The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Spot the Real: Denim Off-the-Shoulder Dress

Can you guess which dress costs more?
We all know that the off-the-shoulder top or dress is spring's must-have silhouette, and Rebecca Minkoff's take on the trend is pretty much perfect. It's feminine but not overly sweet, and unique without being over-the-top. The chambray denim fabric makes it wearable and easy to style in so many ways. See if you can spot the real ($198) from the steal ($59.90) by clicking a link below!


LEFT // RIGHT


See if you can spot the real True Religion off-shoulder chambray top, plus see how Jamie Chung is styling her bell-sleeve top and denim skirt for spring.

The Look for Less: Aquazzura Lace Up Espadrilles

Aquazzura lace up espadrille flats look for less
Lace-up shoes again...are you sensing a trend? I'm head-over-heels for my lace-up pointy toe flats (I own this pair in black), and now that I know how cute and wearable this style really is, I'm on the hunt for a pair of lace-up espadrilles. This summer's "It" shoe has a laid-back vibe with just enough detailing to keep them fun and interesting. Pair them with an off-shoulder top and kick-flare jeans for an of-the-moment look (like this). Aquazzura's 'Belgravia' lace-up espadrilles are $495 while ShoeDazzle's near identical pair is only $40 (and it's only $30 if you're a ShoeDazzle VIP!) Who else is in love with this look?

Splurge: Aquazzura 'Belgravia' lace-up espadrilles, $495 at net-a-porter.com (more colors at Saks, Barneys, and Shopbop)

Save: 'Palmira' lace-up espadrilles (also in black), $40 at shoedazzle.com ($30 for subscription members)

I've rounded up a couple more lace-up espadrilles after the jump, including two pairs of near-identical Aquazzura lookalikes under $50...plus this amazing pair at LOFT for $59.50...so good!

Look for Less: Mar y Sol Tote Bag Edition


Today I've rounded up not one but three lookalikes for summer's most popular bags by Mar y Sol. These straw bags with pom pom details embody the sand, surf and sun lifestyle, and conjure up images of exotic locals like Caracas and Ibiza (which believe it or not I've actually been to back in my college days). You may recognize some of these 'look for less' bags from recent trips to Target or Kohl's, and ladies, they are SO good in real life! Whether you're planning your next getaway or just want a fresh new tote for the farmer's market, you'll love these finds. The only problem will be choosing just one...I'm thinking I should return a few of my Marimekko for Target purchases so I can make room for one of these in my closet!

Mar y Sol Caracas Tote Look for Less
The Look: Mar y Sol 'Caracas' Tote at nordstrom.com
The Look for Less: Sonoma Goods for Life Tote at kohls.com


Mar y Sol Ibiza Tote Look for Less
The Look: Mar y Sol 'Ibiza' Tote at nordstrom.com
The Look for Less: Merona Straw Tote Handbag (also in black) at target.com


Mar y Sol 'Portland' Tote Lookalike
The Look: Mar y Sol 'Portland' Tote at nordstrom.com
The Look for Less: Merona Straw Tote Handbag (comes in five colors, like navy, pink/natural striped and natural/light blue colorblock) at target.com


Shop more of my favorite straw bags under $50 below...

Look for Less: Sole Society 'Lacie' Weekender

Sole Society Vegan Leather Weekender Look for Less
Travel season is upon us and if you're looking for the perfect bag for your next getaway, the Sole Society 'Lacie' weekender is everything. I can't tell you how many times I've had this bag in my shopping cart. I've seen so many fashion bloggers rocking it and it always looks on point. It's classic yet modern. I can't see it going out of style any time soon. And it gets fantastic reviews. For a bag you'll use a lot, $84.95 isn't a bad price at all. But I stumbled upon the DV weekender at Target.com that gives you the same look for half the price. Both share similar roomy dimensions, and both are available in either tan or black. Seeing them side by side, however, reveals some reasons why one bag costs more...the color is a bit richer, and it's longer rather than taller, so it has that classic duffel bag shape that's so appealing. It also has metal feet on the bottom to keep it clean. Either way you will be traveling in undeniable style. Which would you choose?

Splurge: Sole Society 'Lacie' weekender, $84.95 at solesociety.com (also comes in a smaller size called the 'Cassidy')

Save: dv weekender, $39.99 at target.com


Look for Less: Leather Backpack

Opening Ceremony backpack look for less
Confession: the only backpack I own is an ugly black one that I used to carry my books in for school. One of the zippers is broken and there's sticky residue from a super glue spillage at the bottom, but I still use it. I've always wanted to "up" my backpack game, however. They're just so convenient; you throw it on your back, keep your hands free, and don't have to worry about it falling off your shoulder. What's not to love?!

This 'Izzy' backpack from Opening Ceremony is really something special. I am in love with the tassels and the nude color of the leather; they just go with everything. It might be perfect for Coachella! But, the $595 price tag is a bit steep. Check out the Forever 21 with an equally great nude color and equally great tassels. For $30, you're getting a deal. You'll wear this with practically everything you own for Spring. There's also a black option on Forever 21's website that is equally as perfect as it's nude sister.

Splurge:
Opening Ceremony 'Izzy' Leather Backpack $595

Save:
Forever 21 Tasseled Faux Leather Backpack $30