The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Five Fab Frocks Under $50

Try saying that five times fast.

It's Mango mania here at The Budget Babe—check out these five fine dresses we found for under $50 at mangoshop.com...



Dress 1: RCC Beach, Orig. $55 Sale $15.99


Dress 2: VCD Dianne, Orig. $89 Sale $43.99


Dress 3: FSD Ferry, Orig. $75 Sale $36.99


Dress 4: BCC Lorenza, Orig. 75.00 Sale $36.99


Dress 5: VSD Shiny, Orig. $99 Sale $48.99


Things We Love: Peggy Li Handmade Jewelry

Sometimes we're in the mood to wear something that speaks to the world and grabs their attention, and sometimes we want to wear something that speaks to ourselves—something precious, intimate, delicate, and sweet—something worn close to the heart, and something that requires a viewer to lean in close and examine our prize carefully, deliberately.

Such is the work of jewelry maker Peggy Li, whose handmade creations appeal to our tender side. They're diminutive treasures that you can't help but feel will bring good fortune, good karma, and of course, effortless style to the lucky girl who wears them.

Some of our faves follow...




[1] Tiny Owl/Apple Charm Necklace, $29
[2] Lotus/Om Necklace, $45
[3] Two Hearts Necklace, $39
[4] Metal Drop Teds Earrings, $29


Sign up for Peggy Li's email newsletter and receive a coupon for 10% off your first order.

Peggy Li is a San Francisco based designer whose work has been seen on TV's Grey's Anatomy, Medium, and What About Brian? as well as in the pages of teenVogue, Lucky and O, The Oprah Magazine. Check out her entire collection of handmade jewelry at www.peggyli.com.

Fall Fashion: How to Wear A Shirtdress





Gap's shirtdress

Chances are you already own one of fall's hottest trends—the shirtdress. If not, do not raid your man's closet (no matter what some magazines tell us): Find a quality, well-fitted garment that you really love and be willing to spend a tad more than usual as you'll probably wear this wardrobe staple often enough to bring the cost-per-wear down.

How to update the look this time around? Begin with a smooth camisole (a must for anything with buttons down the front), and black or dark-colored tights. Pair your shirtdress with ankle boots or booties for a polished, of-the-moment look. Punctuate with a printed belt or patterned pumps (tweed, plaid, patent and animal prints are all big for fall). Pick one, no more.

Gap is showing their shirtdress with a cropped fitted vest—a good option for certain figures, not all.

And don't forget, you can always bypass the trends and accessorize with a timeless silk scarf around the neck.

Our personal favorite is to roll up the sleeves on the shirtdress and layer atop a long sleeve henley, worn with pointelle tights and near-flat, knee-high boots. It's not for everyone, but the point is to have fun and make the look your own!

Gap's shirtdress is poshest in black, priced at $69.50 here. >>
Check out our other post on shirtdresses here. >>

The Look for Less: Christian Louboutin Wannabes

There seems to be no shortage of Christian Louboutin knockoffs for fall—or are these copycats merely inspired by the most coveted shoe creations today? You be the judge...


LUXE VS. LESS

Luxe: Christian Louboutin "Iowa" Mary Jane Pumps, $590 at Saks
Less: Steve Madden "Tinah" Patent Pump, $79.95 at Nordstrom


Luxe: Christian Louboutin "Caracolo" Patent Zip Pump, $910.00 at Bergdorf Goodman
Less: Steve by Steve Madden "Larrk" Pump, $129.95 at SteveMadden.com


Luxe: Christian Louboutin Metallic Platform Pump, $785.00 at Bergdorf Goodman
Less: Oh Deer! "Ella" Metallic Platform Pump with Red Sole, $78.95 at Zappos.com

Find more designer looks for less here. >>