The Budget Babe

I get such a kick out of finding these designer looks-for-less (hardly think the designers share my enthusiasm but I can't help it!). A few days ago, we featured some inexpensive ways to channel Balmain's Fall 2008 collection. Now, we are proud to present what is quite possibly the best way to imitate the oh-so-fashionable look of the designer's black suede fringed boots with these Budget Babe-style boots from Bakers. The pair on the left will burn a hole in your pocket with its $1,025 pricetag. The shoes on the right, however, are simply smoking hot.

Left: Balmain Fringed Leather Boots at net-a-porter.com, $1,025
Right: "Flare BK" Boots at bakersshoes.com, Was $129.95 Now $99.99

If you're looking for creative ways to stretch your style budget this season, you are not alone! In a recent poll that we ran here at The Budget Babe, 29% of readers said they've cut down on fashion expenditures due to the slumping economy, while 52% reported that they were sticking closely to their already-frugal ways.

To help me stick to my limited budget, I made a list of all the things I really need (yes, need! Gotta feed my inner fashionista) for fall/winter. Making a list before you shop is a great way to get the wardrobe you really want, without racking up the debt you don't want. Think of it as building a tightly-edited European-style wardrobe where each piece is a hit.

These are the items I think are worth investing in this season:

Yes, you read that headline correctly. Designer Charlotte Ronson, the twin sister of DJ Samantha Ronson (LiLo's girlfriend), will be collaborating with JCPenney on a budget-friendly collection called I Heart Ronson. The new line will be available starting this February, and will stay true to Ronson's "rock babe aesthetic."

Just when I was beginning to tire of designer diffusion lines, JC Penney went and hit the ball out of the park with this one. It's too cold (temperature-wise) to get genuinely excited about these looks for Spring, but trust me, when February rolls around, I'll be first in line to see the goods at JCPenney--a store I haven't shopped at in eons.

Keep reading to preview first-look photos from the collection.

$378 is a big price to pay for a little black dress. Even when it's a luscious LaRok design draped in layer upon layer of glorious fringe. For a swinging good time at a fraction of the price, try Forever 21's flapper fringe tunic. Wear it with skinny jeans for a more casual look, or colored tights and ankle boots for a night out.

Left: LaRok Flirty Fringe Dress at Shopbop.com $378
Right: Flapper Fringe Tunic at Forever21.com, $22.80

The Limited finally launched an online store sometime in mid-September, but apparently I didn't get the memo. Oh well, we've waited this long for the shopping mall staple to go cyber, so what's a few more weeks?

Click on over to their site and you'll find the Limited's usual strengths: Affordable office attire, including modern-classic suits, skirts and tops. Keep browsing for trendier accessories, outerwear, and dresses that are great for updating your wardrobe this season, but won't be "out" the next.

Colorful sugar skulls liven up these Nick & Nora for Target Pajamas, which are perfect for lounging, snoozing or celebrating The Day of the Dead (that's today!). But seriously, don't wear these out of the house (have you noticed how many people these days wear actual pajama pants in public?)--DO wear them when you want something warm, snuggly and just plain fun.

Left: Nick & Nora Sugar Skulls Sleep Tee at Target.com, $17.99
Right: Nick & Nora® Sugar Skulls Jersey Pajama Coat Set at Target.com, $24.99
Not shown: Nick & Nora Sugar Skulls Robe, $24.99; Nick & Nora Sugar Skulls Slippers, $12.99.

My apologies for posting two photos of The Hills star Lauren Conrad in one week, but check it out: She's rocking a leather jacket, studded belt, and fabulous wide-leg trousers--FLAWLESSLY! Don't you think? I'd also like to draw attention to Lauren's super cute necklace (I love how it catches the light), which is most likely this Have a Heart Necklace ($22) that the star designed for Meet Mark, the youth line for Avon. Proceeds will be donated to help end partner violence. Thanks to reader Kristy for the tip!

Keep reading to see how you can get Lauren's look for less.