say this, but I could definitely see this fabulous purse paired with a cool leather moto jacket. Can't you see it? Black skinny jeans, white tee, black leather jacket, edgy ankle boots, red lip, and this awesome clutch. It's simple. It's minimalistic. But it's also fun and whimsical. If you're feeling this look but aren't feeling the price tag, the Boohoo Alice lips clutch ($24) is an awesome look for less. I even love that it has the wrist strap because I won't lose it. I definitely need to pick this one up.

Splurge:
Charlotte Olympia Big Kiss Clutch $525

Save:
Boohoo Alice Lips Clutch Bag $24

Look for Less: Dragonfly Brooch

Dragonfly Brooch Look for Less
Anyone else feeling brooches right now? They were a huge hit on the fall 2015 runways and are just now making their way to the streets. Olivia Palermo included an assortment of brooches in her curated collection for BaubleBar, too, in case you needed another reason to love this trend. Mind you, these aren't your grandma's brooches. Or rather, they needn't be worn in traditional ways. Mix things up by clipping a brooch onto your heels or pin one in place of a tie on a collared, button-down shirt. The pops of color and sparkles make these modern brooches feel cool and not stuffy.

Consider, for example, Kojis diamond dragonfly brooch. I'm obsessed. I mean the greens, blues, and purples in this pendant are really stunning. I can see this pinned to a moto jacket for an elevated level of swag. To get the same cool girl vibe as this brooch, this Kenneth Jay Lane pin ($35) is the perfect look for less. While it may not have the same colored gems as the Kojis brooch, the look for less still would look so impeccable with a cargo jacket or a trench coat for spring. Feels very Audrey Hepburn-esque, doesn't it?

Splurge:
Kojis diamond dragonfly brooch $1,320

Save:
Kenneth Jay Lane pin, $100 at saksfifthavenue.com (use code FEB16 to save up to $200 off your online order thru 2/24/16). We also love this beetle brooch in gold or iridescent green ($28), part of Banana Republic's new Jeweled Bug collection.

The Look for Less: Chloe 'Faye' Bag

Chloe Faye Bag Look for Less
If all the fashion week coverage is giving you serious bag envy, then you might want to check out H&M's bag selection right now. They've got lots of designer looks for less, so you can indulge your desire for the latest trends without taking out a second mortgage. Chloe's 'Faye' bag is being carried by all the trendsetters these days, and with it's signature circle ring clasp, it's a sleek standout accessory. But for just $25 you can make your girl squad do a double take as they admire your good taste and budget savvy.

SPLURGE: Chloe 'Faye' Bag, $1,790 at nordstrom.com
STEAL: H&M Small Shoulder Bag, $24.99 at hm.com

Look for Less: Daniel Wellington Watch


The Daniel Wellington 'Classic Sheffield' watch, with it's big open face and minimalistic design, goes with any outfit. You can wear it with a casual outfit or even a fancier look as well. The black and white style is so simple, yet so classic. A good watch is the perfect finishing touch to any outfit, even if you don't use a watch for time-keeping. With someone as clumsy as me, however, a nearly $200 watch would be a bad idea. I would not only potentially crack the watch, I would probably lose it as well. That's why finding a look like a Daniel Wellington watch for less is so important. Another really cool thing about the Daniel Wellington watches is they come in so many different varieties, like the 'Classic Southampton' and the 'Classic Glasgow' featured here. These are all so awesome, it's hard to pick just one.